Livestock management practices and mortality profile in animal husbandry in north-eastern Nigeria

Livestock development is one of the key economic indices of Nigeria and livestock management is aimed to enhance animal health and welfare. The present study investigated management practices and mortality profile in livestock husbandry in northeastern Nigeria. The survey instrument was a close-and open-ended Questionnaire designed to retrieve information from livestock farmers relative to farmer/animal demographics, livestock management practices and livestock mortality. The questionnaire was used in face – to – face interviews carried out between March and December 2013. Data collected were entered into a personal computer and analyzed using an SPSS data package software version 16.0 for windows, for descriptive statistic. Results indicated that Total confinement (54.5%), housing more than one species of animals under same housing area (32%), use of water tank for multiple animals (52%), use of ground water as source of drinking water for animals (41%), hand-cleaning of animal manure (32%), and regular vaccination (51%) were the most common livestock management practices observed amongst farmers, while mortality was observed more often in female than male animals (58%). In conclusion, the findings in this study revealed that farmers in north-eastern Nigeria managed male animals very well than female animals, possibly for their economic benefits. The practice of housing more than one type of animal species in the same housing unit observed in this study may influence the use of antimicrobials, as well as promoting cross-transfer of diseases between different species.Keywords: Livestock, husbandry, management, mortality, northeast Nigeri