SMALL RUMINANTS OWNERSHIP PATTERN AND LEVEL OF VETERINARY CONSULTATION UNDER TRADITIONAL SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT IN ONDO AND EKITI STATE OF NIGERIA

Ownership pattern and level of veterinary consultation among small ruminant farmers under the traditional system of management was assessed in Ondo and Ekiti states. Data from One hundred and ninety six (196) purposively sampled households were presented using frequency tables and percentages. Regression analysis was used to determine factors influencing level of veterinary consultation. Results revealed that 100% of the household's owned goats while 54% of the households kept sheep. Mean household size was 7 persons while females (65%) owned more small ruminants. Mean number of sheep kept per household was 4±5.0 while that for goats was 10±6. Only 50.5% of the households made veterinary consultations. Forty seven percent of these do regular veterinary consultations while the rest consulted occasionally. Significant positive correlations were found between household size and number of goats (r = 0.57, p < 0.05) and sheep (r = 0.79, p < 0.05) respectively while significant negative correlations were found between number of goats and number of sheep (r = -0.11, p < 0.05). Agricultural Extension should create greater awareness on the benefits of regular health checkups and veterinary consultations for small ruminant owners