EFFECT OF PERIOD ON LIVE-WEIGHT AND PRICE OF BULLS IN SELECTED LIVESTOCK MARKETS OF KANO AND JIGAWA STATES, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the influence of Live-weight (LW) and period on price of bulls in selected livestock markets (Gujunguand Maigutariin Jigawa State; Dambatta and Wudilin Kano Slate). 50 structured questionnaires were administered weekly through visits to the markets, which lasted from May, 2008 to May, 2009.A total of 10,473 bulls (50 per week per market) were randomly sampled. Period, LW and price of the sampled animals were determined in each maeket. Data collected were fitted in a nested set of completely randomised design. Results showed thatBulls sold during the fifth week (29"-3I'day of the month) ‘weight significantly higher than those sold during other weeks of the month, however, the price of N208.58/KgLW obtained for bulls sold during the first week was higher than that soldduring other weeks of the month.LW ofbulls during late rainy season (337.21 + 2.02 Kg) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than during other seasons. It was concluded that cattle price were low at the markets especially during second week of the month and early dry season. It is recommended that cattle marketing intervention programmesshould be re-strengthened to boost farmers income be part of strategies for improved livestock production in the study area.