A REVIEW OF IMPROVEMENT AND CONSERVATION STUDIES ON SOME CATTLE BREEDS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The review focused on the improvement and conservation studies on some cattle breeds of Nigeria. Consequently, literature materials were assembled from Journals, conference proceedings, books, bulletins, government documents and from the internet. The review highlighted the Conservation and improvement efforts on some of the cattle breeds.The review noted that indigenous cattle breeds were characterized by low productivity, and low heritability estimates, the review reported some genetic improvement and conservation works on the White Fulani, Muturu and N’dama and reported genetic progress on the improvement efforts for the white Fulani breed as well as conservation efforts for the N’dama and Muturu breeds. The review also noted the significant reduction in the population of the Ndama and Muturu breeds, due mainly to competition for land use, crop farming, urbanisation and cattle theft/rustling; thus, they are at risk of extinction. It was concluded that the Nigerian cattle breeds are, producing sub optimally; thus, require urgent interventions. The Nigerian cattle subsector requires a major fundamental reorganization to be able to tap its full potentials. Genetic improvement and conservation efforts on our indigenous cattle breeds should be stepped up. Land tenure and use systems that are favourable to cattle owners should be worked out as well as instituting adequate security measures to curb cattle theft/establishing a national cattle breeding programme.