Bovine energy balance climatology and livestock potential in Nigeria

Abstract

An insight into how an animal gains and loses heat over its interface is made, using a theoretical approach and employing four major climatic parameters—solarradiation, temperature, humidity, and wind. Two different types of cattle (the Jersey and the Shorthorn) are employed although conclusions in previous studies on other animals have also been employed where possible. The possibilities which exist for the application of energy balance climatology to livestock production potential have also been discussed. Maps of the storage term for March and July and the potential of the land to support both types of animals employed have also been included. The results show that the pattern of distribution of the storage term is generally zonal, although there are irregularities depending upon which of the climatic parameters employed has the greater influence. The distribution of the potentials also shows that the area around the Jos Plateau is best suited for any large scale livestock production, although with the application of the wind factor, the area around Ibadan proves an alternative.