Fulani Cattle Research Articles

Climate Change, Land Use, and the Decline in Traditional Fulani Cattle Practices: Drivers of Antimicrobial Resistance in Kwara, Nigeria

This paper presents a case study of Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria, whose traditional ethnoveterinary practices risk being lost as the country transitions to more intensive and enclosed livestock practices. We use a planetary health framing to make visible the value of indigenous practices that are less damaging to the environment, animal welfare, and human health. Through ethnographic observation, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key stakeholder interviews, we show that the Fulani use a complex system of herbal medicines and traditional herding practices to maintain herd health, and to manage and treat animal disease when it arises. However, their traditions often sit uncomfortably with commercial farming practices. As traditional Fulani grazing lands are eroded, dispossessed Fulani take employment from businessmen farmers. Both parties’ inexperience with shed hygiene, artificial feed, and less environmentally resilient crossbreeds leads to an increased incidence of infectious disease. This, in turn, drives the higher use of antibiotics. There is, thus, a ‘causal chain’ of underlying drivers that lead, through poorer environmental, animal, and human health, to the increased use of antibiotics. The antibiotic resistance that emerges from this chain threatens human health now and in the future. Through a planetary health framing, we advocate for a deeper understanding of the knowledge held by Fulani herdsmen and their traditional ethnoveterinary practices as an alternative to increasing antibiotic use (ABU).

FEEDING PREFERENCE OF WHITE FULANI CATTLE (BUNAJI) FED SACCIOLEPIS AFRICANA LEAF MEAL

Sacciolepis africana has been identified as water weed, which constitute a manace in rice and maize fields due to its aggressive growth. Utilization of Sacciolepis africana can help to mitigate the challenge and also serve as feed ruminant especially during the period of dry season. Hence, this experiment was conducted to determine the feeding preference and acceptability for Sacciolepis africana leaves by White Fulani Cattle (Bunaji). Sacciolepis africana leaves were harvested and processed into four treatments viz: Diet 1 (Freshly cut Sacciolepis africana), diet 2 (Air-dried Sacciolepis africana), diet 3 (Sun-dried Sacciolepis Africana) and diet 4 (Ensiled Sacciolepis africana). Proximate composition of the diets was carried out, and feeding preference of Bunaji cattle was observed. Results indicated that proximate composition of diets were influenced (P<0.05) by processing methods. Coefficient of Preference (CoP) of diets revealed that fresh Sacciolepis africana was most preferred with a CoP of 1.73, followed by the air-dried Sacciolepis africana with CoP values of 1.17. It is concluded that, processing Sacciolepis africana improved its nutritional composition and that the fresh Sacciolepis africana was most preferred by Bunaji cattle.

Potentials of single nucleotide polymorphisms and genetic diversity studies at HSP90AB1 gene in Nigerian White Fulani, Muturu, and N'Dama cattle breeds.

The study was aimed at genetic characterization of Nigerian breeds of Muturu, N'Dama, and White Fulani cattle breeds at heat shock protein 90AB1 locus. Also, the goal of the study was to detect the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at HSP90AB1 locus and consequently recommend them as bio-markers for thermo-tolerance potentials in Nigerian cattle breeds when exposed to assaults of thermal conditions/heat shock of tropical environment. Based on the previously published potentials of this candidate gene to lower assaults of thermal conditions/heat shock such as heat stress, the detected SNPs of HSP90AB1 within the population of the Nigerian cattle in this study will be recommended for population-based screening with a view to genetically improving those zebu cattle breeds that are more vulnerable to heat shock and assaults of thermal conditions. Total number of 200 blood samples were randomly collected from White Fulani (84 samples), Muturu (73 samples), and N'Dama (43 samples) breeds of cattle. Out of these, 20 DNA samples were randomly selected from each of the three cattle breeds and were used for DNA extraction and downstream analyses to further confirm findings of previous study, hence the goal of our study. DNA was extracted from the blood samples using the Zymo-bead DNA extraction kit and DNA sequencing of our samples was performed. A total number of 9 SNPs (within exons 5-6 coding regions) and 11 SNPs (within exons 12-13 coding regions) were detected at HSP90AB1 locus using the codon code aligner software. ARLEQUIN 2.0001 software was used to estimate the basic population genetic statistics while the DnaSP version 5.10.01 was used to estimate the genetic diversity indices. This study detected new SNPs (polymorphic sites) at HSP90AB1 locus within the DNAs of Nigerian White Fulani (WF), Muturu (MU), and N'Dama (ND) breeds of cattle. Within exons 5-6 coding regions, the N'Dama (ND) cattle breed had the highest for number of SNPs (5) and genetic diversity indices while White Fulani (WF) and Muturu (MU) had the least (2) number of SNPs each. Within exons 12-13 coding regions, WF had the highest numbers of SNPs (7) and genetic diversity indices while MU had the least number of SNPs (1) and genetic diversity indices. Some of the detected SNPs at HSP90AB1 locus were shared among the three breeds, suggesting that these three Nigerian cattle breeds showed shared ancestral alleles and lineage. Our study further revealed that HSP90AB1 is highly polymorphic/variable and diverse among the three Nigerian cattle breeds examined. Based on the previously documented thermo-tolerance potentials of members of HSP90 sub-family including the findings of our study, we hypothesize therefore that the presence of SNPs of HSP90AB1 within the DNAs of these three breeds of Nigerian cattle (WF, ND, and MU) may confer them thermo-tolerance potentials for thermal assault conditions and heat shock of the tropics at HSP90AB1 locus. Therefore, the detected SNPs can be recommended as bio-markers to improve the thermo-tolerance potentials of Nigerian breeds of zebu cattle raised under the challenges of heat shock for better adaptation and survival.

Security Challenges and the Survival of Democracy in Nigeria: An Assessment of Niger East Senatorial District, Niger State

The study assessed security challenges in relation to survival of democracy in Nigeria with focus on Niger East Senatorial District. The methodology adopted for the study is descriptive research. The population of the study was drawn from nine local government areas that constituted the district with a population of 1,513,469 (NPC, 2006). Sample size of 380 was used and the sampling technique was simple random sampling technique. Questionnaire was used as the research instrument which was well structured in two parts. Part (A) is the biodata of the respondent and part (B) was on the subject matter of the research using four likert scale of grading. Method of data collection was basically primary and secondary sources. Theoretical framework of the research is fragile state models. Method of data analysis, the data collected from the field was subjected to tabulation, frequency and percentage. Chi-Square was applied in testing hypotheses. The findings revealed that serious security challenges existed, threatening the survival of democracy in Nigeria. The study has proven that there existed in the Niger East senatorial district Boko Haram, kidnapping, and Fulani Cattle Rustlers among others. It was recommended that government make plans for enough personnel to ensure the safety of the populace and for the need to address our diversity, our mistrust, work together and unite in purpose.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths species in cattle raised at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Helminths are worm-like parasites that live in the gut of animals or humans that feed on the host to obtain nourishment and protection, sometimes causing morbidity and mortality if not treated. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths Species in Cattle at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Faecal sedimentation methods were carried out to detect the presence of parasitic infections. Faecal egg and oocyst counts were carried out using the McMaster technique. A total of 72 (100%) fecal samples consisting of 52 (72.2%) females and 20 (27.80%) males were examined. McMaster has an overall prevalence of 40(55.5%), and 2 (2.8%) Strongyloides and Monienzia sp. while sedimentation techniques show the prevalence of 38(52.8%) and 1(1.4%) Paramphistomium sp. Trichuris and Haemonchus sp. No significant differences (p < 0.05) in the occurrence of parasitic helminths in the samples with respect to locations and techniques used. Fecal samples were examined among the sexes, females had 2(10.0%) and age group >18 years with 2(3.2%) co-infected with helminths. Across the breed, white Fulani had 2(3.2%) mixed infections compared to other breeds. The study revealed that GIT parasitic helminths infections prevalence is common among white Fulani cattle probably due to open grazing and scavenging. There is a need to sensitize nomads on deworming to mitigate the GIT infections and improve animal health status.

Molecular Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodid Ticks Infesting White Fulani Cattle in Zaria and its Environs, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Anaplasmosis, a disease caused by various species of Anaplasma, poses important economic constraints to animal breeders. In Zaria, molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens infecting cattle is very sketchy. Being hematophagous, ticks are capable of transmitting disease agents such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa. This study was carried out to detect for the presence of Anaplasma pathogen in the various tick species infesting white Fulani breeds of cattle owing to their high population in Zaria and environs using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Three hundred and eighty-four (n=384) white Fulani breed of cattle of varying age and sex were sampled from 32 herds in 4 villages (Bomo, Tofu, Ungwan Dabosa and Majeru). The DNA was extracted using Qiagen commercial kit following manufacturer’s instructions. Genomic DNA of the species of ticks was amplified in a semi-nested PCR targeting the 16S rRNA fragment of the Anaplasma spp at expected amplicon size of 711bp. The PCR products were purified using Gel Extraction Kit (Bioland, Scientific LLC) following the manufacturer’s protocol. All sequences were subjected to a Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) to determined their identities and assess their homologues and similarities to those in the GenBank. A neighbor-joining tree was generated using the Molecular Engineering Genetic Analysis (MEGA 7.0) to derive the close relationship between the isolates. The result of this study implies that Anaplasma spp (MN044909) is present in all the five species of ticks infesting cattle in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria and pose a high risk on humans and animals health.
 Anaplasmosis, a disease caused by various species of Anaplasma, poses important economic constraints to animal breeders. In Zaria, molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens infecting cattle is very sketchy. Being hematophagous, ticks are capable of transmitting disease agents such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa. This study was carried out to detect for the presence of Anaplasma pathogen in the various tick species infesting white Fulani breeds of cattle owing to their high population in Zaria and environs using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Three hundred and eighty-four (n=384) white Fulani breed of cattle of varying age and sex were sampled from 32 herds in 4 villages (Bomo, Tofu, Ungwan Dabosa and Majeru). The DNA was extracted using Qiagen commercial kit following manufacturer’s instructions. Genomic DNA of the species of ticks was amplified in a semi-nested PCR targeting the 16S rRNA fragment of the Anaplasma spp at expected amplicon size of 711bp. The PCR products were purified using Gel Extraction Kit (Bioland, Scientific LLC) following the manufacturer’s protocol. All sequences were subjected to a Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) to determined their identities and assess their homologues and similarities to those in the GenBank. A neighbor-joining tree was generated using the Molecular Engineering Genetic Analysis (MEGA 7.0) to derive the close relationship between the isolates. The result of this study implies that Anaplasma spp (MN044909) is present in all the five species of ticks infesting cattle in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria and pose a high risk on humans and animals health.

STUDIES ON THE PREVALENCE OF GASTRO-INTESTINAL NEMATODES IN RUMINANT ANIMALS SLAUGHTERED IN BIU LOCAL GOVERNMENT ABATTOIRS, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

An epidemiological study was conducted from September-November, 2022 on the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes species among naturally infected ruminants slaughtered in Biu Local Area of Borno state, using centrifugal flotation techniques. Out of three hundred and eighty four (384) ruminants (162 goats, 110 sheep and 112 cattle) examined in the three selected abattoirs (Biu, Maringa and Buratai), 239 (62.34%) were infected. Maringa had the prevalence rate of 64.65%, Biu 63.89% and Buratai 63.16%. Although the highest faecal egg counts was recorded in Cattle 66.07%, the difference in prevalence rate between the different location and species of the animal were statistically insignificant p<0.05. The parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides 33.81%, Ancylostomidae spp 30.93%, Trichosrongylus spp 16.54%, Strongyloides stecoralis 11.27%, Haemonchus contortus 5.51%, and Entoribius vermicularis 1.91%. Fulani cattle breed had the prevalence rate of 20 (71.43%), Wad Sheep 45 (66.18%) and West African Dwarf goat 80 (65.57%). The difference in prevalence rate between the different breed of all the animals were not statistically significant p<0.05.The prevalence rate was 47 (72.31%) in male goats, 20 (41.67%) sheep and cattle 31 (67.39%) whereas female counterparts had 50 (51.55%), 48 (77.41%) and 43 (65.15%) in goat, sheep and cattle respectively. Both young and adults were infected with GI nematodes. Gastrointestinal nematodes are endemic in the study area. Therefore, mass administration of anthelmintic drugs, regular vaccination as well as educating the livestock’s farmers toward insuring production of healthy meat and improvement of their welfare is required to control the parasite in the study areas.

Colonial and Post-Colonial Administrations and Fulani Rights in the Bamenda Grass fields of Cameroon, 1916-2020

The British colonial administration in implementing various Fulani cattle herder schemes in the Bamenda Grass fields of Cameroon created a cleavage between the Fulani and the indigenous communities. This cleavage made it impossible for the new people to acquire local citizenship anywhere. This eventually was used by the unscrupulous and exploitative post-colonial administrators to deprive the herdsmen of their financial and judicial rights in the Bamenda Grass fields. Oftentimes, the same was used as a wedge by the administrators against inter-ethnic solidarity between the Fulani and the indigenous communities during anti-government political developments in the region. In either case, the rights of the Fulani people were abused by the administrators. That is, without ethnic citizenship, the Fulani were easily frightened by these administrators and forced to pay in kind or in cash for their land disputes with the locals to be annulled, shelved or abandoned. The same was used to obtain Fulani support during political upheavals in the region. The rights of Fulani can only be rendered less susceptible to abuse by bridging the differences created by the British colonial administrators between the indigenous peoples and the herdsmen in the Bamenda Grass fields.

Adaptation of the White Fulani cattle to the tropical environment

This review summarizes the available information on the adaptation and the performance of White Fulani cattle in tropical environments. White Fulani cattle is an indigenous breed of cattle widely distributed in the humid tropical regions of Africa and plays significant roles in meat and milk production, as well as draught purposes. Poor management and the harsh environmental conditions in the tropics encumber the optimal productive and reproductive performance of the breed, having about 4.75 years age at first calving, 57% calving rate, 18 months calving interval and 3 to 4 calves are born in a reproductive lifetime. The cattle breed adapts to these climatic patterns via physiological, morphological, behavioral, genetic, and metabolic responses. Different physiological mechanisms and morphological features such as their white coat color, hair coat thickness, and lengthy rump appear to play an important adaptive role. The distinct genetic traits (including the possession of seven genetic variants of HSP 90 gene) of the breed afford them some levels of thermotolerance and high resistivity to some endemic diseases (such as trypanosomiasis, liver fluke, brucellosis and foot and mouth disease) in the tropics constitute inherent characteristics that should be explored in detail using molecular assisted approaches. The productive performance of the breed under different systems is discussed. A better understanding of the adaptive characteristics of White Fulani cattle could provide crucial information on the best management approach/techniques that should be adopted to improve the performance, productivity, and sustainability of this cattle breed. Therefore, this review aims to compile the various production, reproduction and adaptation traits of the breed and presents vital information underlying their thriving and survivability in tropical environments.

Plant growth promoting potentials of novel phosphate-solubilizing bacteria isolated from rumen content of White Fulani cattle, indigenous to Nigeria

Plant growth promoting potentials of novel phosphate-solubilizing bacteria isolated from rumen content of White Fulani cattle, indigenous to Nigeria

Relatedness of California Mastitis Test Scores and Bacteriological Plate Counts in the diagnosis of Subclinical Mastitis in white Fulani cattle from selected dairy herds

Background Subclinical mastitis remains a major challenge in the dairy industries as it affects nutritional content of milk and milk products, volume of milk production and also leads to economic loss. This study was carried out to determine the relationship between California Mastitis Test (CMT) scores and bacteria counts in the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis. A total of 339 white Fulani cattle milk samples were aseptically collected from six geographical regions of Plateau State and screened for mastitis and bacteriological analysis using the California Mastitis Test (CMT), Total Bacterial Count (TBC) and Total Coliform Count (TCC) methods respectively. Results The result of the study reveals that 31.0% of the milk samples were positive for mastitis. Based on the CMT scores, 61.9% of the samples were CMT negative, 7.1% were CMT trace while 6.5%, 11.5% and 13.0% were CMT +, CMT ++ and CMT +++ respectively. Most of the CMT negative samples (55.71%) were culture negative while almost all the CMT +++, were positive (90.91%) culture positive. A positive correlation was observed between CMT scores and plate counts (Total Bacteria count and Total Coliform Count). The Total Bacteria count ranged from 5.7x101 – 5.9x106 CFU/mL while the Total Coliform Count ranged from 0.6x101 – 3.0x105.CMT scores correlates well with bacteriological plate count of the mastitis milk samples. Conclusion There is a need for the improvement in quality and safety of dairy product because of public health risk associated with it

Relatedness of California Mastitis Test Scores and Bacteriological Plate Counts in the diagnosis of Subclinical Mastitis in white Fulani cattle from selected dairy herds

Background Subclinical mastitis remains a major challenge in the dairy industries as it affects nutritional content of milk and milk products, volume of milk production and also leads to economic loss. This study was carried out to determine the relationship between California Mastitis Test (CMT) scores and bacteria counts in the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis. A total of 339 white Fulani cattle milk samples were aseptically collected from six geographical regions of Plateau State and screened for mastitis and bacteriological analysis using the California Mastitis Test (CMT), Total Bacterial Count (TBC) and Total Coliform Count (TCC) methods respectively. Results The result of the study reveals that 31.0% of the milk samples were positive for mastitis. Based on the CMT scores, 61.9% of the samples were CMT negative, 7.1% were CMT trace while 6.5%, 11.5% and 13.0% were CMT +, CMT ++ and CMT +++ respectively. Most of the CMT negative samples (55.71%) were culture negative while almost all the CMT +++, were positive (90.91%) culture positive. A positive correlation was observed between CMT scores and plate counts (Total Bacteria count and Total Coliform Count). The Total Bacteria count ranged from 5.7x101 – 5.9x106 CFU/mL while the Total Coliform Count ranged from 0.6x101 – 3.0x105.CMT scores correlates well with bacteriological plate count of the mastitis milk samples. Conclusion There is a need for the improvement in quality and safety of dairy product because of public health risk associated with it.

Prediction of body weight from linear body measurement in two breeds of cattle

The study compared live weight and linear body measurements of two breeds of cattle (White Fulani and Muturu Cattle) and regressed linear body measurements on live weight. A total of eighty-six cattle of forty-three per a breed were reared at the cattle production unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Akwa Ibom State University – Obio Akpa Campus, Nigeria in a semi intensive management system. Parameters measured were; live weight (LW), face length (FCL), head circumference (HC), ear length (EL), neck length(NL), neck circumference(NC), height at wither(HW), body length(BL), body circumference(BC), hind limb(HL), fore limb(FL), and tail length(TL). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis for morphometric traits and prediction was done through linear model regression method using SPSS statistical software package. Breed of cattle significantly (P>0.05) affected all linear body measurements and live weight exception of NL .Linear body Parameters of both breeds were compared. The mean live weight of White Fulani and Muturu were 251.28kg and 149.81kg, respectively. Means of FL, EL, NL, BL, HL, TL and BC, NC and HW of White Fulani were significantly (P<0.01) higher than Muturu breed but the HC of Muturu was significantly (P<0.01) higher than White Fulani breed. Muturu breed had higher R2 of 0.98 in BL and BC than White Fulani breed. In conclusion, White Fulani was considered a larger breed than Muturu cattle. Live weight can be accurately predicted from linear body measurements through BC and BL in both breeds.

EFFECT OF SEASON ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF THREE BREEDS OF CATTLE RAISED IN SUDAN SAVANNA ZONE

This study was conducted to test the effect of season and breed on thermoregulatory parameters of three Nigerian indigenous breeds of cattle raised in Sudan Savanna Zone. A total number of nine (9) cattle aged between 4-5 years were used for this study. Data were taken for sixteen weeks across two seasons; Cold and Hot Season from three indigenous breed of cattle. Rectal temperature was recorded using digital thermometer, pulse rate was determined using stethoscope and respiratory rate was determined by counting of the respiratory movements of flank area. Data of ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded on daily basis and temperature humidity index was calculated. All data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS software. Seasons significantly (P < 0.05) affect all the thermoregulatory parameters of with hot seasons having the highest values. Breed influenced (p<0.05) all the parameters measured. Red Bororo had the highest rectal temperature, while Sokoto has the least rectal temperature. Higher respiratory rate was recorded in SokotoGudali. Respiratory Rate of White Fulani are statistically similar with both Red Bororo and SokotoGudali, but Respiratory Rate of Red Bororo cattle has significantly difference (P<0.05) with SokotoGudali breeds of cattle. Pulse rate differs significantly (P<0.05), SokotoGudali recorded the highest rate and the least rate was observed in White Fulani cattle. It was concluded that Season affect all the thermoregulatory parameters and all the tested parameters were higher during hot season and SokotoGudali react more to thermal stress than Red Bororo and White Fulani

THE EFFECT OF TRYPANOSOMOSIS ON PLASMA PROTEIN LEVELS IN INDIGENOUS CATTLE

A field survey involving 180 adult white Fulani cattle was carried out in the Guinea Savannah and Derived Savannah vegetational zones of South Western Nigeria to determine the effect of natural trypanosomal infection on plasma protein levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent examination were used as diagnostic indices. The results showed a prevalence of 36.7% mixed infection in the animals sampled. It was also observed that the albumin level was lowered, globulin level increased and the total protein level was slightly on the increase. Trypanosomal infection in this study therefore affects the concentration of total and differential plasma protein levels in indigenous cattle.

EFFECT OF PHOSPHORUS SUPPLEMENTATION ON PREGNANCY IN WHITE FULANI (BUNAJI) CATTLE

THE effect of bone meal supplementation on pregnancy and plasma phosphorus level in White Fulani (Bunaji) cattle was investigated over a 13-month period. The monthly mean plasma levels of inorganic phosphorus for supplemented Cows varied from 4.63mg/100ml in dry season to 8.09mg/100ml in the rainy season in contrast to 3.07 to 7.09/100ml in the dry and rainy seasons respectively, for the controls. Bonemeal supplementation resulted in earlier conception and calving. Fifty percent of the supplemented cows calved by the end of the period of supplementation in contrast to 25 percent of the controls. By two months after the study period, 100% of cows that received the supplementation had conceived compared with 87.50% of the controls. It is concluded from the study that bonemeal is a practical method for improving the fertility of White Fulani cattle in the grazing areas of Nigeria where soil and forage are deficient in phosphorus

Changes in Yield and Chemical Composition of Standing and Conserved Forage During the Dry Season in East Central Nigeria

The results of proximate analysis of five tropical forage species and two forms of conserved forage over sampling period of 147 days of dry Season are presented. Three plots of one Panicum maximum (Guinea grass), one plot of Cynodon nlemfuensis (giant star grass) and one plot of Centrosema pubesceus (centro) were used as sample plots. Trends indicated in the results suggest a general decline in crude protein, ether extract, dry yields and ash, and a progressive increase in crude fiber, dry matter content and nitrogen free extract from the conset the dry season in early November to the first rains in March in the next year, when trends were reversed. In the standing forage samples the mean values of the species were significantly different in all proximate constituents. These differences were generally higher between grass and centrosema than among grasses. There were also significant periodic effects between sampling dates for chemical constituents except ash which showed no significant periodic effect at 5% level. These differences were concentrated mainly within the few weeks of dry season. The mean crude protein values of grasses and grass silage during most of the dry season period fell substantially below the 6% level which is considered the minimum value for maintenance of Nigerian indigenous Fulani cattle. Dry season grass pasture and grass silage should therefore be supplemented for protein as from late November. Where legume pasture or hay is available and constitutes up to 20% of the roughage ration, supplementation does not appear to be necessary for cattle until late December, under Nsukka conditions.

Dry Season Fulani Trashumance and Cattle Trypanosomiasis: The Nature of the Relationship

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A NOTE ON THE HERITABILITY ESTIMATES OF BIRTH WEIGHT AND CALVING INTERVAL OF WHITE FULANI CATTLE IN IBADAN

Heritabilities of birth weight and calvin interval in White Fulani Cattle were White Fulani, estimated using data from seven sires and 147 and dams collected in Ibadan between 1970 and. 1982. The heritability estimates were 0.21±0.26 for birth weight and 0.012±0.16 for calving interval.

DRAUGHT ANIMAL POWER UTILIZATION ON SMALLHOLDER FARMS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Asurvey on draught animal power (DAP) use on small holder farms in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State was conducted during the 1988/89 farming season. A purposive sampling technique was utilized where all the 25 household heads who owned and used draught animals were sample. Structured questionnaire schedule was developed and used for data collection. The findings revealed that majority (88%) of the respondents were between the 20 and 29 years of age. While majority (92%) of the respondents started with a pair of work animals, only 4% started with two pairs. White Fulani (Bunaji) cattle was the popular breed among the respondents. The animal were used for achieving three different agricultural tasks. The constraints associated with animal power utilization include unavailability and high cost of implements, scarcity of feed during the dry season and animal disease.