Assessment of Sheep Production Systems and Breed Characteristics in Zamfara State

This study assesses sheep production systems and documents breed characteristics of sheep populations in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. Sheep are among the most economically important livestock in North West Nigeria, serving as religious sacrifice animals, sources of protein, and savings assets for farming households. Zamfara State maintains significant sheep populations of Yankasa and Uda breeds, but productivity documentation and system characterisation are limited. This study uses a descriptive survey design, collecting data from 150 sheep-keeping households in Gusau, Bungudu, and Maru local government areas. Variables documented include breed types, flock sizes, management systems, body weight and conformation measurements, reproductive performance, health challenges, and market participation patterns. Body measurements including height at withers, body length, heart girth, and ear length are taken from 120 adult ewes and 40 rams across both breeds. Findings reveal that Yankasa sheep are the most prevalent breed at 72 percent of sampled flocks, with average body weight of 28.4 kilograms for adult ewes. Uda ewes show higher body weight at 32.6 kilograms. Reproductive performance of sampled flocks shows annual lambing rates of 88 percent with average litter size of 1.2 lambs. Internal parasitism is the dominant health challenge, with 64 percent of flocks showing moderate to severe faecal egg counts. The study concludes that Zamfara State sheep populations have commercial potential that is constrained by parasite management and nutritional challenges. It recommends targeted FAMACHA parasite management training programmes.

Keywords: sheep production, Yankasa breed, Uda breed, Zamfara State, small ruminants.