ABSTRACT 

Small ruminant are important domestic animals represcn1in valuable resources in tropical livestock production systems. They are reared all over the world for their meat, milk, skin, fir and manure. Although they are known to he relatively poor converters of feed into meat, the occurrence of twins and evefl triplets is an encouraging feature (Chidebelu and Ngon Ndjon 1996 ). They also have short reproductive cycle, which gives them a major role in helping many pastoral populations to survive and make a fresh start (Charray çtl, 1992). Moreover, small ruminants have several advantages within the socio-economic context in which the farmer operates: They have low unit costs, easy handling and husbandry which are even within the capabilities of the woman and children who generally provide much of the labour on small farm -families, They also have an important role in the supply of total protein in take. (Charray j , 1992). Sheep and goats are mostly found in the rural areas where they are Traditionally kept under extensive anagement system (Qsuagwuh I Q85 The traditional production sitcom is based on free-roaming village flock, with an average of 3 to 4 breeding females per household (Uptan 1987). Although the production of goats and sheep is popular in rural areas in Nigeria, The rural populations are peasant farmers whose major occupation is crop production. Mostly these farmers keep sheep and goats as part time occupation (Chidebelu and Ngon Ndjon I 996) The primary reasons for keeping sheep and goats by rural farmers are emergency cash for children school fees, hospital bills and consumption. They are also important for cerernonials purposes and festivals which are integral aspect of the lives of?he people. (Chidehelu and Ngon Ndjon, 1996).