ABSTRACT

A survey was conducted to investigate the prevailing diseases arid management practices of sheep and goats in four communities of lsuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. A total of 120 households, 30 from each community (lmenyi, Uturu, Oguduasa, Isu-amawu) was involved. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and personal interviews with the stock holders in the communities. Information was obtained mainly on diseases, management systems, feeds/feeding and marketing. Data were analysed using means and percentages. The result showed that most of the small ruminant farmers were aged 50 years and above and  topped the list with 56.7%. Breeding ewe and does out-numbered the bucks/rams and the young ones. The major source of supply of stock was through purchase (60%) from open market or direct from the farm. Three management systems, extensive, intensive and semi-intensive/tethering were practiced in the four communities. The intensive system is the commonest accounting for more than 50% in three of the four communities. Natural vegetation was the niajor source of forage while kitchen wastes and crop residues constituted the supplementary feeds. In all the communities, animals were housed together regardless of age or sex. However, sheep and goats were housed separately. The major diseases observed wer diarrhoea, pneumonia and skin infection. Diarrhoea accounted for more than 80% in all the communities, Pneumonia accounted for more than 50% in three out of the four communities, while skin disease elected 36.7, 26.7, 30.0 and 15.0% of the animals in lmenyi, Uturu, Oguduasa and Isu-ainawu respectively. Diseases were treated and controlled by local means. thc major production constraints identified in the communities were lack of capital and incentive, disease outbreak, and lack of veterinary and extension services. Sheep and goats were kept purposely to serve as a source of supplemental income and thr meeting short-term cash requirements.