IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY OF GOATS AND UTILIZATION OF GOAT MILK IN NIGERIA

Nigeria, with an estimated total livestock production of 52.4 X 10(6), of which goats constitute about 26.5 X 10(6), still has inadequate me at and milk production. This review describes the three distinct breed s of goats (Sahel, Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf) with their tradi tional husbandry systems. The use of alternative high energy feeds for goats in Nigeria is described. Common disease constraints, helminthia sis, blood borne parasites, contagious caprine pleuro-pneumonia, and p estede-petit-ruminants (PPR), militating against effective goat produc tion in Nigeria are also discussed. Goat meat and milk of the common b reeds in Nigeria are important. With the provision of goat breeding an d multiplication centres in Nigeria and increased general awareness an d consumption of goat milk, the country could strive for self-sufficie ncy in meat and dairy production.