By Muhammad Sani Muazu
In a major effort to revolutionize livestock farming practices in Bauchi State, the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Bauchi State Coordinating Office, organized an intensive two-day training for extension officers drawn from across 20 local government areas in the state. The training, aimed at equipping officers with modern technologies to enhance the livestock value chain, emphasized boosting productivity, increasing farmers’ profits, and improving overall livestock management systems.
The program attracted notable experts and resource persons from the field of livestock production. One of the key facilitators, Professor Iyiola Olatunji Adetunji, from the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NARLS) of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, delivered a comprehensive lecture on the economic potential of goat farming. According to Professor Adetunji, goat farming offers numerous opportunities for smallholder farmers, particularly due to the low initial capital required and the high reproductive rate of goats.
“The opportunities in goat farming are enormous,” he said. “Because of their small size, goats are easy to manage, and the capital required to start goat farming is relatively low, making it accessible to almost any smallholder farmer. Goat farming can also be integrated with other agricultural activities, allowing farmers to diversify their income streams.”
He explained that goats reproduce quickly, with a gestation period of just five months, and can give birth up to three times within two years. “This rapid multiplication makes goat farming a highly profitable venture. For instance, if a farmer starts with two female goats (does) and one male (buck), the herd could grow to 15 goats within two years,” he explained.
Professor Adetunji stressed the importance of transitioning from traditional livestock rearing systems to semi-intensive methods. He recommended that farmers invest in basic infrastructure such as shelters to protect the goats from harsh weather conditions and provide supplementary feeding to ensure better growth. “By providing just a little extra care – such as housing, supplementary feeding, and prompt veterinary care – farmers can significantly increase the productivity of their goats, yielding higher profits,” he said.
He also urged the government to play a more active role in supporting smallholder farmers. “The government can help by providing foundation stocks to interested farmers. For instance, if the government provides two does and one buck to a smallholder, in two years, that farmer could potentially have a herd of over 15 goats, improving both protein availability and income,” Professor Adetunji noted.
Another expert, Professor Muhammad Abubakar Kobi from the Department of Animal Production at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, led a session on good husbandry practices for beef and dairy cattle. His lecture focused on the entire life cycle of cattle, from birth to the point they reach slaughter weight (typically at 24 months), and the importance of ensuring proper care at each stage.
He highlighted the critical role of early nutrition, particularly the administration of Colostrum – the first milk produced by cows – which is essential for the health and immunity of newborn calves. “Ensuring that newborn calves receive Colostrum is vital for their survival and future productivity. It lays the foundation for their growth, immunity, and general well-being,” Professor Kobi said.
He also outlined the differences in husbandry practices for cattle reared for beef versus those raised for dairy production. For beef cattle, he advised allowing the calves to remain with their mothers for an extended period to support natural growth. For dairy cattle, he recommended early weaning to maximize milk production while ensuring that the calves receive adequate nutrition.
“One of the main takeaways from the session is the importance of sanitation and welfare in animal husbandry, especially for dairy cattle. Proper hygiene and a clean environment are critical in preventing the spread of diseases and ensuring that the animals are healthy and productive,” he added.
Participants at the training, most of whom were extension officers from the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP), expressed great enthusiasm for the knowledge gained and their plans to transfer the new techniques to farmers in their respective localities.
Salisu Yayaji, Zonal Extension Officer for BSADP Central Zone (Miya), described the training as timely and beneficial. “As an extension agent with years of experience working with farmers in rural areas, I can say that the new techniques we have learned from this training will greatly benefit the farmers. We are confident that once we introduce these methods to them, they will see significant improvements in their productivity and income,” he said.
Another participant, Ishaku Ayuba, a Sub-Zonal Officer from BSADP working in Bogoro, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the transformative potential of the training. “I am excited about the possibilities this program offers. The new skills and knowledge I have gained here will help me guide farmers to adopt better practices, leading to increased productivity and improved livelihoods. I hope the program continues to receive support from the government so that it can be sustained in the long term,” he said.
The L-PRES project is a federal government initiative aimed at enhancing livestock productivity and building the resilience of farmers through modern techniques and improved livestock value chains. The project seeks to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern technologies, ensuring that farmers in Bauchi State and across the country can compete effectively in both local and international markets.
Participants left the training with renewed optimism, ready to step down the knowledge to farmers at the grassroots level, who are expected to benefit from improved livestock management techniques, increased productivity, and better economic outcomes
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