Abstract

Aim: The aim of study was to ascertain the level of development of goat production in seven towns in Cross River State and to identify the major constraints affecting goat production in the area.  

Method and materials: It was conducted in eight major towns of Cross River State, Nigeria: Akamkpa, Calabar, Ikom, Obubra, Obudu, Odukpani, Ogoja and Ugep through the use of structured questionnaires. A total of 1200 questionnaires were administered randomly in eight towns. Questions were asked based on background production systems, constraints to goat production of the respondents. The data were analyzed separately using descriptive analysis..

Results: The results showed that 92% of household owners of goats were females while the major farms employed male labour.  West African Dwarf goats were the common breed of goats raised in the seven towns. Majority of the household owners of goats practiced free-range system of production (84.7%) while a large percentage of the major farms practiced intensive system of production (79.8%).

Conclusion: It was concluded that free-range system of production was mostly used and the breeds of goats kept were limited the West African Dwarf Goats that is adaptable to the area.

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