Demographic parameters of the Fulani sheep herds in Niger

Abstract

Sheep represent 26.1% of the national herd (50,528,782 animals) in 2019 and have an importance in the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of Niger. The study aims to analyze the demographic parameters of Nigerien Fulani Sheep. Thus, a cross-sectional survey on the knowledge of breeders was carried out. The study carried out over two periods of two successive years with 88 and 100 breeders respectively in 2018 and 2019 focused on the structure (distribution of herds by size, inventory of animals, percentage of animals by sex and class of age) and reproduction of the herd (the number of births, abortions, stillbirths, live births), entries and exits of animals during the last twelve months. The farmers surveyed were chosen according to the following criteria: be a head of household or his deputy; have a homogeneous herd of Peulh Sheep of size; and be available to answer questions. The study was carried out in four villages in Mehanna commune. The farms were characterized by an exploitation rate of 0.36 ± 0.02 (2017) and 0.25 ± 0.01 (2018) and a natural death rate (0.07 ± 0.01) of the juveniles-sub-adults over both years. The outflow of animals (0.24 ± 0.01 and 0.17 ± 0.01) was greater than that of the inflow (0.11 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.01) respectively for the year 2017 and 2018, with a destocking of adult males. The results from this study will serve as a database for the development of sustainable sheep management strategy.

Keywords: 12MO survey, Sheep farming, Herd dynamics, Fulani sheep, Niger