Record Keeping in Micro-Livestock Farm Management in Southwest Nigeria

Re-emerging micro-livestock diseases is a threat to food security among low-income earners in Africa and can be significantly curtailed with efficient farm record keeping. However, several factors mitigate comprehensible record keeping in micro livestock production in southwest Nigeria. This study identified factors associated with record keeping in biosecurity measures among micro-livestock farmers in Southwest Nigeria. This study sampled 81 grass-cutter and rabbit farmers in Ekiti, Oyo and Ogun States through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data on personal characteristics of farmers, knowledge, constraints, and regularity of record keeping were obtained with the use of structured questionnaire. Results were presented in tables and chats while relationships among variables were determined with the use of Chi square. Total mean age of respondents was 45 years. Respondents were able to communicate in English (95.1%) and Yoruba (82.7%) respectively. Knowledge of pen liter disposal record was highest (74.1%) among farmers. Record on feed production and feeding 􁈺𝑥̅= 3.9) ranked highest while record of infection was lowest 􁈺𝑥̅=2.33) in micro-livestock farm management. Size of flock (χ= 9.25; p < 0.05), proficiencies in English (χ = 8.76; p < 0.05) were significant variables in record keeping for biosecurity in microlivestock farm management. The study recommends regular training on simple record keeping procedures that is convenient for both literate and non-literate livestock farmers in ensuring biosecurity.