Livestocks in Nigeria
A comprehensive guide covering production, uses, nutrition, markets, and opportunities across Nigeria’s most important livestock species.
1. Cattle
Main Regions: Northern & Middle Belt
Primary Uses: Beef, dairy, hides, draft power
Common Breeds: N’dama, White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali
Overview: Cattle are a vital component of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, contributing significantly to meat and milk production. They support livelihoods through meat, dairy, hides, and draft power for farming. Nigerian cattle systems range from traditional pastoral nomadism to emerging ranching operations.
Traditional pastoralists mainly use extensive grazing systems with seasonal transhumance between dry and wet seasons. The White Fulani breed is well adapted to Nigeria’s environment, known for disease resistance and hardiness. Commercial ranching is growing slowly, focusing on improving productivity with better genetics and feed.
Cattle contribute nearly 20% of Nigeria's meat supply, but productivity is limited by diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), as well as feed shortages during the dry season.
Production & Regions
Cattle are predominantly reared in states such as Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, and Sokoto. Pastoral nomadism remains dominant in northern Nigeria, though ranching enterprises are emerging. The Middle Belt serves as a transitional zone between arid north and humid south.
Uses & Products
Beef is widely consumed in urban and rural markets, while dairy products are primarily for local consumption due to lack of cold chain infrastructure. Hides and skins support the leather industry, and cattle also serve important cultural and ceremonial roles.
Nutrition
Cattle meat is a rich source of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Milk is an important source of calcium and essential nutrients, though access to fresh milk is limited in some regions.
Market & Economics
Beef demand remains strong across Nigeria’s cities, especially during festivals. Prices fluctuate based on seasonal availability and feed costs. Market access challenges include transport infrastructure and conflicts between herders and farmers.
Challenges & Opportunities
Key challenges include disease management, pasture degradation, and conflicts. Opportunities lie in commercial ranching, improved breeds, veterinary service expansion, and dairy processing.
Market Prices
| Product | Approx. Price (₦) |
|---|---|
| Live Cattle (Medium-sized) | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Beef (per kg) | ₦1,500 – ₦2,500 |
| Fresh Milk (per liter) | ₦250 – ₦400 |
2. Goats
Main Regions: Northern & Middle Belt
Primary Uses: Meat, skins, occasional milk
Common Breeds: West African Dwarf, Red Sokoto, Sahelian
Overview: Goats are the most numerous small ruminants in Nigeria and serve multiple roles in rural livelihoods, providing meat, skins, milk, and financial assets. Their ability to thrive in diverse and often harsh environments makes them ideal for smallholder farmers.
Indigenous breeds such as West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto are favored for their disease resistance, adaptability to poor forage, and reproductive efficiency. Improved breeds are used for higher meat and milk production but require better management.
Goats are a key source of animal protein, particularly during religious festivals and cultural ceremonies. They also serve as “liquid assets” because they can be sold quickly in emergencies.
Production & Regions
Goats are widely raised in Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, and Benue states. Production systems include extensive grazing and smallholder mixed farms. Feed scarcity during dry seasons and limited veterinary access constrain productivity.
Uses & Products
Meat (chevon) is the primary product, consumed locally and in urban markets. Skins support leather crafts, while milk is occasionally harvested, mainly for household use.
Nutrition
Goat meat is lean, high in protein, and contains essential minerals like iron and zinc. Milk provides important vitamins and minerals and is more digestible than cow’s milk for some people.
Market & Economics
High demand exists nationwide, especially during festive seasons. Market chains involve small traders and livestock markets, though fragmentation limits price efficiency.
Challenges & Opportunities
Challenges include disease outbreaks like Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), feed shortages, and inadequate veterinary services. Opportunities involve improved breeding, commercial meat processing, and niche markets for goat dairy products.
Market Prices
| Product | Approx. Price (₦) |
|---|---|
| Live Goat (Medium-sized) | ₦40,000 – ₦90,000 |
| Chevon (per kg) | ₦1,500 – ₦2,200 |
| Goat Skin (per piece) | ₦2,500 – ₦4,000 |
3. Sheep
Main Regions: Northern & Middle Belt
Primary Uses: Meat, skins
Common Breeds: Balami, Uda
Overview: Sheep are a valuable source of meat and skins and are widely reared by smallholder farmers in Nigeria. They play an important economic and cultural role, especially in northern communities where mutton is a preferred meat.
The Balami and Uda breeds are known for their hardiness and adaptability to arid and semi-arid environments. Sheep farming often occurs alongside goat production, benefiting from similar feeding and management practices.
Sheep serve as a buffer against economic shocks and contribute to household food security.
Production & Regions
Sheep are reared mostly in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Bauchi states. Production systems range from extensive grazing to semi-intensive management in smallholder farms.
Uses & Products
Mutton is a popular meat choice for families and during religious festivals. Sheep skins support leather production, used in local crafts and the commercial sector.
Nutrition
Mutton provides high-quality protein, essential amino acids, B-vitamins, and minerals important for health and development.
Market & Economics
Demand spikes during festive seasons such as Eid al-Adha and Christmas, which significantly influences prices. Markets remain largely local but are growing with urban demand.
Challenges & Opportunities
Constraints include diseases like foot rot, limited access to veterinary care, and feeding challenges. Opportunities lie in improving genetics, commercial farming, and expanding value-added meat products.
Market Prices
| Product | Approx. Price (₦) |
|---|---|
| Live Sheep (Medium-sized) | ₦35,000 – ₦75,000 |
| Mutton (per kg) | ₦1,300 – ₦2,000 |
| Sheep Skin (per piece) | ₦2,000 – ₦3,500 |
4. Poultry (Chickens)
Main Regions: Nationwide
Primary Uses: Meat, eggs
Common Breeds: Local, Broilers, Layers
Overview: Poultry farming is Nigeria’s fastest growing livestock sector, mainly dominated by chickens. It is a crucial source of affordable animal protein through meat and eggs, contributing substantially to nutrition and income for millions of households.
The sector includes indigenous birds (local breeds) raised in backyard systems and commercial broiler and layer operations supplying urban markets. The adaptability of poultry to small- and medium-scale production systems makes it accessible to diverse farmers.
Poultry farming creates numerous jobs and supports local feed milling, hatcheries, and processing industries.
Production & Regions
Major poultry production centers span southern and northern states, with commercial farms clustered near large cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. Backyard poultry remains widespread across rural Nigeria.
Uses & Products
Broiler chickens provide meat, while layers supply eggs for household consumption and retail markets. Local chickens are preferred for traditional dishes and special occasions.
Nutrition
Chicken meat is a lean protein source, low in fat. Eggs provide essential amino acids, vitamins A, B-complex, D, and minerals like iron and selenium.
Market & Economics
The poultry sector is highly lucrative due to quick turnover and strong demand. Market challenges include disease outbreaks (Newcastle disease, Avian Influenza) and feed costs.
Challenges & Opportunities
Challenges include disease control and fluctuating feed prices. Opportunities lie in vaccine access, improved genetics, and expanding processing facilities.
Market Prices
| Product | Approx. Price (₦) |
|---|---|
| Live Broiler Chicken | ₦2,000 – ₦3,000 |
| Egg (per dozen) | ₦500 – ₦700 |
| Local Chicken | ₦3,500 – ₦5,000 |
5. Pigs
Main Regions: Southern & Middle Belt
Primary Uses: Meat (pork)
Common Breeds: Large White, Landrace, Indigenous types
Overview: Pigs are important for meat production, particularly in southern Nigeria and among minority ethnic groups where pork consumption is common. Pig farming is mostly small-scale but expanding due to urban demand for pork products.
Improved breeds like Large White and Landrace are being introduced to boost productivity, while indigenous breeds remain common due to their adaptability.
Pig farming requires careful management of feed, housing, and health to prevent diseases such as African Swine Fever, which has affected Nigerian herds periodically.
Production & Regions
Pig production is concentrated in Cross River, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and other southern states, as well as parts of the Middle Belt.
Uses & Products
Pork is valued for its taste and is sold fresh or processed as sausages and cured meats. Pig skins are also utilized in local crafts.
Nutrition
Pork is rich in protein, B vitamins (especially B1), and minerals such as zinc and phosphorus.
Market & Economics
Urban demand drives market growth, but production is limited by disease risk and feed cost. Pork prices fluctuate based on availability and season.
Challenges & Opportunities
Challenges include disease outbreaks and limited veterinary services. Opportunities lie in commercial pig farming, improved biosecurity, and pork processing industries.
Market Prices
| Product | Approx. Price (₦) |
|---|---|
| Live Pig (Medium-sized) | ₦60,000 – ₦110,000 |
| Pork (per kg) | ₦1,200 – ₦2,000 |
| Processed Pork (per kg) | ₦2,500 – ₦3,800 |
6. Horses
Main Regions: Northern Nigeria
Primary Uses: Transport, cultural events, sports
Common Breeds: Dongola, Hausa, Sudanese
Overview: Horses remain culturally significant in northern Nigeria, used primarily for transport, traditional ceremonies, and equestrian sports. While their numbers are relatively small, horses hold high symbolic value.
Breeds such as Dongola and Hausa are adapted to the semi-arid climate, prized for endurance. Horsekeeping is often associated with wealth and prestige in many communities.
Production & Regions
Horses are found mostly in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto states. They serve as traditional means of transportation and play important roles in festivals like Durbar.
Uses & Products
Besides transport and display, horses are rarely used for meat. Their main value lies in cultural heritage and equestrian competitions.
Nutrition & Care
Proper nutrition for horses includes roughage and grains. Veterinary care focuses on preventing infectious diseases and injuries.
Market & Economics
The horse market is niche but stable, driven by cultural demand rather than meat or dairy production.
Challenges & Opportunities
Challenges include modernization reducing horse use for transport and limited veterinary services. Opportunities lie in tourism and cultural preservation.
Market Prices
| Product | Approx. Price (₦) |
|---|---|
| Live Horse (Adult) | ₦400,000 – ₦900,000+ |
7. Camels
Main Regions: Northern Nigeria
Primary Uses: Transport, meat, milk
Common Breeds: Dromedary
Overview: Camels are essential for transport and livelihood in Nigeria’s arid and semi-arid northern zones. They are highly adapted to dry environments and are valued for their ability to carry loads over long distances with minimal water.
Camels provide milk, meat, and hides. Camel milk is gaining attention for its nutritional and therapeutic properties.
Production & Regions
Major camel populations are in Borno, Yobe, and Jigawa states. Nomadic pastoralists depend on camels for trade and migration.
Uses & Products
Camels are used for transport and as pack animals, as well as for meat and milk production. Camel racing is a cultural activity in some areas.
Nutrition
Camel meat is lean and nutritious, while milk contains high levels of vitamin C, minerals, and immune-boosting compounds.
Market & Economics
Demand for camel products is niche but steady, especially among pastoralist and urban consumers interested in specialty milk.
Challenges & Opportunities
Challenges include disease management and limited veterinary infrastructure. Opportunities exist in commercial milk production and tourism.
Market Prices
| Product | Approx. Price (₦) |
|---|---|
| Live Camel | ₦500,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Camel Milk (per liter) | ₦400 – ₦700 |
8. Rabbits
Main Regions: Nationwide, mostly small-scale
Primary Uses: Meat
Common Breeds: Local breeds, New Zealand White
Overview: Rabbit farming is an emerging livestock enterprise in Nigeria, offering a fast-growing source of lean meat suitable for smallholder farmers with limited space. Rabbits reproduce quickly and convert feed efficiently.
They require relatively low capital and can be integrated into mixed farming systems, providing quick returns and diversification.
Production & Regions
Rabbit production is growing across Nigeria, especially in urban and peri-urban areas where space constraints limit other livestock.
Uses & Products
Rabbit meat is tender, nutritious, and gaining consumer acceptance. Skins are sometimes used in crafts but not widely commercialized.
Nutrition
Rabbit meat is high in protein, low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthy alternative to traditional red meats.
Market & Economics
The market is developing, with increasing demand among health-conscious consumers and specialty restaurants. Challenges include lack of awareness and veterinary support.
Challenges & Opportunities
Opportunities include niche markets, quick turnover, and integration into urban farming. Challenges include feed cost and disease management.
Market Prices
| Product | Approx. Price (₦) |
|---|---|
| Live Rabbit (Adult) | ₦5,000 – ₦12,000 |
| Rabbit Meat (per kg) | ₦1,200 – ₦1,800 |
9. Ducks
Main Regions: Southern Nigeria
Primary Uses: Meat, eggs
Common Breeds: Local, Pekin
Overview: Ducks provide an alternative poultry option in southern Nigeria, valued for their meat and eggs. They thrive in wetland and backyard systems, contributing to household food security.
Ducks are less susceptible to some poultry diseases and can scavenge effectively, lowering feeding costs.
Production & Regions
Most ducks are raised in rural and peri-urban areas in southern states like Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River.
Uses & Products
Duck meat is flavorful and is consumed widely in traditional dishes. Eggs are smaller than chicken eggs but have a richer taste and nutritional profile.
Nutrition
Duck meat and eggs provide essential proteins, vitamins A, B12, iron, and omega fatty acids.
Market & Economics
The duck market is niche but growing with consumer interest in alternative poultry meats. Pricing is competitive with chicken products.
Challenges & Opportunities
Challenges include disease outbreaks and marketing constraints. Opportunities involve value addition and organic production markets.
Market Prices
| Product | Approx. Price (₦) |
|---|---|
| Live Duck (Adult) | ₦1,500 – ₦2,500 |
| Duck Eggs (per dozen) | ₦400 – ₦600 |
| Duck Meat (per kg) | ₦1,300 – ₦1,900 |
10. Turkeys
Main Regions: Nationwide, limited scale
Primary Uses: Meat
Common Breeds: Broad Breasted White, Local
Overview: Turkey farming is less common but gaining popularity for its lean meat and cultural importance during festive seasons. Production is mostly small-scale with some emerging commercial farms.
Turkeys require more management and space than chickens but provide a niche high-value product.
Production & Regions
Turkeys are raised across Nigeria but with higher concentrations near urban centers.
Uses & Products
Turkey meat is favored for its distinct taste and lower fat content, often consumed during holidays.
Nutrition
Turkey meat is an excellent source of protein, selenium, and niacin, suitable for heart-healthy diets.
Market & Economics
Market demand spikes around festive seasons such as Christmas and Easter. Prices are generally higher than chicken due to production costs.
Challenges & Opportunities
Challenges include higher feed costs and longer production cycles. Opportunities lie in premium meat markets and expanding commercial turkey farming.
Market Prices
| Product | Approx. Price (₦) |
|---|---|
| Live Turkey (Adult) | ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Turkey Meat (per kg) | ₦2,500 – ₦3,800 |
