Main Article Content

Food animal supply and consumption pattern in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria


O.L. Obasi
E.O. Ekanem
O.J. Ifut
M.E. Ogbebor

Abstract

A three-year retrospective study (1994-1996) of food animal supply and consumption in Akwa Ibom State was carried out, based on records kept at the Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Agriculture. This was complemented with visits to appraise operational areas and interviews of the operators.
The animals that provided meat included cattle (47%); Pig (37.5%), Goat (9.2%); Dog (4.8%) and sheep (1.5%). Most of these animals originated from the Northern part of Nigeria, and were transported by road. Poultry, fish and other sea foods abound but were not covered in this report. The supply and slaughter of the various animal species peaked during the periods of Christian and Traditional festivities (December, March, April and May). The calculated animal protein intake per person per day from these sources was 0.57g, equivalent to 3.45g of meat. The calculated monetary value of the meat trade was N1.6 billion, representing 26.23% of the states budget for the period.
In conclusion, livestock and dog do not appear to provide adequate meat for the inhabitants of the state. There is the need to adequately coordinate food animal production and procurement and also ensure proper abattoir operations.


Key Words : FOOD ANIMAL, MEAT, SUPPLY, CONSUMPTION.

[Global Jnl Agric Sci Vol.1(1) 2002: 1-6]

Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 2992-4499
print ISSN: 1596-2903