Sourcing and Management Practices by the Live-Goat Suppliers and Retailers in Lagos State, Nigeria

The sourcing and management practices of the live-goat suppliers and retailers in Lagos State, Nigeria were evaluated. Sources of the live-goat and the husbandry practices on them by suppliers and retailers were determined, using three-stage sampling procedures. Three livestock markets each from Lagos East, West and Central Senatorial Districts were purposively selected. Nine suppliers and 18 retailers were randomly selected in each market resulting to 81 and 162 respondents, respectively. Data on sourcing, handling, and holding period of live-goat were collected using two well-structured questionnaires for the suppliers and retailers of goats. Results showed that most suppliers (89.3%) purchased goats from open markets outside the state. The suppliers (52.0%) and retailers (80.0%) tethered goats. Most suppliers (77.3%) and retailers (90.0%) held goats for a maximum of three weeks, fed goats on dry grass sold in the open markets and some from open paddock. Routine administration of analgesic, dewormer, salt licks and water mainly sourced from boreholes and rivers were practices by both the suppliers and retailers. The age and level of education of the suppliers and retailers significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the management systems, handling, pest control, deworming, watering and additives used by the suppliers and retailers of goats. Most retailers (90.0%) belonged to markets regulated by different sectorial market associations while the local and state government officials in the markets performed no regulatory roles. Therefore, live-goat in Lagos State were sourced from other parts of Nigeria, handled, and managed by the suppliers and then retailers prior to their disposal in a manner directly influenced by the age and levels of education of the practitioners.