Organic ruminant production in Nigeria: Research questions

Abstract

Organic livestock production is not an entirely new concept in Nigeria, as it has only been practiced and researched into in the breach for several decades. The major shortcoming has been the non-observance of international standards as set and specified for the production of organic foods, particularly with regards to feeds and feedstuffs, housing requirements and animal welfare issues among others. The significance of ruminants within the overall concept of organic agriculture concept has been acknowledged. This paper considers the current status of organic ruminant production and research in Nigeria, and proposes a number of research questions that are pertinent for successful national organic ruminant production strategies in relation to the international standards and
settings. It is concluded that addressing the identified research questions amongst others, coupled with an enabling policy framework, can be expected to result in a satisfactory organic ruminant production efficiency and productivity within the overall framework of organic agriculture practice in Nigeria.