ABSTRACT
South-western Nigeria occupies part of the Southern Guinea Savanna and part of the Derived Savanna. Sheep meat is well accepted in Nigeria; sheep and goats, combined, supply about 30% of the meat consumed. A sheep unit was established at the University of Ife farm in 1968 with stock purchased from local markets. The West African Dwarf sheep is the dominant hair sheep breed in south-western Nigeria and has great potential as a meat source in this region. To exploit this potential, development of sheep production will require studies of the genetic potential of the animals and of the effectiveness of crossbreeding, selection, and improved management practices at semi-intensive levels. To further improve sheep production in the area, better systems of marketing and distribution of both the sheep and their products will be required to produce an incentive to the farmers.
