This paper assessed the profitability of small-scale sheep marketing in Gombe Metropolis. Four sheep markets were purposively selected for their popularity in small ruminants marketing. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 91 sheep marketers these markets. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budget and maximisation of consumer satisfaction models. The result revealed that purchasing cost for ram and ewe constituted 92.59% and 91.50% of the total marketing costs respectively. The result further revealed the average net income of ₦4,922.46 ($13.72) per head of animal was realised. The gross and operating ratios for the respective animals were < 1; meaning that the business was profitable. Also, the returns per naira invested for ram and ewe were ₦0.17 ($0.00048) and ₦0.18 ($0.0005) respectively. The marketing coefficient (134.80%) of Tike-babba market, revealed to be most efficient. Inadequate capital was critical; this was attributed to insufficient sources of credits. However, improvement in the existing infrastructural facilities will help promote expansion of the present scale of the enterprise operations. Governments and other financial institutions should also do more to extend funds in the form of soft loans to the marketers, so as to improve efficiency.

Camel production is known in supplying protein to man such as meat and milk, agricultural practices, transportation of goods in tones from one place to another, camel racing among others. However, its production and acceptability is low. Thus, a study was aimed at exploring the potentials of one humped camel production and its importance to the rural dwellers in the arid and semi–arid zones of Nigeria. However, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) would be in the right position considering its mandate on repositioning animal science practices to integrate camel production into modern practices for optimum utilization. The hardy nature of camelsmade it to survivewhere other breeds of livestock such as cattle, sheep and goatmay not survive or their production potentialsmay be low.However, camel production does not need much capital to invest due to its hardy nature and simplicity. Modern ways of improving animal production if applied on camel will boost the production potentials.

One hundred and seven camels and twelve lactating camel cows were used in a study comprising three seasons (wet, cold–dry and hot–dry) and three parities (one, three and five). The study was conducted using a 3 x 3 factorial in a completely randomized design. Four animals were selected in each parity level and were at early stage of lactation. The calving time and health status of the animals were carefully examined before selection. Milk samples were analyzed for chemical composition. The mean chemical composition of the milk obtained indicated significantly (P<0.05) higher total solids, solid non fat, fat, ash and viscosity in hot–dry season, however no significant (P>0.05) difference existed in the pH and density while lactose level of milk was significantly (P<0.05) higher in cold–dry season respectively. It is concluded that there is lower fat content in camel milk compared to other dairy animals despite the feed and water challenges during hot season.

The study assessed the productive performance of adult indigenous chicken from four Nigerian states of the North Central Zone namely; Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Data were collected at both Out and On-station. The result showed that flock structure was in proportion of 28, 21.4, 23.2 and 27.5% for cock, hen, growers and chicks. Chi-square showed significant difference (P<0.001) by state. Clutch size ranged from 10.84±0.23 to 11.45±0.23 in FCT and Nasarawa state. On-station clutchsize was 13.11±0.23. There was significant difference (P<0.001) by site while state has similar values. Age at first egg, clutch number and hatchability did not vary significantly. However, there was significant difference (P<0.05) in Chick mortality which ranged from 43.19 to 53.89% in Benue and the FCT. On-stationmortality was 26.78%. Correlation coefficient between egg and production traits showed that most correlation traits were significant at 1%. Only number of chicks hatched, egg wasted, egg width and length and mortality were correlated at 5%. Some common diseases showed that Newcastle is the most prevalent 63.22%. Farmers attached a high preference to keeping male chicken for sale rather than breeding purposes. The high hatchability is an indication of good reproductive performance in the chickens of the study area. Improvement in management practices and vaccination against Newcastle disease should be adopted to curtail its devastating effect on indigenous chicken production in the study area.

A considerable number of the dromedary camels are found in the semi Nigeria. Apart from the wide use of the camel as a draught animal it now serves as a source of milk, meat and hide in this region. This paper examines the foraging beh rangeland in order to determine its major daily activities as influenced by season, sex and age to enable us improve the biodiversity of our rangelands. Four categories of animals (Adult male, Adult Female, Young Male and Young Female) were followed for three consecutive days in both dry and rainy seasons. The result indicates that the time spent by the camels in the two seasons (Wet and Dry) and between Male and Female on various activities were significant (P<0.05). However, the was also a significant difference between the behaviour of the adult and younger camels. In can be concluded that camel spends most of its time grazing during the day and the grazing time is higher in the wet season which is related to the forages avail by age rather than sex.