Authors: M N Bemji, S A Popoola
Livestock Research for Rural Development 23 (3) 2011
Abstract
A total of 589 West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were used for this study to determine the frequency of occurrence of udder abnormalities in South Western Nigeria. Goats were reared extensively by small-holder farmers who are the major stake holders in rearing small ruminants within the region. Estimates of frequencies of udder abnormalities (supernumerary teats and asymmetrical udder) were taken.The incidence of supernumerary teats were 5.43%, 1.19% and 0.68% for does with three, four and six teats respectively, while the normal two-teat condition had the highest frequency (92.70%). The observation of does with 6-teat condition is being reported for the first time in this study. Percentage of does with asymmetrical udder was 4.92% while 95.08% was recorded for does with symmetrical udder.It can be concluded from this study that the frequencies of udder abnormalities (supernumerary teats and asymmetrical udder) were low. There is need for periodic re-estimation as new variations are being introduced and possible evaluation of their effects on reproductive potential of the doe.