COMMON BREEDS OF PIG REARED IN NIGERIA

I compiled this post after so many questions been asked about the types of breed of pigs that are reared in Nigeria, so here are some breeds .........................
The Large White, also known as the English Large White, is a breed of domestic pig originating in Yorkshire, hence also known as the Yorkshire pig. First recognized in 1868, the breed is the progenitor of the American Yorkshire (or simply Yorkshire) in North America.
[1] The Large White is one of the most numerous of all pig breeds, widely used in crossbreeding for intensive pig farming around the world.
[2] True to its name the breed is a big white-skinned pig, with erect ears and a dished face. It was originally developed as an outdoor breed, but today it is one of those favored by commercial pig breeders, lending uniformity to pigs produced for meat on a large scale.
[3]

The American Landrace is a medium to large breed of domestic pig, white in colour, with long bodies, fine hair, long snouts, and heavy, drooping ears. They are bred for pork production. The American Landrace derives from the Danish Landrace of 1895 Danish origin. In the early 1930s, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark for the purchase of 24 Danish Landrace to be used for swine research studies, with the stipulation that they would not be commercially propagated as a pure breed. Landrace were subsequently used in numerous comparisons with American breeds. In 1949, upon USDA petition, Denmark released the United States from its breeding restrictions. The American Landrace Association was formed in 1950, and the American Landrace breed was established from outcrosses with Norwegian and Swedish breeding stock.

the duroc pig, In 1812, early "Red Hogs" were bred in New York and New Jersey. They were large in size. Large litters and the ability to grow quickly were characteristics Durocs possessed from the beginning. The foundation that formed today's "Duroc" was comprised of Red Durocs from New York and Jersey Reds from New Jersey.
In 1823, Isaac Frink of Milton in Saratoga County, New York, obtained from Harry Kelsey of Florida New York, a red boar, one of a litter of ten pigs. The sire and dam of these pigs were probably imported from England. Kelsey owned a famous trotting stallion named Duroc, so Frink named his red boar in honour of the horse. This boar was known for his smoothness and carcase quality.
His progeny continued the Duroc name and many of them inherited his colour, quick growth and maturity, deep body, broad ham and shoulder, and quiet disposition. The Duroc was smaller than the Jersey Red, with finer bones and better carcase quality. Beginning in the early 1860s, Durocs were made from a systematic blending of the two very different strains.
The first organization for the purpose of recording, improving, and promoting Red Hogs was the American Duroc-Jersey Association, which was established in 1883. At the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, Durocs gained wide popularity at the first successful Duroc Hog Show.
The Duroc made two attempts to gain a foothold in this country; the first in the early 70s was not very successful, although some of those pigs were exported on to Denmark. They were re- imported in the early 80s and a comprehensive trial was undertaken by the MLC to assess the merits of the Duroc as a terminal sire. It was found that in the British skin-on fresh pork market the Duroc could not be used as a purebred but only as component of a crossbred boar. The development of Duroc crossbred boars produced large numbers of crossbred gilts. A market was found for these due to a resurgence of interest in outdoor pig production. This has resulted in breeding and selection programmes for the British Duroc focusing on female line characteristics rather than the traditional terminal sire traits associated with the breed. The Duroc has now found a special niche in the British industry and a unique British version of the breed has been developed.
Their thick auburn winter coat and hard skin allows them to survive the cold and wet of the British winter. This coat moults out in summer to leave the pig looking almost bald, but as a consequence it can cope with hot dry summers equally well. All purebred Durocs are red in colour and the development of a so-called “White Duroc” has only been achieved by crossbreeding with a white breed.
Its tenacity in looking after its young combined with its docility between times makes it an ideal candidate for an outdoor pig, either as a dam or sire line, and its succulence and heavy muscling makes it very suitable for anything from light pork to heavy hog production.
Further research funded by the MLC has investigated the Duroc’s claim to produce high levels of tenderness. This has led to a recommendation to include Duroc genetics as part of the meat quality Blueprint.

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HOW TO MANAGE YOUR FARM

Farm management: What is a farm??? What do we mean by management??? A farm is specified area where agricultural activities takes place, for instance, planting of crops and rearing of animals(livestock). management is d making of decisions involved in organizing a particular thing or place for its maximum success, therefore farm management is the decision making involved in organizing a farm for its maximum production and profit.<( <( <( <(Farm management involves agricultural economics for information about the prices in market so the farm won't run at a loss, and also agricultural policies and all other farm economic issues, crop science also gives information about the soil, the type of seed to be planted, the type of fertilizers to use to aid the growth of crops, they also help to control weeds, insects and diseases that affect the crops. animal science helps in animal production their health, and also in the control of disease among the animals and how their feed are rationed. agricultural engineering, gives information about farm buildings, and machines used on the farm.<( In making decisions for a successful and productive farm, the farmer must integrate information from the biological, physical and social sciences.<( <(But farm managements differs widely, the most satisfactory plan for one farm may be the most unsatisfactory plan for another, just make the plan you have works for you.<( <(I believe you can now go back to your farm and manage it properly for maximum production and profit.

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5 UNIQUE ENDANGERED SPECIES YOU PROBABLY HAVEN'T HEARD OF

5 UNIQUE ENDANGERED SPECIES YOU PROBABLY HAVEN'T HEARD OF
In honor of Endangered Species Day we take a look at some of the fascinating creatures whose numbers are reducing drastically.

Saola, the "Asian Unicorn" What is the saola? Is it a goat? An antelope? A cow? A real life unicorn? Scientists aren't really sure. In fact, we don't know much about this creature first specimen was spotted only 22 years ago. How many are left? Estimates range from a few dozen to a few hundred. In other words, if you see one, it might be your lucky day How can we help them? Forests guard patrols are working to remove hunters' snares, which are a major threat to the species. The World Wildlife Fund is also helping conservation efforts.

Bonobos, the pygmy chimp Usually under 3 feet tall, this species was the last great ape to be recognized by scientists. And no, you're not the only one who thinks they look like little people. Just like chimps, these little cuties share 98.7% of their DNA with humans. How many are left? Fewer than 50,000 and rapidly declining How can they be helped? You can adopt a bonobo! (No, not physically adopt one. They are endangered, after all.)

Hawaiian Monk Seal, "Dog Running in the Rough Sea" Locals have a special name for this seal because it so closely resembles man's best friend, especially in the face. Hawaiians have a special reverence for this monk seal, as it is the only marine mammal that can't be found anywhere else. How many are left? Fewer than 1,100 How can they be helped? These seals get a bad rep, as many believe they're an invasive species. A large group of animal lovers have come together to fight that myth, hoping to stop intentional killing of the animal.

Leatherback Turtle, the seemingly shell-less wonder These giant turtles got their name from the layer of skin that keeps their shell hidden. In addition to being the largest turtles around, they're also the fastest, clocking in at 22 miles per hour (under water, of course). How many are left? It depends on the sub- species, but some are critically endangered How can they be helped? Like other sea turtles, the main threats to this species come from humans, like when newborns get attracted to hotel lights and never make it to the sea. Read up on the threats so you know how to avoid being part of the problem.

Tree Kangaroo, the wannabe sloth The tree kangaroos can't really decide what they want. Once upon a time, kangaroos' ancestors lived in trees, but then they climbed down. But the tree kangaroo - you guessed it - climbed back up. The result is a strange but adorable cross between its namesake and a lemur. How many are left? It depends on the sub- species, but many are critically endangered. There are only around 50 Wondiwoi tree kangaroos left. How can they be helped? Hunting is a major problem for these creatures. The World Wildlife Fund is combating this issue by maintaining protected areas and providing education about the risks.

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VIRAL DISEASES OF POULTRY

AVIAN POX Avian pox is a relatively slow-spreading viral disease in birds, characterized by wart-like nodules on the skin and diphtheritic necrotic membranes lining the mouth and upper respiratory system. It has been present in birds since the earliest history. Mortality is not usually significant unless the respiratory involvement is marked. The disease may occur in any age of bird, at any time. Avian pox is caused by a virus of which there are at least three different strains or types; fowl pox virus, pigeon pox virus and canary pox virus. Although some workers include turkey pox virus as a distinct strain, many feel that is identical to fowl pox virus. Each virus strain is infective for a number of species of birds. Natural occurring pox in chickens, turkeys and other domestic fowl is considered to be caused by fowl pox virus. Fowl pox can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact. The virus is highly resistant in dried scabs and under certain conditions may survive for months on contaminated premises. The disease may be transmitted by a number of species of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can harbor infective virus for a month or more after feeding on affected birds. After the infection is introduced, it spreads within the flock by mosquitoes as well as direct and indirect contact. Recovered birds do not remain carriers. Since fowl pox usually spreads slowly, a flock may be affected for several months. The course of the disease in the individual bird takes three to five weeks. Affected young birds are retarded in growth. Laying birds experience a drop in egg production. Birds of all ages that have oral or respiratory system involvement have difficulty eating and breathing. The disease manifests itself in one or two ways, cutaneous pox (dry form) or diphtheritic pox (wet form). Dry pox starts as small whitish foci that develop into wart-like nodules. The nodules eventually are sloughed and scab formation precedes final healing. Lesions are most commonly seen on the featherless parts of the body (comb, wattles, ear lobes, eyes, and sometimes the feet). Wet pox is associated with the oral cavity and the upper respiratory tract, particularly the larynx and trachea. The lesions are diphtheritic in character and involve the mucous membranes to such a degree that when removed, an ulcerated or eroded area is left. Fowl pox is readily diagnosed on the basis of flock history and presence of typical lesions. In some cases, laboratory diagnosis by tissue or transmission studies is necessary. There is no treatment for fowl pox. Disease control is accomplished best by preventative vaccination since ordinary management and sanitation practices will not prevent it. Several kinds of vaccines are available and are effective if used properly. Vaccination of broilers is not usually required unless the mosquito population is high or infections have occurred previously. The chicks may be vaccinated as young as one day of age by using the wing-web method and using a one needle applicator. All replacement chickens are vaccinated against fowl pox when the birds are six to ten weeks of age. One application of fowl pox vaccine results in permanent immunity. Newcastle Disease Newcastle disease is a contagious viral infection causing a respiratory nervous disorder in several species of fowl including chickens and turkeys. Different types or strains of the virus (varying in their ability to cause nervous disorder, visceral lesions and death) have been recognized. The most severe strain is called viscerotropic velogenic Newcastle disease (VVND) and is kept from birds in the U.S. by enforcement of strict quarantines at our national borders. It is often referred to as "Exotic Newcastle Disease" and infection of susceptible fowl with this form usually causes high mortality. Due to the reduced chance that poultry in this country will become infected with this disease form, it will not be discussed. A milder form of the disease is called "mesogenic" Newcastle disease and is the most serious strain found in the U.S. This is the form that is referred to as Newcastle disease in this discussion. Newcastle disease is highly contagious. All birds in a flock usually become infected within three to four days. The virus can be transmitted by contaminated equipment, shoes, clothing and free-flying birds. During the active respiratory stage, it can be transmitted through the air. The virus is not thought to travel any great distance by this method. Recovered birds are not considered carriers and the virus usually does not live longer than thirty days on the premises. Signs of Newcastle disease are not greatly different from those of other respiratory diseases. The signs most frequently observed are nasal discharge, excessive mucous in the trachea, cloudy air sacs, casts or plugs in the air passages of the lungs and cloudiness in the cornea of the eye. The disease in young chickens begins with difficult breathing, gasping and sneezing. This phase continues for ten to fourteen days and may be followed by nervous symptoms. If nervous disorders develop, they may consist of paralysis of one or both wings and legs or a twisting of the head and neck. The head often is drawn over the back or down between the legs. Mortality may vary from none to total loss of the flock. In adult chickens, respiratory symptoms predominate. Only rarely do nervous disorders develop. If the flock is laying, egg production usually drops rapidly. When this occurs, it takes four weeks or longer for the flock to return to the former production rate. During the outbreak, small, soft-shelled, off-colored and irregular-shaped eggs are produced. Mortality in adult birds is usually low but may be fairly high from some virus strains. In turkeys, the symptoms are usually mild and may be unnoticed unless nervous disorders develop. During an outbreak, turkeys will produce eggs with a chalky white shell. Reduced production in breeder flocks is the main economic loss from this disease in turkeys. The flock history, signs of a respiratory nervous disorder and other typical lesions often may be sufficient to allow a tentative diagnosis. Usually, however, the disease cannot be differentiated from infectious bronchitis and some of the other respiratory infections, except by laboratory methods. Vaccination is practiced widely and is the recommended method for prevention. Several types of vaccines are available but the most successful and widely used is the mild live virus vaccine known as the B 1 and La Sota types. The vaccines may be used by drops into the nostril or eye, addition to the drinking water or applied in spray form. Broiler chickens are usually vaccinated when seven to ten days of age. Chickens kept for egg production are usually vaccinated at least three times. The vaccine is given when birds are approximately seven days, again at about four weeks and a third time at about four months of age. Revaccination while in lay is commonly practiced. Vaccination is not widely used in turkeys. It is used to protect egg producing breeder flocks. One dose of the mild type vaccine is given after selecting breeder birds. There is no treatment for Newcastle disease. The disease does not always respect even the best management programs, but good "biosecurity" practices will help reduce the possibility of exposure to Newcastle disease virus. Infectious Bronchitis Infectious bronchitis is an extremely contagious respiratory disease of chickens characterized by coughing, sneezing and rales (rattling). It is caused by a virus that affects chickens only. Other fowl or laboratory animals cannot be infected with this virus. Several distinct strains of the virus exist. Infectious bronchitis is considered the most contagious of poultry diseases. When it occurs, all susceptible birds on the premises become infected, regardless of sanitary or quarantine precautions. The disease can spread through the air and can "jump" considerable distances during an active outbreak. It can also be spread by mechanical means such as on clothing, poultry crates and equipment. The disease is not egg transmitted and the virus will survive for probably no more than one week in the house when poultry are not present. It is easily destroyed by heat and ordinary disinfectants. The infection is confined to the respiratory system. Symptoms are difficult breathing, gasping, sneezing and rales. Some birds may have a slight watery nasal discharge. The disease never causes nervous symptoms. It prevails for ten to fourteen days in a flock and symptoms lasting longer than this are from some other cause. In chickens under three weeks of age, mortality may be as high as thirty or forty percent. The disease does not cause a significant mortality in birds over five weeks of age. Feed consumption decreases sharply and growth is retarded. When infectious bronchitis occurs in a laying flock, production usually drops to near zero with a few days. Four weeks or more may be required before the flock returns to production. Some flocks never regain an economical rate of lay. During an outbreak, small, soft-shelled, irregular-shaped eggs are produced. Infectious bronchitis is difficult to differentiate from many of the other respiratory diseases. For this reason, a definite diagnosis usually requires a laboratory analysis. Infectious bronchitis is highly contagious and does not always respect sanitary barriers. Vaccinate chickens being retained as layers. Whether broilers should be vaccinated depends upon many factors and is an individual decision. Numerous vaccines are available commercially. Most of them represent a modified or selected strain of the infectious bronchitis virus. The vaccine used should contain virus known to be present in the area. All vaccines contain live virus and those that give the best protection are also capable of producing symptoms and reducing egg production. The vaccine virus will spread to other susceptible birds. Vaccine is usually added to the drinking water, but may be dropped into the eye or nostril or used as a spray. There is no treatment for this disease. In young chickens it is helpful to increase the brooder temperature and provide as nearly ideal environmental conditions as possible. Quail Bronchitis Quail bronchitis is a contagious, highly fatal disease in young bobwhite quail. The virus causing this disease also infects chickens and turkey. This agent is also known as a CELO (Chick Embryo Lethal Organism) virus. It has been isolated from chicken eggs but does not produce a recognizable disease in chickens or turkeys. This agent may play a part in respiratory diseases and in infertility problems, but its importance must be established by additional research. It is important because it is one of the agents that may be isolated from birds with respiratory symptoms and is difficult to separate from other agents such as infectious bronchitis virus. Lymphoid Leukosis Characteristically, lymphoid leukosis is a disease of adult chickens; however, the disease appears to be increasing in importance for turkeys and game birds. Although the virus of lymphoid leukosis can produce various responses (blood, bone, lymph), the lymphoid tumor response is the most common. The disease is transmitted in a variety of ways. The causative viral agent is passed out of the body of infected birds via eggs and feces. The virus may be transmitted mechanically from infected birds to susceptibles by blood-sucking parasites or by man in such procedures as fowl pox vaccination. Lymphoid leukosis characteristically produces lymphoid tumors, particularly in the liver and spleen. The tumors may also affect other visceral organs such as ovary and lungs. Affected birds may die without preliminary symptoms, but the disease usually is chronic in nature and affected birds show loss of appetite, progressive emaciation and diarrhea. Clinically affected birds invariably die. Losses due to the disease are most severe shortly after onset of egg production, but losses will continue for as long as the flock is retained. Total loss may approach twenty percent during the life of a flock. Clinical diagnosis of lymphoid leukosis is based upon flock history and disease manifestations. The lymphoid disease cannot be readily distinguished from the visceral response to Marek's disease; however, there are some features that aid in differential diagnosis. There is no treatment for lymphoid leukosis. Although the disease cannot be prevented completely, there are certain steps that can be taken to help control the level of infection within a flock. Some steps are: Buy resistant strains of birds since genetic resistance is a deterrent, Brood in isolation and do not mix birds of different ages, especially through six weeks of age, Keep the incubator clean and disinfected, Control blood-sucking parasites, Good care, limiting stress, and adequate ration will be of benefit. Marek's Disease (Visceral Leukosis) Marek's disease is characteristically a disease of young chickens but older birds can also be affected. In contrast to the lymphoid leukosis tumor response, Marek's disease may be observed in more diverse locations. Marek's disease is caused by a virus belonging to the Herpes virus group. Much is known about the transmission of the virus; however, it appears that the virus is concentrated in the feather follicles and shed in the dander (sloughed skin and feather cells). The virus has a long survival time in dander since viable virus can be isolated from houses that have been depopulated for many months. The usual mode of transmission is by aerosols containing infected dander and dust. Young birds are most susceptible to infection by Marek's disease; however, since the incubation period is short, clinical symptoms can appear much earlier than in the case with lymphoid leukosis. Marek's disease may produce a variety of clinical responses, all lymphoid in character. These are acute visceral, neural, ocular, skin or combinations of the responses that can be seen. Marek's of the visceral type is characterized by widespread involvement with lesions commonly seen in gonads, liver, spleen, kidney and occasionally heart, lungs and muscles. The disease is often acute, with apparently healthy birds dying very rapidly with massive internal tumors. The disease may appear in broiler-age birds but the most severe losses occur in replacement pullet flocks prior to onset of egg production. The neural type of Marek's is typified by progressive paralysis of the wings, legs and neck. Loss of body weight, anemia, labored respiration and diarrhea are common symptom. If lesions are present, they are confined to the nerve trunks and plexes enervating the paralyzed extremities. Frequently no gross lesions can be observed. Ocular (eye) leukosis or "gray-eye" is usually seen in early maturity. Morbidity and mortality are usually low but may approach twenty-five percent in some flocks. It is characterized by the spotty depigmentation or diffuse graying of the iris in the eye. The pupil develops an irregular shape and fails to react to light. Emaciation diarrhea and death follow. Skin leukosis produces the most severe losses in broilers. The losses result from high condemnations at the processing plant. Enlargement of the feather follicles due to accumulations of lymphocytes is the typical lesion. This is the most infective virus since it is produced in the regions of the feather follicles and is shed with the skin dander. Acute Marek's disease can be extremely rapid in its course, producing mortality in apparently healthy birds. However, in some cases the lesions may regress and clinically affected birds may make complete recoveries. Diagnosis is based upon flock history and disease manifestations. Accurate diagnosis may depend on results of laboratory procedures. As is the case with lymphoid leukosis, there is no treatment for Marek's disease. A vaccine is available that is extremely effective (90% +) in the prevention of Marek's disease. It is administered to day-old chickens as a subcutaneous injection while the birds are in the hatchery. Use of the vaccine requires strict accordance with manufacturer's recommendations in a sterile environment. Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro) Infectious bursal disease is an acute, highly contagious viral disease of young chickens. It is most often found in highly concentrated poultry producing areas. It causes marked morbidity and mortality in affected flocks. Although the disease causes severe losses, its affect on reducing the bird's ability to develop immunity to other diseases may be the most serious effect produced by this disease. The transmission or spread of the disease can occur by direct contact (bird to bird), contaminated litter and feces, caretaker, contaminated air, equipment, feed, servicemen and possible insects and wild birds. It is extremely contagious. Birds have ruffled feathers, a slight tremor at onset of the disease, strained defecation, loss of appetite and are dehydrated. Affected birds have a tendency to sit and when forced to move, have an unsteady gait. Vent picking is common and a whitish diarrhea frequently develops. A sudden rise in body temperature is followed by a drop to subnormal temperature, prostration and death. Birds surviving the initial infection will recover rapidly within two weeks. Postmortem lesions include dehydration and changes in the bursa, skeletal muscle, liver and kidneys. All affected birds have bursal changes characterized by swelling, change in shape (oblong), color (pink, yellow, red, black) and the formation of a gelatinous film around the bursa. Within a few days the bursa shrinks to half its normal size or smaller. Diagnosis of infectious bursal disease is based on flock history and postmortem lesions. Laboratory procedures may be used to substantiate the diagnosis. Vaccines are available but must be carefully used. If given correctly, good immunity can be developed. There is no specific treatment for infectious bursal disease and indiscriminate medication with certain drugs may severely aggravate mortality. Supportive measures such as increasing heat, ventilation and water consumption are beneficial. .......#source http://msucares.com/poultry/diseases/disviral.htm

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DISEASES IN POULTRY AND THEIR TREATMENT

Thanks for stopping by, in my previous posts I talked about preventing these diseases but as humans we can't be perfect, even with the modern antibiotics and the premixed medicated poultry rations the fowls still get sick. Some certain measures can be used to treat these diseases, but before we can treat them we have to first identity by the symptoms that the fowl shows. Among the actual diseases that infect domestic fowls, DIARRHEA is the most common. The SYMPTOMS are white or greenish loose droppings and they are mostly caused by cold, dampness, dirty surroundings and unclean food. We can treat it by Isolating the patient in warm, dry quarters and give her potassium permanganate solution to drink. Another disease is the FOWL CHOLERA, it is an infectious disease which is very chronic, it is a bacterial disease caused by a bacterium called PASTEURELLA MULTOCIDA, most times its first detected by a sudden and unexpected death, other symptoms are anorexia, ruffled feathers, oral and nasal mucus discharge, coughing, loss of appetite, cyanosis and white or greenish watery mucoid diarrhoea. Many antibiotics and sulfonamides could lower death rate, but at discontinuation of the treatment, the disease could recur. Sulfonamides are appropriate for treatment, but they inhibit egg-laying. Another disease is TUBERCULOSIS also known as avian tuberculosis its an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM. Avian tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease characterized by the formation of granulomatous lesions in viscera, a progressive weight loss and death. It is usually encountered sporadically in birds reared in small yards, zoos and is a problem among caged, tubercles (gross and histological appearance) exotic birds. The diagnosis is based upon the complex evaluation of history, persisting lethality in adult flocks and the pathoanatomical findings. a (Hjarre's disease), pullorum disease etc. The treatment is not advised, as the disease is contagious for man. COCCIDIOSIS is another disease, also caused by an unhealthy environment, symptoms of coccidiosis in chickens include droopiness and listlessness, loss of appetite, loss of yellow color in shanks, pale combs and wattles, ruffled, unthrifty feathers, huddling or acting chilled, blood or mucus in the feces, diarrhea, dehydration, and even death. Other signs include poor feed digestion, poor weight gain and poor feed efficiency. When one chicken is diagnosed with cocci, the entire flock must be treated. Treat your flock with liquid amprolium (brand name Corid) by adding it in their water for 4 days. AFTER the treatment for cocci is completed, particularly when using amprolium, a vitamin supplement should be given to replace the Vitamin B1 lost during treatment.

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HOW TO PREVENT POULTRY BIRDS FROM DISEASES

THE ravages of disease add considerably to the difficulties of raising poultry birds in all parts of the world. It is the experience of poultry rearers that an annual toll has to be paid in the lives of young birds and older stock. Sooner or later, in addition, an epi- demic may break out and result in heavy losses and much discouragement. It is most important, therefore, to be able to recognize the symptoms and to know the causes of the many diseases to which vari- ous kinds of poultry are subject, by that we can be able to prevent the disease. Every practical effort should be made to reduce avoidable mortality. Practical experience and scientific in- vestigation have clearly proved that pre- ventive measures are more economical and effective than curative. Failing preven- tion, everything points to the importance of dealing promptly with the first cases, owing to the risk of infection of the rest of the stock. Control measures may be divided into three classes : 1. Proper housing and feeding of fowls. 2. General sanitation and disinfection. 3. Administration of medicine to sick birds. The details to which special attention must be given are covered by the following rules : 1. Isolate birds recently purchased — ^for two or three weeks. 2. Isolate every bird that shows any sign of ill health. 3. Provide a fresh and pure supply of water in a shady position. 4. Add Epsom salts (one teaspoonful to a quart) once a week to the drinking water. Give chickens daily a liberal supply of bran in addition to their other food. 5. Feed birds on a varied diet, including green food. 6. Arrange that birds have to scratch for some of their food. 7. Construct houses, nest boxes, etc., so that they can be readily and thoroughly disinfected. Houses should be free from drafts. 8. Disinfect contaminated soil by spraying, liming, and resting. 9. Visit the roosts at night to detect cases of wheezing due to colds, and to search for mites and other pests. 10. Keep on hand disinfectants, lice powders and medicines likely to be required. 11. Regular and thorough disinfection of woodwork, of feeding vessels, and of the drinking water should form part of the routine of poultry management Keep to all these preventive measures and I assure you a disease free poultry.

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NIGERIA: NORTH-CENTRAL DELEGATES ASk FOR GRAZING RESERVES COMMISSION

North-Central delegates to the National Conference have made a case for the establishment of a National Grazing Reserves Commission. The delegates in a memorandum, which was jointly sponsored by Senator Iyorchia Ayu and Magdalyne Mbadzendan Dura, both delegates representing North Central and Benue State, said if the recommendation sails through, would specifically provide for the establishment, preservation and control of national grazing reserves and livestock routes. Ayu in a letter copied to the National Conference committees on agriculture, national security and law, judiciary, human rights and legal reforms, informing them of the development, however hinged the recommendation on the recent clashes involving Fulani herdsmen and farmers across the country, where several people were reportedly killed. "In recent times, Nigeria has recorded violent conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and farmers across the country, leading in most cases to loss of lives, properties and displacement of the farmers. "These conflicts have been actuated by the continuous search for green pastures and water by the herdsmen for their livestock. "Cattle are the predominant livestock in Nigeria and they are reared mainly by the nomadic Fulani of Northern Nigeria. Nomadic pastoralism is characterised by movement of cattle by nomads in search of pasture and water,” he said. The memo titled: “Grazing Reserves Ranch” should be done away with, adding that the National Livestock Policy should be put in place to regulate the rearing of livestock in accordance with global best practices. “In the interim, arrest and prosecution of persons perpetrating and sponsoring herders- farmers conflict should be taken care off. A Transnational Trade Policy should also be put in place by the federal government to regulate cross-border movement and management of livestock and persons. The document further said that the Nigeria Immigration and Custom Services should regulate document the entry and exit of cattle rearers and livestock from neighbouring countries. It suggested that livestock breeding states should enter into trade agreements with states that are endowed with arable land (such as Benue State) to produce grass/ fodder/ hay for exchange for cash or livestock products. According to the delegates, federal and state governments should sponsor livestock research in order to promote improved breeding, feeding, management and marketing. "The federal government and relevant states should undertake public enlightenment through radio programmes, specifically targeted at educating the nomadic-Fulani of the advantages of domesticating cattle rearing and the need for paradigm shift in their cultural approach to cattle breeding" it said.

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