4.1 Background
4.2 Livestock numbers and distribution
4.3 Cattle
4.4 Sheep and goats
4.5 Research and development activities
4.6 Selected bibliography
4.7 Major changes since 1977
In 1984 the Ministry of Agricultural Development was subdivided into a State Secretariat for Livestock and Fisheries, a State Secretariat for Rural and Craft Development and a State Secretariat for Water Resources and Forestry.
Data for the country are given in Table 1.
Table 1. Human and animal populations of Guinea, 1983/1984.
|
Human population (1983) |
||
|
|
- number |
6 000 000 |
|
|
- density |
24.4/cm² |
|
Animal population (1984) |
||
|
|
- cattle |
2 307 000 |
|
|
- sheep |
1 026 000 |
|
|
- goats |
914 785 |
Source: For human population: 1983 census figures.
For animal population: Estimates by the Directorate of Livestock Production, 1984 (FAO, 1985).
According to a study by Sanders (1984), almost the entire country is infested by tsetse. G. fusca is found in Lower Guinea and Forest Guinea, G. longipalpis and G. morsitans submorsitans in Central and Upper Guinea, G. tachinoides in Upper and Lower Guinea, G. pallicera and G. tabaniformis in Forest Guinea and G. palpalis gambiensis in all regions.
Table 2 shows cattle numbers by region and for the country for 1984.
Table 2. Cattle distribution by region for 1984.
|
Region |
Area |
Cattle |
Average cattle density/km² |
||
|
km² |
% of total area |
Number |
% of national herd |
||
|
Lower Guinea |
45 000 |
18 |
299 910 |
13 |
6.5 |
|
Central Guinea |
54 900 |
22 |
1 084 290 |
47 |
19.7 |
|
Upper Guinea |
100 000 |
41 |
761 310 |
33 |
7.7 |
|
Forest Guinea |
46 000 |
19 |
161 490 |
7 |
3.4 |
|
Total |
245 900 |
100 |
2 307 000 |
100 |
9.4 |
Source: Animal Husbandry Division (1984) quoted by Ly (1985).
Table 2 shows that the Fouta Djallon Highlands in Central Guinea account for about 47% of the national herd. Lower Guinea accounts for 13% of the herd with a cattle density lower than the national average of 9.4%. The coastal area has less cattle and large stretches of land are devoid of cattle. The cattle population in Central Guinea is evenly distributed. Upper Guinea accounts for a third of the national herd. However, the stocking density is 2.5 times lower than that for Central Guinea and the distribution more uneven. Forest Guinea has the lowest cattle population in the country.
The distribution of sheep and goats by region and in the country in 1984 is shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Distribution of sheep and goats by region, 1984.
|
Region |
Sheep |
% |
Density/cm² |
Goats |
% |
Density/km² |
|
Lower Guinea |
196 660 |
19 |
4.3 |
170 600 |
19 |
3.8 |
|
Central Guinea |
440 710 |
43 |
8.0 |
489 595 |
53 |
8.9 |
|
Upper Guinea |
278 630 |
27 |
2.8 |
127 295 |
14 |
1.3 |
|
Forest Guinea |
110 000 |
11 |
2.4 |
127 295 |
14 |
2.8 |
|
Total |
1 026 000 |
100 |
4.2 |
914 785 |
100 |
3.7 |
Source: Directorate of Livestock Production (1984) quoted by Ly (1985).
According to this Table, sheep and goats are found throughout the country. The greatest concentration, however, is in Central Guinea.
4.3.1 Breed characterisation
4.3.2 Diseases
4.3.3 Herd management and composition
The N'Dama breed accounts for 95% or 2 192 000 head of the cattle population in Guinea. The remaining 5% (115 000 head) are zebu x N'Dama crossbreds found mainly in the north-east of the country, near the border with Mali.
4.3.1.1 N'DAMA PRODUCTION PARAMETERS
The most recent production parameters provided by the Livestock Division (BDPA, 1984) are given in Table 4. The figures are for production under village conditions.
Table 4. N'Dama production parameters.
|
Fertility rate |
|
54% |
|
Mortality rate |
0-1 year |
34% |
|
1-2 years |
12% |
|
|
2-3 years |
10% |
|
|
3 years and over |
3-5% |
Source: BDPA (1985).
The N'Dama Selection and Multiplication Centre at Boke also collected some data. However, in view of initial difficulties experienced by the centre, during its establishment these parameters cannot be considered as the norm for N'Dama production under station conditions in Guinea.
4.3.1.2 ZEBU X N'DAMA CROSSBRED OR "MERE"
No recent data are available on this breed.
4.3.1.3 IMPORTED CATTLE
All research programmes on exotic cattle have been discontinued.
Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia has been brought under control although there are still sporadic outbreaks. Anthrax and blackquarter are on the decline with the introduction of routine vaccination. A vaccination campaign against swine rinderpest is envisaged in border areas to guard against possible infection from neighbouring countries.
Guinea received FAO assistance in 1983-84 under the "Emergency vaccination campaign against rinderpest" (Ly, 1985).
Trypanosomiasis is generally not a serious problem in Guinea due to the trypanotolerance of the N'Dama breed. Mortality due to trypanosomiasis is recorded mainly in areas along the eastern and northern borders where there is uncontrolled N'Dama x zebu crossbreeding. The main foci of trypanosomiasis are to be found in Upper Guinea (Mandiana, Siguiri, Kérouané, Kankan, Kouroussa) and the areas bordering the Fouta Djallon Highlands (Kounolara, Gaoual, Tougué, Mali, Koubia, Dinguirage and Dabola) (Sande, 1984).
4.3.3.1 DESCRIPTION
Animal husbandry practices in Guinea have remained unchanged over the past few years.
4.3.3.2 HERD SIZE AND COMPOSITION
Village herds generally contain a high percentage of bulls and steers. A "herd" usually consists of several individual herds belonging to a number of owners.
Bulls in large herds containing several hundred head of cattle are usually better developed. There is also a higher percentage of oxen, sometimes as old as seven or eight years, probably indicating that some males are withdrawn from the breeding process and retained as a sort of "savings on the hoof".
Owners of large herds generally select males with a good conformation and offspring of old cows which have weaned a large number of calves as replacement bulls. This empirical, pedigree breeding is a simple method based on adaptability, hardiness, trypanotolerance and conformation (Devillard, 1985).
Average herd composition for the country according to the Livestock Division (FAO, 1985) is shown in Table 5.
Table 5. Cattle herd composition.
|
Age |
Male |
Age |
Female |
|
0-1 year |
10% |
0-1 year |
10% |
|
1-2 years |
8% |
1-2 years |
25% |
|
2-3 years |
8% |
2-3 years |
25% |
|
3-4 years |
6% |
3-4 years |
25% |
|
>4 years |
6% |
>4 years |
41% |
|
Total |
24% |
Total |
76% |
Source: FAO (1985).
4.3.3.3 WORK OXEN
The use of work oxen in Guinea is a major activity introduced in Central Guinea as early as 1925. Today animal traction is more widely used in Upper Guinea where 9% of the cattle are draught oxen while the national average is 4.2%. The number of draught oxen and distribution by region in 1983 is given in Table 6.
Table 6. Number and distribution of work oxen, 1983.
|
Region |
Number of cattle |
% of oxen |
Number of oxen (1) |
|
Lower Guinea |
292 920 |
1% |
2 900 |
|
Central Guinea |
1 084 801 |
2% |
21 700 |
|
Upper Guinea |
770 587 |
9% |
69 350 |
|
Forest Guinea |
159 721 |
3% |
4 700 |
|
Total |
2 306 029 |
4.2% |
98 650 |
(1) Calculated by authors. Source: Directorate of Livestock Production, Guinea (1983).
No recent data on small ruminants are available.
4.5.1 Research centres
4.5.2 Multiplication herds and development projects
All animal husbandry research in Guinea currently focuses on genetically improving beef and milk production of the N'Dama as well as its draught power. Attempts at crossbreeding using exotic breeds such as the Red Steppe have proved unsuccessful and have been discontinued. Research on natural pastures are also being conducted at national research centres listed in Table 7.
The three research centres no longer receive external aid.
The new livestock development strategy is based on N'Dama selection from the N'Dama Selection and Multiplication Centre at Boke, in the north of Lower Guinea.
The Centre which started its operations in 1981 with UNDP/FAO funding is under the State Secretariat for Livestock Production and Fisheries. In 1987, it maintained 282 head of N'Dama. Its objectives are to genetically improve the milk and beef production of the N'Dama as well as its animal power. Furthermore, the Centre provides training in animal health and livestock production for private traditional producers.
A second phase, expected to begin in July 1986, will focus mainly on the rural areas (extension and intensification of health measures, improvement of production and marketing conditions). The Boke centre will thus serve as a support and demonstration centre. The programme will involve about 250 000 cattle (Moustapha, 1986 and Sande, personal communication, 1987).
Between 1984 and 1986 Guinea received a total of US$ 218 000 for the construction and equipping of five veterinary centres and a small laboratory in Upper Guinea.
Table 7. National research centres in Guinea.
|
Name |
: Ditinn State Farm |
|
Organisation responsible |
: State Secretariat for Livestock Production and Fisheries |
|
Size |
: 1000 ha of natural pastures |
|
Breeds and numbers |
: In 1987 there were 87 head of N'Dama and 50 N'Dama x Red Steppe crossbreds but the latter are being phased out |
|
Objectives and activities |
: Genetic improvement of the N'Dama for milk and beef production and draught purposes. The Centre was selected by the Mano River Union (MRU) to implement the Programme for the Genetic Improvement of Trypanotolerant Livestock |
|
External aid |
: A feasibility study is envisaged prior to a request for funding by the EEC. |
|
Name |
: Famoyla State Farm |
|
Organisation responsible |
: State Secretariat for Livestock Production and Fisheries. |
|
Size |
: 1600 ha out of which 75 ha are cultivated and 80 ha are improved pastures. |
|
Breeds and numbers |
: Crossbreeding has been discontinued and reconversion with pure N'Dama is being carried out. In 1984, two thirds of the 60 head of cattle were N'Dama and one-third were crossbreeds. The latter are being phased out. |
|
Objectives and activities |
: Similar to those of Ditinn State Farm. |
|
Name |
: Foulaya National Agricultural Research Institute (INRAF) |
|
Organisation responsible |
: State Secretariat for Research |
|
Breeds and numbers |
: Crossbreeding has been discontinued and reconversion using pure N'Dama (50 head in 1983) is being carried out. The Centre was selected by MRU to implement the Programme for the Genetic Improvement of Trypanotolerant Livestock |
Source: Ly (1985) and Sande (personal communication, 1987).
A major project on the modernisation and development of the livestock sector is currently being implemented. The objective of the four-year project is to increase meat production by 75% and milk production by 95% within 20 years. It involves several phases one of which is the improvement of the present state of the livestock sector and the introduction of a private sector into livestock production development. A team of expatriate technical assistants, a training centre and a vaccination production unit will also be provided under the project. The total cost of the project to be funded by the World Bank, FAC, EEC, BADEA, the Government of Guinea and direct contributions from beneficiaries is estimated at US$ 22 million (Agri-Afrique, 1986a and 1986b; Marchés Tropicaux, 1986).
It should also be emphasis Ed that as part of its Programme for the Genetic Improvement of Trypanotolerant Cattle, the Mano River Union has selected the N'Dama Selection and Multiplication Centre at Boke, Ditinn State Farm and the National Agricultural Research Institute as part of the network.
Agri-Afrique. 1986a. Guinea: Prêt CCCE de 40 millions FF en faveur de l'élevage. Agri-Afrique 238, 6 May 1986.
Agri-Afrique. 1986b. Guinea: Vers la privatisation de l'élevage. Agri-Afrique 244, 9 September 1986.
BDPA (Bureau pour le développement de la production agricole). 1985. Projet de développement de l'élevage. Vol. I, Etude de faisabilité.
Devillard J M. 1985. Mission de consultation en génétique sur le centre de sélection, multiplication et amélioration du troupeau bovin N'Dama de Boké (Guinea). UNDP/FAO/GUI/78/007 project. 5 May-7 June 1985.
Direction générale de l'élevage, Guinea. 1983. Rapport sur la culture attelée.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 1983. Report to the Mano River Union of a preparatory assistance mission under the FAO Programme for the Control of African Animal Trypanosomiasis and Related Development. FAO, Rome, Italy.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 1985. Questionnaire on African animal trypanosomiasis in countries covered by Projects RAF/190-190/ITA. FAO projects GCP/RAF/190-191/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Ly B. 1985. Report on a consultation mission on the marketing and breeding of trypanotolerant cattle. FAO project GCP/RAF/190-191/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Marchés Tropicaux. 1986. Guinée: Elevage, Prochaine privatisation. Marchés Tropicaux 2125, 1 August 1986.
Moustapha A. 1986. Le Centre de sélection du bétail N'Dama, Boké. Report presented at the "Atelier de travail sur les nouvelles techniques de lutte contre la trypanosomiase animale africaine" held in Bamako, Mali, from 9-11 December 1985 under the FAO Programme for the Control of Animal Trypanosomiasis. FAO projects GCP/RAF/190-191/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Sande K. 1984. Country Report-Republic of Guinea. Presented at the first meeting to coordinate the activities in West Africa of the Programme for the Control of African Animal Trypanosomiasis and Related Development held in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
In view of the recent changes which have taken place in Guinea and which directly affected livestock production, the situation in this sector cannot be easily evaluated. The figures contained in this study, based on surveys and pilot censuses carried out in preparation for a national livestock development project, are significantly higher than those for 1976-77. However, they do give a better reflection of the actual situation.
With 45% of the total N'Dama population, Guinea accounts for the largest number of N'Dama cattle.
Within the last few years, three significant events have occurred in the livestock production sector:
· Liberalisation of the internal market with the suppression of State sales quotas· Discontinuation of crossbreeding of N'Dama with exotic breeds, consequently giving priority to projects on the improvement of the pure N'Dama breed
· The implementation in 1986 of a national project on the modernisation and development of the livestock sector following numerous studies.
In the light of the above decisions, the prospects for livestock production in Guinea appear promising and the country may be in a position once again to export improved N'Dama breeding stock.
