8.1 Background
8.2 Livestock numbers and distribution
8.3 Cattle
8.4 Sheep and goats
8.5 Research and development activities
8.6 Selected bibliography
8.7 Major changes since 1977
The Republic of Upper Volta was renamed Burkina Faso in August 1983.
The Directorate of Animal Husbandry is one of five technical directorates of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry. It comprises four central departments: the Department of Pastoral Resources, the Department of Animal Husbandry, the Animal Health Department and the Animal Products Inspectorate. Three structures, the Laboratory for Veterinary Research and Diagnosis, the National Veterinary Pharmacy (PHANAVET) and the Tsetse Eradication School (ELAT) (FAO, 1986a) are also attached to the Ministry.
The Regional Development Offices (ORD) have been replaced by 11 Provincial Agricultural Development Bodies (OPDA). The aim of these bodies is to develop agricultural production (animal and crop) and they comprise all decentralized bodies of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.
Data on human and animal populations of Burkina Faso are given in Table 1.
Table 1. Human and animal populations of Burkina Faso, 1984.
|
|
Country |
Study area | |
|
Human population (1984) | |||
|
|
- number |
6 836 000 |
5 600 000 |
|
|
- density |
25.5/km² |
27.5/km² |
|
Animal population (1984) | |||
|
|
- cattle |
3 000 000 |
1 800 000 |
|
|
- sheep |
2 100 000 |
1 200 000 |
|
|
- goats |
2 645 000 |
1 825 000 |
Source: Livestock Division (quoted by Ly, 1985).
Specific surveys on tsetse distribution have been conducted recently. Cuisance et al (1984) carried out a study in the Sidéradougou pastoral area and reported the presence of G. palpalis gambiensis, G. tachinoides and G. morsitans submorsitans. According to an FAO survey conducted in 1985-86 at Ceziet-Lanviera ranch near the village of Samorogouan, G. palpalis gambiensis, G. morsitans submorsitans and G. tachinoides are found throughout this region (FAO, 1986b).
Tsetse distribution surveys are also being conducted in Nouhao valley, within the framework of an integrated development project in the Eastern-Central region, with the assistance of GCP/RAF/191/ITA FAO project.
To facilitate comparisons with the last study and taking into account the fact that the new administrative divisions still do not have all the statistics, livestock numbers for 1982 are given under the former regions in Table 2.
Table 2. Livestock numbers and distribution in the former "departments" in 1982.
|
Department |
Cattle |
Sheep - Goats |
||||
|
Number |
% |
Density nb/km² |
Number |
% |
Density nb/km² |
|
|
Sahel |
574 000 |
20 |
15.6 |
797 000 |
18 |
21.6 |
|
Nord |
129 195 |
4.5 |
10.5 |
310 030 |
7 |
25.2 |
|
Centre-Nord |
258 390 |
9 |
11.9 |
664 350 |
15 |
30.8 |
|
Hauts-Bassins(*) |
200 970 |
7 |
8.1 |
398 610 |
9 |
16.1 |
|
Centre-Ouest |
258 390 |
9 |
22.9 |
265 740 |
6 |
10 |
|
Centre |
315 810 |
11 |
14.4 |
354 320 |
8 |
16.1 |
|
Centre-Est |
129 195 |
4.5 |
11.5 |
132 870 |
3 |
11.8 |
|
Est |
373 230 |
13 |
7.5 |
442 900 |
10 |
8.9 |
|
Volta-Noire |
373 230 |
13 |
11.3 |
531 480 |
12 |
16.1 |
|
Sud-Ouest |
129 195 |
4.5 |
7.4 |
265 740 |
6 |
15.2 |
|
Comoe |
129 195 |
4.5 |
7 |
265 740 |
6 |
14.4 |
|
Total |
2 871 000 |
100 |
10.4 |
4 429 000 |
100 |
16.2 |
(*) Bobo-Dioulasso and Diebougou OPDA.Source: Livestock Division statistical data (1984).
The 490 000 Méré or Baoulé and 510 000 zebu x humpless cattle account for almost two-thirds of the cattle population in Burkina Faso, the remaining 2 000 000 head being zebu. The latter are found mainly in the north of the country. Their geographic distribution and the degree of crossbreeding with humpless cattle depends on adaptability to the climate and their susceptibility to diseases, in particular trypanosomiasis. However, in the Western region, where the most fertile soils are found, the zebu can migrate far south during the dry season without serious trypanosomiasis risk. Abundant pasture can be found and adequate health treatment is provided (FAO, 1985).
8.3.1 Breed characterisation
8.3.2 Diseases
8.3.3 Herd management
A study of livestock in Burkina Faso was carried out in 1985 by the Sub-regional Development Aid Unit as part of an FAO programme for the eradication of animal trypanosomiasis. Most of the results presented below are from that study (FAO, 1985).
Distribution of the various breeds of cattle depends on latitude. The zebu is found in the north and the humpless breeds in the south with a transition zone of crossbreds between the 11th and 12th parallels (roughly between the 900 and 1000 mm isohyetes).
The zebu population consists of two breeds, the Sudanian Fulani Zebu which makes up almost the total cattle population and the Azouak, imported from Niger, of which there are only about a thousand head (FAO, 1985).
8.3.1.1 MERE OR BAOULE PRODUCTION TRAITS
A recent study on the production traits of humpless cattle was carried out in Poni province (Oumarou, 1986). The means for data collected on 51 herds consisting of 2498 head are given in Table 3.
Table 3. Baoulé production traits.
|
Fertility rate (n = 970) |
57.7% |
|
|
Age at first calving (n = 271) |
56 months |
|
|
Calving interval (n = 448) |
17 months |
|
|
Mortality rate |
||
|
|
of calves |
7.3% |
|
|
of heifers |
4.6% |
|
|
of cows |
1.2% |
|
Total |
5.2% |
|
|
Milk yield (n = 40) |
300 ml/d |
|
|
|
(250-600 ml) |
|
|
Birthweight |
||
|
|
of males (n = 4) |
9-13.5 kg |
|
|
of females (n = 4) |
9-12 kg |
|
|
mean (n = 8) |
11 kg |
|
Weight at 5 months |
39 kg |
|
|
Adult cow weight (n = 5) |
150 kg |
|
|
Average carcass yield (n = 7) |
42% |
|
Source: Oumarou (1986).
8.3.1.1.1 Index of productivity
Table 4 summarises estimates of the main productivity index required to calculate a productivity index giving the total weight of one year old calves produced per 100 kg of cow maintained per year. This productivity index is based on data collected under village conditions with average trypanosomiasis challenge for beef production.
Table 4. Baoulé productivity estimates under village conditions.
|
Cow viability (%) |
98.8 |
|
Calving rate (%) |
57.7 |
|
Calf viability to one year (%) |
92.7 |
|
Calf weight at one year (kg) |
70 (a) |
|
Annual milked-out yield (kg) |
50 (a) |
|
Productivity index per cow per year (kg) |
33.1 |
|
Adult cow weight (kg) |
50 |
|
Productivity index per 100-kg cow maintained per year (kg) |
28.6 |
(a) Estimates.
Source: Indexes calculated by authors.
8.3.1.2 ZEBU CROSSBREED X HUMPLESS CATTLE
No recent data on the productivity of crossbreds are available.
8.3.1.3 N'DAMA
The N'Dama breed is no longer found in Burkina Faso except for a few head kept on station and some zebu x N'Dama crossbreds in the south-west of the country.
8.3.1.4 ZEBU PRODUCTION TRAITS
Several surveys have been conducted to estimate the major production parameters of livestock in Burkina Faso (mainly zebu and zebu x humpless cattle crossbreds) (FAO, 1985). The results of these surveys are given in Table 5.
Table 5. Zebu production traits.
|
Fertility rate (%) |
60 | |
|
Mortality rate (%) | ||
|
|
0-1 year |
25-40 |
|
|
1-3 years |
3-10 |
|
|
Adults |
3 |
|
Offtake (%) |
11-12 | |
|
Annual growth rate (%) |
2 | |
Source: FAO (1985).
8.3.1.4.1 Index of productivity
Table 6 gives the major estimated production parameters required to calculate a productivity index giving the total weight of 1-year-old calves produced per 100 kg of cow raised per year. This index is based on data collected for beef production under village conditions with average trypanosomiasis risk.
Table 6. Zebu productivity estimates under village conditions.
|
Adult female viability (%) |
97 |
|
Calving rate (%) |
60 |
|
Calf viability to one year (%) |
60 |
|
Calf weight at 1 yr (kg) |
120 (a) |
|
Productivity index per cow per year (kg) |
43.8 |
|
Adult cow weight (kg) |
280 |
|
Productivity index per 100-kg cow maintained per year (kg) |
15.6 |
(a) Estimates
Source: Indices calculated by authors.
8.3.1.5 AZOUAK AND ITS CROSSES
No recent data have been collected on this breed. However, the numbers remain small and most are kept under station conditions.
In 1984 Burkina Faso carried out an "Emergency vaccination campaign against rinderpest" with FAO assistance. According to the last report of the Department of Animal Health submitted at an FAO/CILSS meeting (FAO, 1986), there were six reported foci of rinderpest in the central and southern parts of the country during the first semester of 1986. In 1985 there were seven foci in the north of the country alone. Isolated outbreaks of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia were also reported and four foci were reported in 1985. Other diseases are pasteurellosis, anthrax and blackquarter, tuberculosis and brucellosis.
Among parasitic diseases, trypanosomiasis is the major constraint to animal productivity. Almost all herds are vaccinated against the major contagious diseases. Herds are also treated with trypanocidal drugs when they migrate to tsetse infested areas. In this regard, the possibility of chemoresistance should be pointed out. According to a study carried out between 1982 and 1984, in the Bobo Dioulasso area (Authie, 1984) 13 strains of T. congolense were shown to be resistant to isometamidium, and seven of these were also resistant to Berenil.
The different animal husbandry systems in Burkina Faso are described in detail in an FAO study on livestock production in this country (FAO, 1985). Data presented below complement those presented in Volume 2 of this study.
8.3.3.1 HERD MANAGEMENT IN CROPPING AREAS
Sedentary livestock production is practiced in the south Sudan pastoral area and in the central region which has a high population density and by producers from traditionally pastoral ethnic groups. Once settled, these herders get involved in supplementary activities such as farming or trade, which require a fixed habitat.
In these regions livestock are generally owned by non-pastoralist ethnic groups primarily engaged in farming (Silmi-Mossi, Mossi, Bissa, Lobi). This accounts for the fact of their herds being sedentary.
The herds "home part" is the night park where the animals are generally guarded. The location of the night park is changed from time to time and the droppings collected for use as fertiliser on the pearl millet and sorghum fields of the producer/herder. Cattle graze mainly on natural pastures. Supplementary feeding with agro-industrial byproducts is rare. Dairy cows and sick animals are given a supplement of groundnut and cowpea haulms and millet and sorghum bran. When herds are kept for fattening, as is done by some farmers/herders in Pouytenga, Namentenga Province, the animals are given a maize supplement almost throughout the year. In September, some farmers take their herds out to "salt-lick areas" with a high content in sulphates and calcium carbonates for a "salt cure". The well-known are found in the Sahel zone north of Djelgodji.
8.3.3.2 TRANSHUMANCE
Livestock mobility (transhumance, nomadism, migration) is determined by ethnic group, pastoralists lifestyle and habitat of origin. The Fulani in Oudalan are nomads. In the Sahel and North Sudan zones and the Central region, however, they are transhumant pastoralists.
The Kel Tamacheck (Tuaregs and Bella) are all nomads. The Silmi-Mossi in Mossi country practice a very short transhumance and may be considered as sedentary.
Human and livestock migrations are practiced primarily by producers in the Gondo Burkinabé area, mainly in the west of Sourou (Barani District) who migrate to the Black Volta area and those in Djelgodji area who migrate to Gourma. In the case of the latter, migration along the north-east border of Mossi country has become a regular phenomenon since the 1973 drought.
Other areas of migrations may be found in west of Mossi country, particularly in Samo country.
8.3.3.3 HERD COMPOSITION
Herds may be divided into three categories according to size and composition:
· herds in which the animals are owned by several farmers; the herds are generally sedentary and never consist of more than 25 to 30 head· herds composed of animals owned by a Fulani "producer/herdsman", and animals owned by traders, farmers, civil servants. The average size is between 40 and 50 head
· herds owned mainly by a Fulani producer/owner. Herds of more than 120 head are divided into two or three groups depending on the size of available family labour. Herds may consist of between 10 and 200 head and sometimes 5000 head (FAO, 1985).
In 1986, FAO conducted a survey on herd composition in Gaoua region, on 51 Baoulé herds comprising 2498 head. The results are given in Table 7.
Table 7. Herd composition (%).
|
Females |
|
Males |
|
|
Cows |
35.5 |
Young bulls |
6.8 |
|
Heifers |
19.3 |
Steers |
15.0 |
|
Female calves |
9.2 |
Males calves |
9.8 |
|
|
|
Castrates |
4.4 |
|
Total |
64 |
|
36 |
Source: Oumarou (1986).
8.3.3.3 ANIMAL TRACTION
Animal traction was introduced in Burkina Faso about 30 years ago and is extensively used in areas in which cotton is cultivated (Bobo-Dioulasso, Dédougou). Few trypanotolerant cattle are used and most draught animals are zebu or zebu x humpless cattle. The zebu is preferred because it is easier to train, has a larger conformation and is found in large numbers in the humpless area.
The number of draught animals in the country is currently estimated at over 82 000 head (P H Starkey, Reading, UK, personal communication, 1986).
8.4.1 Sheep
8.4.2 Goats
8.4.3 Diseases
8.4.4 Herd management
Production parameters collected during a Small Ruminants Breeding Programme in Yatenga and Sahel ORDs in 1977 and quoted by Disset (1985) are given in Table 8.
Table 8. Production parameters for Mossi and Fulani sheep.
|
|
Mossi sheep |
Peul sheep |
|
Age at first lambing |
13.5 months |
13-15 months |
|
Cyclical prolificity |
100.2% |
100.3% |
|
Annual fertility rate |
103-105% |
75-84% |
|
Birth distribution |
2/3-3/4 |
3/4 |
|
|
Cold season |
Cold season |
|
Offtake |
16.45% |
19.5% |
Source: Results of the Yatenga Small Ruminants Project, quoted by Disset (1985).
Production parameters for Djallonké sheep collected at Sondré-east Station are presented in Table 9.
Table 9. Production traits for Djallonké sheep.
|
Age at first lambing |
13-14 months |
|
Lambing season |
Throughout the year |
|
Fecundity rate |
97% |
|
Cyclical prolificity rate |
118% |
|
Fertility rate |
115% |
|
Ewe productivity index |
0.77-1.06 weaned lamb |
Source: Results obtained at Sondré-east Ranch, quoted by Disset (1985).
Performance traits obtained by the Programme for the Development of Small Ruminants in Yatenga and Sahel ORDs in 1977 and quoted by Disset (1985) are given in Table 10.
Table 10. Performance traits for Mossi and Fulani goats.
|
|
Mossi goats |
Fulani goats |
|
Age at first kidding |
9-12 months |
- |
|
Annual fertility rate |
107% |
103% |
|
Annual fertility rate |
91% |
60-64% |
|
Kidding season |
Throught the year |
52-56% |
|
|
|
Cold season |
|
Offtake |
21% |
18.95% |
Source: Results Or the Yatenga Small Ruminants Project, quoted by Disset (1985)
There are still pathological differences between the north and south of the country. Malnutrition appears to be the major cause of disease in the north while the humid climate in the south is responsible for certain diseases most of which are parasitic diseases. Rinderpest is found throughout the country. Little information is available on other diseases (FAO, 1985).
The FAO report on animal husbandry in Burkina Faso describes various small ruminant production systems (FAO, 1985). Systems vary from north to south or central.
In the north animals are herded throughout the year by herdsmen. Goats may be allowed to graze freely during the dry season but are taken to water points at least once a day. Stocking rates by hectare are well above average and with the recent drought, the goat, which consumes even thorns, has been blamed for being destructive. A few night parks, milking or veterinary treatment pens are sometimes constructed with thorn branches.
The animals may be given a supplement of millet stalks, wheat bran or cotton seeds.
In the central part of the country animals are herded only during the cropping season. Following the harvest, they are allowed to roam around the compounds (zaka) consisting of between one and five family units. An enclosure is constructed for the animals within the compound. The droppings are collected from these enclosures once or twice a year for use as manure in the fields. Crop residues are fed to the animals as a supplement.
In the south and south-west, the animals graze freely almost all year round. During the cropping season, crops are protected from the animals which are confined to empty huts at night as a precaution against theft. As the droppings are rarely used as manure, confinement huts are never cleaned up.
Table 11 shows a typical herd composition.
Table 11. Typical herd composition for sheep and goats
|
|
Sheep |
Goats |
|
Males |
33.6 |
27.9 |
|
Females |
66.4 |
72.1 |
|
Breeding femeles |
41.4 |
39.0 |
|
0-1-year-old animals |
42.7 |
46.8 |
|
Dam young ratio |
1:1 |
1:1.2 |
Source: FAO (1985).
8.5.1 Research centres
8.5.2 Multiplication and extension
8.5.3 Development projects
The Animal Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (CRTA) has been continuing its studies on the biological control of G. palpalis gambiensis by the sterile male technique and the integrated control of tsetse in the Sidéradougou area. The Centre is funded by France (IEMVT) and RFA (GTZ). Since 1978 CRTA has been conducting a research programme on trypanotolerance, identification and characterization of trypanotolerant animals and resistance transmission and resistances mechanism. Furthermore, a cattle reproduction control programme with special emphasis on reproduction physiology, artificial insemination and embryo transfer was introduced in 1984.
The School for Tsetse Control (ELAT) is no longer funded by France and Germany, but FAO provides funds for training technical staff for tsetse control organisations in the subregion.
The Veterinary Research and Diagnosis Laboratory has been renovated and provided with laboratory equipment with funds provided by the Federal Republic of Germany. The bacteriology, virology-serology and parasitology units are already in operation. France has provided technical assistance for the preparation of an epidemiological map of the country (FAO, 1986a).
The Burkinabe Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute (IBRAZ) has planned a Livestock Research Programme to be implemented at Saria Agricultural Station in the Sudano-Sahelian zone. The programme will focus mainly on small ruminants and the following activities: improvement of local breeds, production systems and feed regimes. The four-year project is estimated at 412 million CFA francs.
In 1985, Samandéni Station located near Bobo Dioulasso maintained 103 Baoulé and zebu x Baoulé crossbreeds on 1150 ha. The station has a stocking capacity of 250 cattle head. New activity programmes are currently being studied (Kaboret, 1985).
Banankélédaga Station maintains almost 250 head of Baoulé, zebu and N'Dama cattle owned by CRTA and about 150 sheep belonging to the Directorate of Animal Husbandry.
Matourkou Training Centre and Farako-Ba Station maintain demonstration herds for teaching purposes.
With regard to development projects presented in Volume 2, the Village Livestock Breeding Project and Project to improve Village Herds in Banfora ORD have been completed.
The Voltas Basin Development Project (AVV), and the Banfora Feed-lot and Work Oxen Assistance Project continue their activities. The West Volta Livestock Project (PEOV) continues its activities on beef production on a reduced scale. The project is directed by the Bobo Dioulasso and Dédougou OPDA.
Since then, other trypanotolerant livestock projects have been set up. The main ones are described in Table 12.
Table 12. Development projects.
|
Title and description |
Donor-cost (in '000 CFA) |
|
Development of Sondre-Est pastoral zone |
Donor: The Netherlands |
|
Livestock Project in Haut-Bassins and Comoé ORDs |
Donor: FED |
|
Integrated rural development of Centre-Est ORD |
Donor: Italy-FAO |
|
Léo feedlot and pastoral zone |
Donor: The Netherlands |
Source: FAO (1985).
FAO implemented two regional projects in Burkina Faso funded by the Italian Government in 1983 as part of the FAO Programme for the Control of African Animal Trypanosomiasis and Development of Affected areas. The two projects, entitled "Improvement, multiplication and conservation of trypanotolerant livestock in West Africa" and "Sub-regional Support Unit for Development within the framework of the Programme for the Control of African Animal Trypanosomiasis and Development" of Affected areas are based in Ouagadougou. They provide methodological support in areas within their scope in various countries of the subregion. Duration for both projects is five years.
In 1986, an FAO project formulation mission identified a project for the Control of African Animal Trypanosomiasis in the Niger River Basin (Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso) (FAO, 1986c) to be funded within the framework of the FAO programme for the control of African animal trypanosomiasis. UNDP was approached and expressed interest in the project which should begin in 1987.
Burkina Faso as well as the other countries of the "Conseil de l'Entente" received assistance in 1987 from the FAO for the preparation of a transhumant movement map, as part of a technical cooperation programme.
Authie E.1984. Mise en évidence d'une résistance aux trypanocides parmi des souches des Trypanosoma congolense récemment isolées au Burkina Revue d'élevage et de médecine vétérinaire des pays tropicaux, numéro spécial. pp. 219-235.
Cuisance D, Politzar H, Tamboura I, Merot P and Lamarque G. 1984. Répartition des glossines dans la zone pastorale d'accueil de Sidéradougou, Burkina. Revue d'élevage et de médecine vétérinaire des pays tropicaux, numéro spécial. pp. 99-114.
Direction de l'Elevage, Burkina Faso. 1984. Données statistiques.
Disset R. 1985. Etude particulière de l'élevage des petite ruminants au Burkina Faso. Consultation mission for FAO project GCP/RAF/191/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 1986a. Consultants' report on the improvement of animal health services in CILSS member countries. Vol. II: Country reports and project proposals. Consultations held in Banjul, The Gambia, 23-27 June 1986. FAO, Rome, Italy.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 1986b. Fact finding mission to Ceziet-Lanviera Ranch. FAO project GCP/RAF/191/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 1986c. Projet de lutte contre la typanosomiase animale africaine dans le Bassin du Fleuve Niger (respectivement au Niger, au Benin et au Burkina Faso). Présentation du projet au programme des Nations Unies pour le Développement (Fonds Mondial de Développement). FAO project GCP/RAF/191/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Kaboret A. 1985. Etude de redynamisation de la station d'élevage bovin de Samandéni. Thesis submitted at the end of a course sponsored by FAO project GCP/RAF/190/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Ly B. 1985. Consultation mission on the marketing and multiplication of trypanotolerant cattle. FAO project GCP/RAF/190/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Oumarou S. 1986. Contribution à l'Etude des paramètres de l'élevage bovin (taurins) dans la province du Poni (ou "pays Lobi"). Thesis submitted at the end of a course sponsored by FAO project GCP/RAF/191/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Various reforms, including some in the livestock sector, are currently being carried out in Burkina Faso, formerly Upper Volta.
Cattle, sheep and goat populations increased during the study period. However, cattle distribution by breed has changed significantly. In 1977, zebu accounted for 33% of the cattle population in this area. By 1984, this figure had increased to over 45%! The Shorthorn population has remained static (484 000 head in 1977 and 490 000 head in 1983) and their relative importance in national livestock production has decreased.
Major development projects are currently being implemented in the south of the country. Their main objective, however, is not the development of Shorthorn production but the development of reception areas for zebu migrating from the Sahel.
The main bodies currently working on trypanotolerant livestock in Burkina Faso are CRTA, which is carrying out research on trypanotolerance in Burkina Faso, and FAO, which in 1982 implemented two regional projects as part of its Programme for the Control of African Animal Trypanosomiasis and Development of Affected Areas.
