10.1 Background
10.2 Livestock numbers and distribution
10.3 Battle
10.4 Sheep and goats
10.5 Research and development activities
10.6 Selected bibliography
10.7 Major changes since 1977
In 1984, following a reorganization of the regions, Upper Region was divided up into Upper East Region and Upper West Region.
Recent data for the country are given in Table 1.
Table 1. Human and animal populations of Ghana, 1983 and 1984.
|
Human population (1984) | ||
|
|
- number |
12 205 574 |
|
|
- density |
51.1/km² |
|
Animal population(1983) | ||
|
|
- cattle |
1 002 015 |
|
|
- sheep |
1 554 760 |
|
|
- goat |
1 282 677 |
Sources: For human population: population census office, Accra, 1984. For animal population, Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, 1985.
Between 1979 and 1983 the Government of Ghana, in collaboration with the Federal Republic of Germany, conducted a survey on tsetse distribution in the Upper and Northern Region as part of the Ghanaian-German Tsetse Fly Control Project (Taylor, 1984; Gyening, 1985).
According to the survey, G. palpalis palpalis and G. tachinoides are found in areas bordering the major rivers. However, tsetse infestation is relatively low except in areas around the Red Volta which have a high level of infestation. The two riverine species are also found in the Yendi, Tamale, Walewale and Bambilla areas in the Northern Region, and in Damongo and Bole areas, where G. morsitans submortisans are also found.
Table 2 gives estimates of livestock population by species and region as published by the Ministry of Agriculture for 1983.
According to these figures, the distribution of cattle remains uneven. Upper and Northern Regions account for 73.7% of the national herd and the plains of Greater Accra and Volta Regions for 18.2%.
Sheep and goats are also heavily concentrated in the north. Upper and Northern Regions account for 40% of the sheep and 40% of the goat populations
Table 2. Livestock numbers in Ghana, 1983.
|
Region |
Cattle |
Sheep |
Goats |
|||
|
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
|
|
Upper |
392 597 |
39.1 |
339 353 |
21.8 |
303 085 |
23.6 |
|
Northern |
348 349 |
34.8 |
276 016 |
17.8 |
238 063 |
18.5 |
|
Brong Ahafo |
37 606 |
3.7 |
312 651 |
20.2 |
274 691 |
21.4 |
|
Ashanti |
11 248 |
1.2 |
167 060 |
10.7 |
117 399 |
9.2 |
|
Western |
4 306 |
0.4 |
203 353 |
13 |
96 936 |
7.6 |
|
Eastern |
20 534 |
2.1 |
185 145 |
12 |
184 529 |
14.3 |
|
Volta |
89 407 |
9 |
- |
|
- |
|
|
Greater Accra |
93 166 |
9.3 |
- |
|
- |
|
|
Total |
1 002 015 |
100 |
1 554 760 |
100 |
1 282 677 |
100 |
Source: Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, 1984.
Table 3 gives the cattle, sheep and goat populations in Ghana between 1973 and 1983. According to the Table, the animal population increased at a regular rate between 1973 and 1981. In 1982, the number fell due mainly to the effects of drought.
Table 3. Livestock population, 1973-83.
|
Year |
Cattle |
Sheep |
Goats |
|
1973 |
729 448 |
906 102 |
744 114 |
|
1974 |
744 602 |
902 236 |
779 084 |
|
1975 |
776 608 |
905 767 |
790 428 |
|
1976 |
790 601 |
900 466 |
874 200 |
|
1977 |
823 661 |
1 129 850 |
980 742 |
|
1978 |
835 912 |
1 107 946 |
1 314 664 |
|
1979 |
857 004 |
1 314 664 |
1 303 889 |
|
1980 |
876 841 |
1 449 418 |
1 303 889 |
|
1981 |
947 112 |
1 672 014 |
1 406 970 |
|
1982 |
924 697 |
1 482 274 |
1 215 059 |
|
1983 |
1 002 015 |
1 553 760 |
1 282 677 |
Source: Veterinary Services Department, Ministry of Agriculture, 1984.
10.3.1 Breed characterisation
10.3.2 Diseases
10.3.3 Herd management and composition
Cattle breed distribution according to region in Ghana, estimated from census figures provided by the Veterinary Services Department (1983), are given in Table 4.
Trypanotolerant cattle account for 86% of the cattle population of Ghana which is estimated at over 1 000 000 head. The Ghana Shorthorn accounts for 83% of the trypanotolerant cattle population, the N'Dama 3% and a nucleus herd of Muturu in the Western Region 0.03%.
The remainder of the national herd consists of Sanga cattle, a cross between WAS and zebu (12.4%) and zebu cattle (0.8%). Zebu (White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali types), are imported from Nigeria. Some Nellore Zebu have also been imported from Brazil.
Some state and privately owned farms still maintain some exotic breeds (Frisonne, Jersey, Hereford) from countries with temperate climates.
Table 4. Cattle number and breed distribution in Ghana, 1983.
|
Region |
Zebus |
Sanga |
N'Dama |
Ghana S. |
Muturu |
Total |
|
Upper |
3 446 |
39 389 |
8 964 |
344 798 |
- |
392 597 |
|
Northern |
665 |
11 161 |
6 880 |
330 038 |
- |
348 744 |
|
B/Ahafo |
787 |
2 196 |
3 711 |
39 912 |
- |
37 606 |
|
Ashanti |
838 |
1 484 |
1 534 |
7 392 |
- |
11 248 |
|
Western |
5 |
13 |
102 |
4 119 |
67 |
4 306 |
|
Central |
|
4 286 |
|
121 |
- |
4 407 |
|
Eastern |
811 |
6 580 |
2 852 |
10 291 |
- |
20 534 |
|
Volta |
526 |
29 337 |
3 871 |
55 673 |
- |
89 407 |
|
S/Accra |
1 000 |
29 992 |
2 247 |
59 927 |
- |
93 166 |
|
Total |
8 078 |
124 438 |
30 161 |
839 271 |
67 |
1 002 015 |
|
% |
0.8 |
12.42 |
3.02 |
83.76 |
0.03 |
100 |
Source: Veterinary Services Department, 1984.
Cattle production under traditional management accounts for 99.2% of the cattle population of Ghana. Only 0.8% of the cattle population is raised on ranches or research stations.
The only recent data available are for the Ghana Shorthorn and the Sokoto Gudali Zebu.
10.3.1.1 GHANA SHORTHORN PRODUCTION TRAITS
Table 5 gives the major production parameters for Ghana Shorthorn maintained at the Agricultural Research station, Legon, according to Millar (1979).
Table 5. Ghana Shorthorn production parameters.
|
Age at first calving |
47.9 ± 11.3 months (n = 33, cv = 25.7 %) |
|
Interval between first and second carvings |
18.9 ± 8.9 months (n = 27, cv = 47.1 %) |
|
Calving intervals |
16.7 ± 1.7 months (n = 82, cv = 10.2 %) |
|
Calf mortality |
109 calves, 10 pre-weaning deaths = 10 % |
Source Millar (1979).
10.3.1.1.1 Productivity index
Estimates of the major production parameters required to calculate a productivity index going total weight of one year old calves per 100 kg of cow maintained per year are given in Table 6. This index is based on data collected at the Agricultural Research Station, Legon, and on estimates.
Table 6. Ghana Shorthorn productivity estimates.
|
Adult cow viability |
96 (a) |
|
Calving rate (%) |
71 |
|
Calf viability to one year (%) |
90 |
|
Calf weight at one year (kg) |
135 (a) |
|
Productivity index per cow per year (kg) |
88 |
|
Cow weight (kg) |
180 (a) |
|
Productivity index per 100-kg cow maintained per year (kg) |
48.8 |
(a) Estimates
Source: Index calculated by authors.
10.3.1.2 GHANAIAN SANGA
No recent data for production parameters for this breed are available.
10.3.1.3 N'DAMA
Recent data on N'Dama are not available.
10.3.1.4 WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHORTHORN
No recent data have been collected on this breed.
10.3.1.5 ZEBU PRODUCTION TRAITS
The different parameters obtained for Ghana Shorthorn were compared with those for Sokoto Gudali Zebu raised under similar conditions. The data are given in Table 7.
Table 7. Sokoto Gudali Zebu production traits.
|
Age at first calving |
43.4 ± 7.9 months (n = 24, cv = 18.2 %) |
|
Interval between first and second calving |
17.1 ± 7.5 months (n = 27, cv = 44.1%) |
|
Calving interval |
15.6 ± 2.4 months (n = 27, cv = 15.4 %) |
|
Calf mortality |
129 calves, 8 preweaning deaths = 6.2 % |
Source: Millar (1979).
10.3.1.5.1 Productivity index
Productivity index for Sokoto Gudali Zebu based on the production traits given above and on estimates are presented in Table 8.
Table 8. Sokoto Gudali Zebu productivity estimates.
|
Adult cow viability (%) |
95 (a) |
|
Calving rate (%) |
76 |
|
Calf viability to one year (%) |
93.8 |
|
Calf weight at one year (kg) |
100 (a) |
|
Productivity index per cow per year (kg) |
71.1 |
|
Cow weight |
180 (a) |
|
Productivity index/100-kg cow maintained/annum (kg) |
40.6 |
(a) Estimates.
Source: Index calculated by authors.
Rinderpest and other endemic diseases such as contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, streptothricosis, trypanosomiases and anthrax are under control. Gyening (1985) noted that 25 482 trypanosomiasis treatments were provided by the health unit of the Department of Veterinary Services in 1982.
In the 1930s animal traction was introduced into Upper Region and used by 3000 farmers. However, with the introduction of mechanised farming in 1957, the use of draught power which was promising fell sharply.
Its use was encouraged in Pong Tamale Region in the north in 1970 when difficulties were encountered in obtaining spare parts for tractors. Assistance was provided by various missions including GTZ, with the support of the Government.
The Ghanaian German Agricultural Development Project (GGADP) was started in 1974 in the Northern and Upper Regions. In December 1979, there were 5000 farms in the Northern Region and 1000 in the Upper Region using animal traction (Munzinger, 1982; Norrip Technical Unit and Wardrop Deloitte, 1984). According to Starkey, the number of draught oxen in 1986 was estimated at 20 000 head (P H Starkey, Reading, UK, personal communication, 1986).
10.4.1.1 SHEEP PRODUCTION TRAITS
Recent data for productivity performance of West African Dwarf Shorthorn (WAD) and Nungua Blackhead (NBH) are given in Table 9.
Table 9. West African Dwarf (WAD) and Nungua Blackhead (NBH) productivity traits.
|
|
Mean |
WAD standard deviation |
Mean |
NBH standard deviation |
|
Fertility |
0.79 |
0.17 |
0.72 |
0.14 |
|
Prolificacy |
1.51 |
0.26 |
1.02 |
0.2 |
|
% of lambs surviving after weaning |
0.84 |
0.11 |
0.94 |
0.05 |
|
Lambing % per ewe serviced |
1.19 |
0.31 |
0.89 |
0.26 |
|
Birthweight (kg) |
1.3 |
0.09 |
2.2 |
0.07 |
|
Weight at weaning (kg) |
5.8 |
0.28 |
9.8 |
0.24 |
Source: Ngere et al (1981).
10.4.1.2 GOATS
No recent data could be obtained on goats.
10.5.1 Research centres
10.5.2 Development and multiplication activities
The research stations of the University of Ghana, Kumasi University and Achimota Animal Research Institute continue to carry out their various research activities.
Recent data for agricultural stations of the University of Ghana are unavailable.
There are no recent data on livestock numbers on State Farms, Animal Husbandry Farms, Shai Hills Ranch or ranches operated by the Ghana Livestock Company.
Of the 12 farms managed by the Animal Husbandry Service, five have ceased operation.
Artificial insemination of cattle, within the framework of development activities in breeding stations, are no longer carried out at the following research stations:
· Sogakope in Volta Region
· Pong Tamale in Northern Region
· Kasua in Greater Region.
Semen from Brahman, Droughtmaster, Bradford, Frisonne and Sahiwal breeds, imported from Kenya, was used in the three stations.
No recent data could be obtained on the livestock production aspect of the Ghanaian-German Fertilising Project.
Development activities in Northern Region are carried out by two important institutions, the Upper Region Agricultural Development Programme (URADEP) started in 1977 and the Northern Region Integrated Programme (NORRIP) launched in 1970.
URADEP aims to improve agricultural production by initiating various integrated rural development programmes in Upper Region. This body was funded by the World Bank, Britain and the Federal Republic of Germany. NORRIP, which is funded by CIDA, conducts similar activities in the Northern Region.
In 1983 the Sheep and Goat Production Development Project being implemented on Ejura Farm maintained 880 sheep and 140 goats. Most of the ewes are crossed with the Sahel breed with the aim of improving format, and distributing taller animals to village breeders. The project also aims to improve traditional livestock management in seven villages (Vallerand, 1983).
Other stations involved in sheep and goat production are The Sheep and Goat Diseases Research Station at Techiman which has 400 animals including 180 ewes and 12 goats, and the Juaso Sheep Production on Oil Palm Plantation Station, which maintains 320 sheep.
With regard to new activities, the Aveyime Cattle Breeding Project, launched in 1974 with 50 head of cattle and the assistance of the Government of Italy, was revitalised in November 1984 with funding from EEC and 1200 head of cattle. This number is expected to reach 2000 head by the end of the fifth year of the project.
Its primary objective is beef production. However, it will also be involved in intensive training and extension activities designed to help local farmers improve their beef production.
A new company, Wulugu Livestock Company established in 1980, is also involved in livestock production. Located in Northern Region, 80% of its funds are provided by the Bank of Ghana. It maintains 700 head of West African Shorthorn and its objectives are to provide rural breeding stock draught animals and assistance to traditional farmers.
In 1985, as part of its Animal Trypanosomiasis Control and Related Development Programme, an FAO Project Formulating Mission visited Ghana to assist the Ghana Government in planning "Development in Onchocercosis Freed Areas of Northern and Upper Regions" projects. Consequently, the following projects were formulated:
· Livestock Development Assistance in Onchocercosis-Freed Resettlement Areas ofNorth Ghana
· West African Shorthorn Breeding and Selection Centre. Training and Technical
Assistance Centre for the extension service of the Animal Husbandry Department (FAO, 1985).
A second FAO mission visited Ghana in 1986, to conduct feasibility studies on the second project (FAO, 1986).
Animal Husbandry Department, Ghana. 1985. Livestock statistics 1979-1984.
Assogbakpe F. 1985. Consultation mission on the marketing and multiplication of trypanotolerant livestock. FAO project GCP/RAF/190/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 1985. Mission report on livestock development in onchocerciasis control/tsetse areas of Ghana. FAO, Rome, Italy.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 1986. Feasibility study for "improvement and promotion centre for the West African Shorthorn Cattle breed". FAO projects GCP/RAF/190-191/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Gyening K O. 1985. Desk study for preparatory assistance mission to Ghana.
Millar D. 1979. Relationship between inbreeding levels and some reproductive performance traits in West African Shorthorn and Sokoto Gudali cows at Agricultural Research Station, Legon. Department of Animal Science, Ghana University, Legon, Ghana. 52 pp.
Ngere L O and Aboagye G. 1981. Reproductive performance of the West African Dwarf and the Nungua Blackhead sheep of Ghana. Animal Production (UK) 33:249-252.
Norrip Technical Unit and Wardrop Deloitte. 1984. Programme Proposal No. 8. Animal traction, IDA 2 and 3, July.
Taylor J K. 1985. Ghana country report. Presented at the first coordinating meeting of the activities in West Africa of the Programme for African Animal Trypanosomiasis Control and Development of Affected Areas held in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Vallerand F. 1983. Mission report to West Africa (Togo, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire). FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), Rome, Italy.
Veterinary Services Department, Ghana. 1984. Livestock disease control statistics 1973-1983, Appendices A, B, C.
The livestock population increased steadily during the study period. The West African Shorthorn remains the dominant cattle breed, accounting for 84% of the total cattle population. Compared with neighbouring countries, the zebu and zebu x Shorthorn populations have not increased in Ghana (at least until 1983, when data were last available).
The government is currently making major efforts to develop and support livestock production in the northern part of the country. With the creation of Upper West Region and the priority accorded to it in development activities, a programme to improve and develop the West African Shorthorn should be introduced shortly. The programme would trigger awareness among producers about the need to conserve their animals as pure breds and improve their format to meet the increasing demand for draught animals.
