12.1 Background
12.2 Livestock numbers and distribution
12.3 Cattle
12.4 Sheep and goats
12.5 Research and development activities
12.6 Selected bibliography
12.7 Major changes since 1977
Following the last cabinet reshuffling in 1984 resulted the Ministry of State Farms, Livestock Production and Fisheries created in 1980 and charge of Livestock Production, Water Resources, Forestry and Hunting, Fisheries and State Farms, was reintegrated into the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperative Action (MDRAC) of which it was originally a part.
SODERA (Animal Resources Development Company) was dissolved in 1984 and its operations taken over by two new structures:
- The Directorate of State Farms a new department was created with the same status as the Directorate of Livestock Production and Fisheries.- OBEPEP (Benin Office for the Management of Livestock and Fisheries Products) was also set up.
The National Directorate of Livestock Production and Animal Industries which is under the MDRAC was recently transferred from Parakou to Cotonou. A Trypanosomiasis Division has been created within this Directorate.
Livestock production services are provided in the six administrative regions of the country by the Livestock Production and Animal Industries Divisions (DEIA). DEIA heads were deployed in Regional Action Centres (CARDER) set up by the Ministry of Rural Development in 1975. The CARDER are involved in all activities relating to regional livestock production, agriculture, water resources and forestry, fisheries and packaging (Codjia, 1984; Assogbakpe, 1985).
Livestock production zones were recently created in each province with the supervision of DEIA staff.
Data for human and animal populations of the country are given in Table 1.
Table 1. Human and animal populations of Benin, 1984.
|
Human population (1984) |
||
|
|
- number |
3 833 000 |
|
|
- density |
34/km² |
|
Animal population (1984) |
||
|
|
- cattle |
922 000 |
|
|
- sheep |
1 242 900 |
|
|
- goats |
1 093 200 |
Source: For human population projections (+ 2.8%) from 1979 census. For animal population, 1983/84 estimates by the Livestock Production Service (quoted by Assogbakpe, 1985).
No survey on tsetse distribution has been conducted since 1978. However, Glossina fuscipleuris is found in the south-east region near Porto Novo (Codjia, personal communications, 1986).
The livestock population of the six provinces in 1983/84 are given in Table 2.
Table 2. Livestock numbers and distribution, 1983/84.
|
Province |
Cattle |
Sheep |
Goats |
|||
|
Numbers |
% (*) |
Numbers |
% (*) |
Numbers |
% (*) |
|
|
Borgou |
600 000 |
65 |
571 900 |
46 |
364 900 |
33.4 |
|
Atacora |
215 000 |
23.3 |
222 600 |
18 |
260 000 |
23.6 |
|
Zou |
60 000 |
6.5 |
253 000 |
20.3 |
244 000 |
22.3 |
|
Ouémé |
23 000 |
2.5 |
81 500 |
6.5 |
94 200 |
8.5 |
|
Atlantic |
15 000 |
1.7 |
18 600 |
1.5 |
40 100 |
3.7 |
|
Mono |
9 000 |
1 |
95 300 |
7.7 |
90 000 |
8.5 |
|
Total |
922 000 |
100 |
1 242 900 |
100 |
1 093 200 |
100 |
(*) Percentage of national herd.
Source: Livestock Production Departments, 1983/84 estimates.
Cattle distribution by breed, according to data provided by the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperative Action is shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Livestock breeds and numbers by region, 1983/84.
|
Provinces |
N'Dama |
Lagune |
Somba |
Borgou |
Zebu |
Crosses |
||
|
L x B |
S x B |
Z x B |
||||||
|
Borgou |
|
- |
- |
30% |
25% |
- |
- |
45% |
|
Atacora |
|
- |
26.8% |
54.8% |
1.4% |
5.8% |
- |
11.2% |
|
Zou |
|
15% |
- |
15% |
5% |
65% |
- |
- |
|
Ouémé |
|
40% |
- |
35% |
25% |
- |
- |
- |
|
Atlantic |
|
80% |
- |
- |
- |
- |
20% |
- |
|
Mono |
|
80% |
- |
10% |
2% |
8% |
- |
- |
|
Total |
500 |
37 500 |
58 000 |
316 000 |
162 000 |
- |
348 000 |
- |
Source: FAO (1986).
In 1984, there were an estimated 760 000 head of trypanotolerant cattle in the People's Republic of Benin. However, they are gradually being absorbed by zebu.
The largest group are the crossbreds, 30% of which are N'Dama x Borgou crossbreeds.
The distribution of cattle breeds in Benin is undergoing profound changes and the number of zebu x Borgou crossbreds given in Table 3 is certainly grossly underestimated. In fact, several cattle owners have complained that pure Borgou bulls can no longer be found.
12.3.1 Breed description
12.3.2 Diseases
12.3.3 Herd management and composition
12.3.1.1 LAGUNE PRODUCTION
Data on production traits for Lagune maintained under village conditions were collected in 1984 and compared with those obtained under improved management conditions. The results appear in Table 4.
Table 4. Lagune production traits under traditional management and under improved conditions.
|
|
Traditional management |
Improved management |
|
|
Age at first calving |
36-48 months (a) |
24-36 months (a) |
|
|
Fecundity rate |
35-45% |
58% |
|
|
Calving interval |
730 d(a) |
365 d(a) |
|
|
Mortality rate (year) |
7% |
5% |
|
|
Birthweight |
|||
|
|
- female |
12 kg |
11 kg |
|
|
- male |
10 kg |
10 kg |
|
Weaning weight |
|||
|
|
(14 m) female |
45-50 kg |
85 kg |
|
|
(12 m) male |
34-40 kg |
83 kg |
|
Mature weight |
120 kg |
152 kg |
|
|
Liveweight at slaughter |
120-150 kg |
||
(a) Estimates.
Source: Samiondji Farm (1984).
Sintondji (1984) indicates an age at first calving (calculated for 17 cows) of 29 months and 3 days, a calving interval of 13 months and 18 days (based on 25 females and 60 calving intervals).
12.3.1.1.1 Productivity index
Table 5 gives estimates of the main production parameters required to calculate a productivity index giving the total weight of 1-year-old calves per 100 kg of cow maintained per year. This index is computed from data collected under village conditions and given in Table 4 and data from Samiondji Farm (Annual Report, 1984).
Table 5. Lagune productivity estimates under traditional management and station conditions.
|
|
T |
I (a) |
|
Cow viability (%) |
95 (b) |
94 |
|
Calving rate (%) |
45 |
45 |
|
Calf viability to 1 year (%) |
93 |
78 |
|
Calf weight at 1 year (kg) |
40 |
85.2 |
|
Productivity index per cow per year (kg) |
17.2 |
30.8 |
|
Cow weight (kg) |
120 |
152 |
|
Productivity index per 100-kg cow maintained per year (kg) |
14.3 |
20.3 |
(a) T = Traditional management system; I = Improved conditions.
(b) Estimate.
Source: Index calculated by authors.
12.3.1.2 SOMBA
In 1984, Boukoumbe region, the original area of the Somba breed had an estimated 17 000 head of pure Somba. However, there is a high risk of crossbreeding with zebu and Borgou.
Monitoring control herds in Atacora by the Benin Project for the Rural Development of Atacora, launched in 1983, herds in Atacora. The Livestock should result in the future in availability of data on the productivity of this race. Currently, the Livestock Production Department in Atocara Province has no data on this breed.
12.3.1.3 BORGOU
The number of pure Borgou is gradually decreasing.
The breed is a stabilised cross between the West African Shorthorn and the zebu. It still retains its coat colour and outward characteristics. However, with the gradual infusion of zebu blood, there is a risk that the Borgou may lose its characteristics and in particular, its trypanotolerance trait.
12.3.1.3.1 Production traits
Auer (1983/1984) reported an age at first calving of 50 months, calving interval of 20 months, and an estimated milk yield of 500 g/d for pure Borgou. Estimated weight at various ages, calculated from measurements, is given in Table 6. The data are for control herds in Atacora.
Table 6. Estimated weight of Borgou under traditional management from their measurements.
|
|
Females |
Males |
Total |
|||
|
Number |
Weight (kg) |
Number |
Weight (kg) |
Number |
Weight (kg) |
|
|
1 year |
5 |
79 |
7 |
79 |
12 |
79 |
|
5 years |
12 |
184 |
91 |
190 |
103 |
190 |
|
10 years |
1 |
157 |
48 |
199 |
49 |
188 |
Source: Auer (1983/84).
12.3.1.3.2. Productivity index
Table 7 summarises the estimates of the main production traits required to compute a productivity index giving total weight of 1-year-old calves per 100-kg cow per year. This productivity index is calculated from data collected at M'Bétécoucou Ranch (Lopez, 1985).
Table 7. Borgou production traits, M'Bétécoucou ranch.
|
Cow viability (%) |
96.7 |
|
Calving rate (%) |
70.2 |
|
Calf viability to 1 year (%) |
95 |
|
Calf weight to 1 year (kg) |
110 (a) |
|
Productivity index per cow per year (kg) |
74.5 |
|
Cow weight (kg) |
225 |
|
Productivity index per 100-kg cow maintained per year (kg) |
33.2 |
(a) Estimate. Source: Index calculated by authors.
12.3.1.4 PABLI
It appears that this breed is extinct.
12.3.1.5 CROSSBREDS
The number of crossbreds in the total cattle population of Benin is increasing. In descending order of importance, this group includes zebu x Borgou, Borgou x Somba and Borgou or zebu x Lagune crossbreds.
Producers are currently interested in having larger-framed draught animals through increased crossbreeding.
12.3.1.5.1 Performance traits
Lagune x Borgou productivity estimates obtained during a livestock production monitoring exercice of 15 control herds totalling 754 head are given in Table 8 (Auer and Auer, 1982).
Table 8. Lagune x Borgou production estimates under village conditions.
|
Age at first calving (n=316) |
54 months (41-64) |
|
Calving interval (n=523) |
19 months (13-27) |
|
Fecundity rate |
63 % |
|
Female calf mortality rate |
45 % |
|
Male calf mortality rate |
55 % |
|
Adult mortality rate |
15 % |
|
Calf birthweight |
8 kg |
|
Culled cow weight (at 13 years) |
179 kg |
|
Weight of 3-year-old steers |
136 kg |
|
Milk yield |
200-500 g/d |
Source: Auer and Auer (1982).
FAO (1986) reported a fecundity rate of 100% for 20 zebu x Borgou cows maintained at the Etoile Monastery. Daily milk yield was estimated at 1.25 kg per cow and young bull weight at 15 months at 180 kg. These animals are given trypanocidal treatment and a supplement of mineral salts, yam, cassava and brewer's dregs.
A detailed description of the disease situation was given in the report of an FAO (1981) Preparatory Assistance mission to the Republic of Benin. Rinderpest and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia are a threat in some provinces. Pasteurellosis is endemic. Blackquarter is reported mainly in Borgou.
Streptothricosis, tuberculosis and foot-and-mouth disease have also been reported.
Examinations carried out by Carder Diagnostic Laboratory at Atacora indicate that the rate of infestation by tick borne parasites (babesia and trypanosoma), strongylus, paramphistoman and coccidiae is high for some herds (MDRAC, 1986).
Trypanosomiasis is widespread in the north and south of the country. In 1984, a total of 39 outbreaks were reported in Mono Province (FAO, 1986).
The different livestock management systems are described in detail in the report on the National Technical Round Table on Trypanotolerant Cattle Production in Benin (MDRAC, 1986). In Benin, 99.4% of livestock are produced in the traditional management system and 0.69% on ranches or in research stations.
Production systems vary, depending on the region. In Atacora in the northeast of Benin, transhumance is practiced for six months of the year. A semi-sedentary production system is found in the south. In Borgou, the system is semi-sedentary while in Zou Ouémé, Mono and Atlantic Regions the system is sedentary.
Compared to this internal transhumance by national producers within the country external transhumance (by producers from neighbouring countries) is practiced on a relatively large scale. An estimated 40 000 head of transhumant cattle (between 5000 and 10 000 in Atacora province alone) entered Benin in 1981. This type of transhumance partly accounts for the increase in crossbreeding between local breeds and zebu and the gradual disappearance of local trypanotolerant cattle breeds. The work oxen programme stagnated in 1975 following a promising start in 1965. It was revitalised in 1980 with funding provided by the World Bank of Carder Borgou and in particular, of its activities on animal traction.
The number of work oxen was estimated at 15 206 teams in 1984. It is envisaged that 18 000 teams would have been trained by 1986 (FAO, 1986).
A survey on herd composition was conducted in Zou Province in 1982 (Auer and Auer, 1982). The results are given in Table 9.
Table 9. Herd composition in Zou Province (%).
|
Females |
|
Males |
| ||
|
|
Calves |
13 |
|
Calves |
11 |
|
|
Heifers |
22 |
|
Steers |
11 |
|
|
Cows |
37 |
|
Bulls |
6 |
|
Total |
72 |
Total |
28 | ||
Source: Auer and Auer (1982).
The health component of the USAID Livestock Development Project has been completed. A Livestock Production Study Project (Phase II) is planned to collect new data on small ruminants production parameters.
Peste des petite ruminants is very frequent and routine vaccination against the disease is necessary in places of occurrence
12.5.1 Research centres
12.5.2 Multiplication herds
12.5.3 Development projects
A veterinary and livestock research laboratory has been set up in Agoukanmey, about 10 km from Cotonou. A unit of the laboratory at Niouli, 80 km from Cotonou, carries out research on forages.
The activities of the laboratory are currently limited to the study of local and imported exotic poultry breeds. However, a study of small ruminants performances is envisaged.
There are two diagnostic laboratories in Benin, one of which is located in Natitingou. It is under CARDER Atacora (Atacora Integrated Rural Development Project and Atacora Livestock Production Development Project). The laboratory includes bacteriology, parasitology and serology units, a tsetse control research unit and a mobile support clinic which monitors control cattle herds (MDRAC, 1986).
The other laboratory, located in Cotonou, Atlantic Province, carries out blood and faecal examinations.
Bohicon Laboratory is temporarily closed.
Current information on the main ranches and breeding stations in the Republic of Benin are given in Table 10.
Table 10. Multiplication herds.
|
Okpara Breeding Centre | |
|
Organisation responsible |
Directorate of State Farms (MDRAC) |
|
Breeds and numbers |
330 Borgou and 135 N'Dama (1986) |
|
Objectives |
Quarantine area for animals en route to Kpinnou. |
|
External aid |
Self-funding |
|
Sékou Agricultural Secondary school | |
|
Organisation responsible |
Ministry of Middle and Higher Education |
|
Breeds and numbers |
119 Borgou x Lagune crossbreds and Lagune (1986). The Alpine Brown has disappeared. |
|
Kpinnou Farm | |
|
Organisation responsible |
Directorate of State Farms (MDRAC) |
|
Size |
440 ha (300 in use) |
|
Breeds and numbers |
161 Borgou, 35 Lagune, 395 pigs (1986) |
|
Objectives |
Feedlot for Borgou (from Samiondji) Pig production for selection and distribution to village breeders |
|
External aid |
ADB till end of 1985. New funding sources are being sought. |
|
M'Bétécoucou Station | |
|
Organisation responsible |
Directorate of State Farms (MDRAC) |
|
Size |
20 000 ha (1000 ha in use) |
|
Breeds and numbers |
1392 Borgou (1986) |
|
External aid |
ADB till end of 1986. Funding sources are being sought. |
|
Samiondji Station | |
|
Organisation responsible |
Directorate of State Farms (MDRAC) |
|
Size |
15 000 ha (9000 ha in use) |
|
Breeds and numbers |
503 Lagune, 182 Borgou, 69 Méré (1986) |
|
External aid |
ADB till end of 1986. ADB funding for a second phase. |
Source: FAO (1986).
Information on the various development projects being implemented is given in Table 11.
Table 11. Development projects.
|
SONICOG (National oil and soap processing) Company (Replaces SOBEPALH) | |
|
Organisation responsible |
Ministry of Finance and Economy |
|
Size |
Recent data unavailable |
|
Breeds and numbers |
245 crossbreds in North Ouidah and 63 in Ouedo in 1986 |
|
Objectives |
Production of manure and beef |
|
Work Oxen and Livestock Production Project | |
|
Organisation responsible |
Directorate of State Farms |
|
External aid |
End of funding |
|
South Borgou Livestock Production Development Project | |
|
Organisation responsible |
Directorate of Livestock Production (MDRAC) |
|
External aid |
EEC/FED/RPB |
|
Small Ruminant Production Development Project | |
|
External aid |
USAID. Phase 1 of project (health aspect) completed. A second phase (livestock production component) is envisaged |
|
Integrated Rural Development Project in Atacora | |
|
Organisation responsible |
MDRAC |
|
Duration |
1983-1986 |
|
External aid |
WB/IFAD/OPEC |
|
Atacora Livestock Production Development Project | |
|
Organisation responsible |
MDRAC |
|
Duration |
1983-1988 |
|
External aid |
GTZ/RPB |
|
Zou Province Integrated Rural Development Project | |
|
Organisation responsible |
MDRAC |
|
Duration |
1983-1988 |
|
Organisation responsible |
MDRAC |
|
Duration |
1983-1988 |
|
External aid |
WB/FAC/CCCE |
|
Work Oxen Project | |
|
Organisation responsible |
MDRAC |
|
Duration |
1980-1983 |
|
External aid |
Holland/RPB Funds are being sought to continue the project |
|
Parakou Fattening Project | |
|
Organisation responsible |
MDRAC |
|
Duration |
End of project. Funding is being sought. |
Source: FAO (1986).
A mission on the feasibility of a single trypanosomes and tsetse flies control programme for the five "Etats de l'Entente" (Benin, Togo, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali), was carried out in 1980 (Gruvel and Tacher, 1980).
At the request of the Government of the Republic of Benin, an FAO mission visited the country in 1981 and identified the following development projects:
- Animal trypanosomiasis control and development of regions freed from tsetse flies- Establishment of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Parakou with mobile epizootic diseases monitoring units, with branches specialised in small-scale livestock production and a trypanosomiasis unit
- Promoting and assisting livestock production in southern Benin
- Improvement of animal products marketing in southern Benin
- Livestock production and veterinary research units.
In an update of the mission report, an additional project entitled "Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources through the development and multiplication of purebred Lagune, Somba and Pabli cattle" has been included (Toure, 1984).
Additional activities to the livestock production component of the Integrated Rural Development Project in Zou Province (Chabeuf, 1983; Audru and Chabeuf, 1984) focused in particular on:
- the establishment of a parasitology laboratory in Dassa Zoume- a Sheep Breeding Development Project including the establishment of a Sheep Production Centre in M'Bétécoucou, rehabilitation of this farm and establishment of subsidiary cattle and sheep production farms.
In 1986, FAO considered the possibility of setting up an African Animal Trypanosomiasis and Tsetse Control Project in the Niger River Valley (Niger, Burkina Faso and Benin) under the FAO Animal Trypanosomiasis Control Programme. Funding for the project is being sought (FAO, 1986).
Funding for all these project proposals has not been found yet.
Assogbakpe F. 1985. Consultation mission on the marketing and multiplication of trypanotolerant cattle. FAO project GCP/RAF/190/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Audru J and Chabeuf N. 1984. Etudes d'actions complémentaires au voles élevage du Projet de Développement Rural Integré de la Province du Zou (République populaire du Bénin). IEMVT (Institut d'élevage et de médecine vétérinaire des pays tropicaux), Maisons-Alfort, France.
Auer J. 1983/84. Suivi de troupeaux témoins dans l'Atacora.
Auer J and Auer C. 1982. Elevage traditionel des bovine dans la province du Zou de la République populaire du Bénin. In: Karbe and Freitas (eds), Trypanotolérance et production animal. Proceedings of a seminar, 10-14 May 1982, Lome and Avetonou. GTZ (German Agency for Technical Cooperation), Eschborn, Germany.
Codjia V. 1985. Country Report: Benin. Presented at the first coordination meeting in West Africa of the Programme for the Control of African Animal Trypanosomiasis and Development of Infested Areas held in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 1981. Preparatory Assistance Mission to the Government of the Republic of Benin. FAO, Rome, Italy.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 1986. Consultation mission on the study of trypanotolerant breeds of cattle in Benin. FAO project GCP/RAF/190/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Ferme d'élevage de Samiondji. 1984. Rapport annuel. Période du 1er janvier au 31 décembre. Ministère des Fermes d'Etats, de l'Elevage et de la Pêche, Cotonou.
Gruvel J and Tacher G. 1980. Lutte contre les Glossines dans les Etats de l'Entente.
Lopez G. 1985. Technical Assistance Mission to CEBV. Final Report. FAO project GCP/RAF/191/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
MDRAC (Ministère du développement rural et de l'action cooperative, République populaire du Bénin). 1986. Report of the "Journées techniques nationales de réflexions sur l'élevage bovin trypanotolérant au Bénin" held in Bohicon, 11-15 February 1986 with the technical assistance of FAO project GCP/RAF/190/ITA, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Ranch d'élevage de M'Betecoucou. 1984. Rapport annuel. Période de 1er janvier au 31 décembre. Ministère des Fermes d'Etat, de l'élevage, et de la pêche.
Sintondji B. 1984. Détermination de l'âge au premier vêlage et de la durée de l'intervêlage chez les femelles au ranch de Samiondji. Communication à la Direction de la Recherche scientifique-Cotonou. Ministère du Développement Rural et de l'Action Coopérative.
Toure S M. 1984. Revised 1981 PAG report on the identification of animal health projects. FAO project GCP/RAF/191/ITA. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The cattle, sheep and goat population increased relatively fast during the study period.
The percentage of each breed in the total population also changed slightly. The percentage of Borgou and crossbreds increased from 69% in 1977 to 72% in 1984 while the percentage of Somba dropped from 10% to 6%. The population of Lagune is still adequate for conservation and development programmes to be undertaken. However, the station responsible for the breed also maintains Borgou which is a potential threat to the purity of the Lagune.
Animal traction has developed rapidly since the early 1980's and more than 18 000 pairs of oxen should be in use by 1986.
While multiplication herds are experiencing some operations difficulties, new livestock development projects were, however, launched during the last few years almost all over the country. These should notably increase the productivity of the national herd within the next few years.
