16.1 Background
16.2 Livestock numbers and distribution
16.3 Cattle
16.4 Sheep and goats
16.5 Research and development activities
16.6 Selected bibliography
16.7 Major changes since 1977
Data on human and animal populations of the country are given in Table 1.
Table 1. Human and animal populations of Gabon, 1983 and 1985.
|
Human population (1983) | ||
|
|
- number |
1 300 152 |
|
|
- density |
4.9/km² |
|
Animal population (1985) | ||
|
|
- cattle |
17 400 |
|
|
- sheep |
96 000 |
|
|
- goats |
|
Source: For human population: Direction Générale de l'Economie, 1984 (estimates).
For animal population: Direction Générale de l'Elevage, 1985.
The only specific study carried out recently at Okouma ranch (ILCA, 1986) indicate that G. palpalis, G. nashi and G. tabaniformis are found in Okouma and G. tabaniformis and G. palpates in North-Lekedi.
Table 2 shows cattle distribution by management system for 1985.
Table 2. Cattle numbers and distribution, 1985.
|
Number in ranches |
OGAPROV |
Okouma |
658 |
|
South Lekedi |
930 |
||
|
|
1 588 |
||
|
Agrogabon |
Nyanga |
8 250 |
|
|
Lekabi |
3 372 |
||
|
Ngounie |
1 081 |
||
|
|
12 703 |
||
|
Franceville (private) |
|
1 300 |
|
|
Size of small units |
|
|
|
|
1. Remainder of former sharecropping schemes |
|
|
|
|
Figures vary with sources |
|
1000 to 2000 |
(5th Plan) |
|
|
|
1000 to 1500 |
(BDPA, 1984) |
|
|
Number selected |
1500 |
|
|
2. Leboka Producers' Cooperatives (North Lekedi) |
|
300 |
|
|
|
Total |
17 400 |
|
Source: OGAPROV (1985); Agrogabon, quoted by Assogbakpe (1985).
The livestock population in Gabon, and in particular the cattle population, has increased significantly during the past few years. Cattle numbers increased from 6180 in 1981 to 17 391 in 1984. That was due partly to several importations of N'Dama (7653 head) from Senegal, the Gambia, Zaire and Congo during the period (Straw, 1986). Table 3 shows changes in cattle, sheep and goat numbers in Gabon between 1975 and 1984.
Table 3. Changes in cattle, sheep and goat numbers.
|
Year |
Cattle |
Sheep and goats |
|
1975 (1) |
2 427 |
47 000 |
|
1976 (2) |
2 852 |
112 000 |
|
1981 (3) |
6 180 |
136 225 |
|
1985 (4) |
17 391 |
186 000 |
Source:
1. FAO study 20/2, 1980.
2, 3. Direction de l'Elevage, 1981 and UDEAC, 1982.
4. Direction Générale de l'Elevage, 1985.
16.3.1 Breed description
16.3.2 Diseases
16.3.3 Herd management
In 1985, the cattle population consisted of 16 000 N'Dama imported mainly from Zaire and Senegal, 500 Baoulé, 500 Lagune and 400 crossbreds.
16.3.1.1 N'DAMA PRODUCTION TRAITS
Data on the production traits of N'Dama raised on ranches were not available for publication in volume II. Data were collected at Okouma and South Lekedi ranches in 1983 and 1984 by OGAPROV (OGAPROV, 1985) on local Okouma N'Dama (O) imported from Zaire, which have adapted well to local conditions and Senegal N'Dama (S) imported from Senegal in 1981. Table 4 gives fertility rates for these two breeds.
Table 4. Fertility rate of O and S N'Dama.
|
Breed |
Numbers |
Number of calves born |
Fertility rate |
|
N'Dama (O) |
365 |
243 |
66.5 |
|
N'Dama (S) |
152 |
103 |
67.7 |
Source: OGAPROV (1985).
For all breeds maintained in Okouma and South Lekedi ranches (Okouma and Senegal N'Dama, Nguni and Nguni x N'Dama crossbreds), survival rate to weaning is 84% (274 calves surviving to weaning out of 326 calves born). Overall mortality rate is 4,27 % (82 deaths out of 1922 head) (OGAPROV, 1985). Data on N'Dama mortality rate between 1982 and 1985 were collected by ILCA (1986). They are given in Table 5.
Table 5. Mortality rate (%).
|
Breeds |
Adult |
Preweaning |
|
N'Dama (O) |
2.9 |
8.9 |
|
N'Dama (S) |
3 9 |
|
Source: ILCA (1986).Note: The results given in this Table were obtained without chemoprophylaxis treatment against trypanosomiasis. Okouma and N'Dama mortality rates were 2.2% lower with chemoprophylaxis. Adjusted female calf weight based on weight at 250 days is given in Table 6.
Table 6. Weight of female calves (based on weight at 250 days).
|
Breed |
Weight (kg) |
Indices |
|
N'Dama (O) |
83 |
100 |
|
N'Dama (S) |
76 |
91.9 |
Source: OGAPROV (1985).
The indices indicate that (O) N'Dama growth weight is superior to that of (S) N'Dama due to the fact that (O) N'Dama has adapted better to local conditions. Average daily weight gain (ADO) between weaning and 24 months was calculated. The results are given in Table 7.
Table 7. Average daily weight gain between weaning and 24 months.
|
Breed |
Weight (kg) |
Indices (kg) |
ADO kg/d |
Indices |
|
N'Dama (O) |
187 |
100 |
0.156 |
100 |
|
N'Dama (S) |
183 |
97.9 |
0.152 |
97.4 |
Source: OGAPROV (1985).
Table 7 shows no marked difference between (O) N'Dama and (S) N'Dama with regard to growth between weaning and 24 months. Adult cow weight for (O) N'Dama was 196 kg and for (S) N'Dama 175 kg (OGAPROV, 1985).
16.3.1.1.1 Productivity index
Table 8 summarises estimates for the main production parameters 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 in Okouma and South Lekedi ranches for Okouma N'Dama under average trypanosomiasis risk.
Table 8. Okouma N'Dama productivity index.
|
Cow viability (%) |
97.1 |
|
Calving rate (%) |
66.5 |
|
Calf viability to 1 year (%) |
91.3 |
|
Weight of 1-year-old calves (kg) |
130 (a) |
|
Productivity index per cow per year (kg) |
80 |
|
Adult cow weight (kg) |
196 |
|
Productivity index per 100 kg of cow maintained per year (kg) |
40.8 |
(a) Estimates.
Source: Indices calculated by authors.
Data on the production traits of trypanosusceptible Nguni and Nguni x Okouma N'Dama and Nguni and Senegal N'Dama crosses were also collected on Okouma and South Lekedi ranches. The numbers involved were relatively small and do not allow a valid comparison with the data obtained for the N'Dama breed. However, it should be noted that, although the mean performances of Nguni are superior to those of N'Dama, the number of Nguni on Okouma and South Lekedi ranches is declining. Mortality rate for Nguni unprotected with trypanocidal chemoprophylaxis is significantly higher than for N'Dama (OGAPROV, 1985).
High mortality rates due to a viral epidemic, the Rift Valley Fever and trypanosomiasis were recorded in ranches in 1982. Leptospirosis was responsible for abortions, stillbirths and deaths among young calves. Streptothricosis cases were also recorded in some ranches (BDPA, 1984).
Animal husbandry is practiced in three forms in Gabon:
- the remainders of the sharecropping schemes;
- extensive ranching: Nyanga, Lekabi, Ngounié (Agrogabon);
- intensive ranching: Okouma, South Lekedi (OGAPROV) and Franceville.
A new approach to livestock production is currently being tried. Under this scheme, ranch-trained livestock producers (former herdsmen) are provided with assistance in the form of low rents, loans for the purchase of their seed-stock and with adequate facilities in an effort to encourage the establishment of local stocks. Intensive training is also provided. The OGAPROV programme aims to establish seven 70-ha farms in North Lekedi ranch. Three producers have already commenced operations and the financial results are encouraging.
The objective of the Agrogabon programme is to establish village seed herds in the vicinity of La Ngounié ranch, as part of a regional Integrated Operation.
The Lebamba Agro-pastoral Project has conducted studies on the socio-economic aspects of livestock production in the zone. The slaughter of animals is normally forbidden by social taboos. However, with new animal species such as cattle, these taboos may become irrelevant (Rochez, 1985).
Animal traction was introduced in the Lebamba groundnut producing zone in 1961 and technical assistance was provided until 1970. It is to be reintroduced in the region through the Lebamba Agro-pastoral Project, which aims to distribute 30 teams of oxen within the next four years, after a proper socio-economic study has been carried out (Rochez, 1985).
16.4.1 Breed description
16.4.2 Diseases
16.4.3 Herd management
Although development programmes do not often include small ruminants, the Directorate of Livestock Production has established a sheep farm in the south-east which will subsequently be taken over by OGAPROV.
The farm was initially designed to provide technical support to sheep production development in this part of the country. It was subsequently converted into a Kirdi x Dorper crossbred lamb production farm. These animals are referred to as "Okouma", the name of the plateau on which the farm is located. Okouma sheep are white with a black head. Adult males weigh between 45 and 60 kg and ewes between 45 and 50 kg.
The flock currently consists of an estimated 300 sheep. Breeding stocks have been distributed to potential breeders with adequate facilities since 1982 (UDEAC, 1985).
Units of the Directorate of Livestock Production are currently implementing a comprehensive health programme (deworming-ectoparasites treatment and distribution of mineral salts).
OGAPROV farm is also carrying out a prophylaxis programme which includes trypanosomiasis and parasitic control and distribution of mineral salts, vaccination against anthrax, brucellosis, Rift Valley Fever and enterotoxaemia (UDEAC, 1985).
The traditional management system is still the most common. Sheep and goats are kept in small herds and slaughtered during traditional feasts for family consumption.
The only example of improved livestock production is the sheep farm established on Okouma Plateau by the Directorate of Livestock Production.
16.5.1 Research centres
16.5.2 Multiplication herds
16.5.3 Development projects
In collaboration with the International Livestock Centre for Africa (ILCA) and the International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases (ILRAD), OGAPROV has extended its research activities over the past few years, within the framework of the African Animal Trypanosomiasis Network.
The current situation regarding multiplication herds is shown in Table 9.
Work on Lekedi and Nyanga ranches facilities construction begun in 1980 and in 1981, respectively (J. Van Lancker Company, 1982).
Table 9. Multiplication herds.
|
Name |
Franceville Presidential ranch |
|
Location |
Upper Ogoué Region |
|
Organisation responsible |
Office of the President, Libreville |
|
Size |
8000 ha |
|
Breeds and numbers |
1300 N'Dama in 1985 |
|
Objectives |
Production of beef cattle and breeding stock. |
|
Name |
OGAPROV-Okouma and South Lekedi |
|
Location |
Upper Ogoué Region |
|
Organisation responsible |
OGAPROV, P O Box 245, Moanda |
|
Size |
1000 ha in use. To be extended to 1500 ha |
|
Breeds and numbers |
658 head in Okouma and 930 head in South Lekedi in 1985 including 1360 N'Dama, 150 N'Dama x Tuli and 48 Ngumi |
|
Objectives |
Crossbreeding programme, production of breeding stock and beef cattle. Training of producers in North Lekedi which currently has three units of 300 head. |
|
Name |
Nyanga ranch |
|
Location |
Nyanga Region, near Tchibanga |
|
Organisation responsible |
Agrogabon, P O Box 2248, Libreville |
|
Size |
18 000 ha. Could be extended to 95 000 ha |
|
Breeds and numbers |
8259 N'Dama. Cattle number should reach 30 000 head in 1992 |
|
Objectives |
Beef production and N'Dama multiplication |
|
Name |
Lekabi ranch |
|
Location |
Upper Ogoué region, north-west of Franceville |
|
Organisation responsible |
Agrogabon, P O Box 2248, Libreville |
|
Size |
65 000 ha |
|
Breeds and numbers |
3372 N'Dama in 1985. A herd of 12 000 head is envisaged by 1992 |
|
Objectives |
Beef production and N'Dama multiplication. |
|
Name |
La Ngounié ranch |
|
Location |
La Ngounié Region, 10 km south of N'dende village |
|
Organisation responsible |
Agrogabon, P O Box 2248, Libreville |
|
Size |
40 000 ha |
|
Breeds and numbers |
1081 N'Dama in 1985, expected to reach 5000 head in 1999. Out of this number 3500 head will be placed in 240 nucleus herds under traditional management |
|
Objectives |
Beef production and N'Dama multiplication |
Source: OGAPROV (1985); Agrogabon (1985); Assogbakpe (1985).
No recent data on the other farms and production stations mentioned in Volume II were available.
In 1981, Gabon received UNDP funding for a project entitled Agro-pastoral Development of Lebamba Zone. The objectives of the five-year project are to study the socio-economic aspects of livestock production in this region with a view to developing model structures and introducing animal traction.
Agrogabon, in collaboration with Ngounié ranch, plans to establish 240 nucleus herds with a herd expected to reach 3500 head by 1993 with a view to developing village production. In this respect, a feasibility study was conducted in 1983 by J. Van Lancker (Compagnie J. Van Lancker, 1983) and the first seed-stock were distributed in 1985.
In 1985, a project entitled Identification of the Needs of the Livestock Production Department was supported by FAO funds. It was aimed at determining the veterinary facilities (laboratories) to be set up, evaluating staffing requirements and identifying the nature and amount of the external aid required.
An FAO consultation mission visited Gabon in 1985 to conduct a study on the establishment of an inter-states multiplication and distribution centre of trypanotolerant breeds in UDEAC-member countries (Hoste, 1985). A feasibility study was carried out in 1986.
Assogbakpe F. 1985. Consultation mission on the marketing and multiplication of trypanotolerant cattle. FAO project, GCP/RAF/190/ITA, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
BDPA (Bureau pour le Développement de la Production Agricole). 1984. Etude de faisabilité du projet de sauvegarde des bovine trypanotolérants en République Centrafricaine, Ministère du Développement rural centrafricain and BDPA, Paris, France.
Compagnie J. Van Lancker. 1982. Projet du développement de l'élevage. Ranch de Nyanga et ranch de Lekabi. Updating, December 1982. Republic of Gabon, Agrogabon-Elevage.
Compagnie J. Van Lancker. 1983. Projet de développement de l'élevage bovin dans la Province de la Ngounié. Ranch de Ngounié - Elevage villageois. Etude de faisabilité (Feasibility study). Final report, September 1983. Republic of Gabon, Agrogabon-Elevage.
Direction générale de l'économie, Ministère de l'économie et de finances, Gabon. 1984. Tableau de bord de l'économie, situation 1983, perspectives 1984-1985. Direction générale de l'élevage. Ministère de l'agriculture de l'élevage et d'économie rural, Gabon. 1981 Progress report.
Direction générale de l'élevage, Ministère de l'agriculture de l'élevage et de l'économie rural, Gabon. 1985. Vème Plan, 1984-1988. Bilan-Objectifs-stratégie-coût. Internal document.
Hoste C. 1985. Mission Report. Assistance mission to UDEAC with a view to establishing a centre for the multiplication and distribution of trypanotolerant cattle. FAO project GCP/RAF/190/ITA, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
ILCA (International Livestock Centre for Africa).1986. The ILCA/ILRAD Trypanotolerance Network. Situation Report, December 1985. Proceedings of a network meeting. ILCA, Nairobi, Kenya/ILCA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
OGAPROV (Office Gabonais d'amélioration et de production de viande). 1985. Rapport technique 1984.
Rochez A. 1985. Projet de Développement agro-pastoral de Lebamba. Proposition pour l'introduction de la culture attelée dans les Départements de Dolla et de Louetsi Wano. Mission Report, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), Rome, Italy.
Shaw A. 1986. Trade in trypanotolerant cattle in West and Central Africa. FAO project, GCP/RAF/190/ITA, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
UDEAC (Union Douanière des Etats d'Afrique Centrale). 1982. Avant-projet: Etude et lutte contre les épizooties en Afrique Centrale, Bangui Central African Republic.
UDEAC (Union Douanière des Etats d'Afrique Centrale). 1985. L'élevage des petite ruminants en République du Gabon. Report of a seminar on small ruminant production in UDEAC member states, 2-15 May 1985, Bangui, Central African Republic.
The results presented in this study are an indication of the priority accorded livestock production in Gabon. In 1975, the cattle population was an estimated 2500 head. In 1985/86 the number had increased to 17 400 head, 16 000 of which were N'Dama. The sheep and goat populations increased by almost 100% during the same period.
An estimated 10 000 N'Dama were imported during the 1980's with a view to developing national livestock production. The cattle importation programme has, in theory being completed. The ranches involved should now implement the multiplication aspect of the programme in the shortest possible time in order to meet the high demand of village producers for stock.
A new communal ranch for UDEAC member countries will be established shortly in Gabon. The feasibility study on the project has just been completed and funds are being sought.
