Demographic and management factors associated with biosecurity measure compliance on pig farms in south west Nigeria

Biosecurity measures are poorly or infrequently implemented in livestock farms. This study attempted to explore reasons for under-implementation of biosecurity in pig farms by determining demographic and management factors related to having good biosecurity score on 144 pig farms in south west Nigeria. A pretested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic and management factors, and on the biosecurity measures in place in the farms. A scoring system was developed to assess biosecurity measures, bivariate and multivariable analyses were done to determine predictors for good biosecurity score on the pig farms. The mean age of the respondents was 49.2 ± 14.6 years. Of the 144 respondents, only 35% had heard of the term biosecurity. The mean biosecurity score was 11.7 ± 2.2 and only 53 (37%) had good biosecurity score. In the bivariate analysis, the location of the farm [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.9; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.9 – 4.0], age of the pig farmer/ manager (OR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.0 – 4.9), years of practice (OR = 1.9; 95% CI 0.9 – 4.0) and pig mortality rate in the past 1 year (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 0.9 – 3.9) were significantly associated with good biosecurity score. In the multivariable logistic regression, only the age of farmer/ manager (OR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.3 – 6.2), farm size (OR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.1 – 5.2) and pig mortality rate in past 1 year (OR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.1 – 4.5) remained significant predictors of good biosecurity score. Factors such as age of farmer/ farm manager and farm size should be considered in the design and implementation of biosecurity on pig farms and in the process of encouraging adoption of pig farm biosecurity. Pig farm mortality rate could serve as an indicator of biosecurity level.Keywords: Age, Farm manager, Farm size, Location, Mortality, Scor

Management and socio-economic determinants of profitability in dog breeding business in Oyo state, Nigeria

Dog breeding business has the potential to reduce unemployment among youths, especially fresh graduates of veterinary medicine. This study attempted to  determine factors associated with making profits in dog breeding business in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic and management factors, tangible and intangible indicators of profitability in dog breeding. A criterion was designed to  qualitatively define profitability in dog breeding. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariable analyses were done to determine predictors of profitability in dog breeding business. The mean age of respondents was 32.1 ± 7.7 years. The median year of practicing dog breeding was 6 (range 0 to 25). Using our profitability  criterion, of the 70 dog breeders, only 13 (18.6%) was adjudged to have made profits from dog breeding business. In the univariate analysis, years of experience as a dog breeder (Odds Ratio (OR) = 6.4; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.2 – 64.6), bitch becoming pregnant at every mating (OR = 6.5; 95% CI 1.5 – 40.9), the total number of dogs in the kennel (OR = 4.4; 95% CI 1.0 – 20.1) and going on vacation by breeders (OR = 4.1; 95% CI 1.0 – 20.5) were significantly associated with profitability in dog breeding. In the multivariable logistic regression, variables such as the bitch becoming pregnant at every mating (OR = 7.5; 95% CI 1.5 – 38.1), years of experience as a breeder (OR = 7.9; 95% CI 1.3 – 48.1), feed type (OR = 5.2; 95% CI 1.0 – 27.2) and having a University degree (OR = 10.2; 95% CI 1.0 – 106.0) were significant predictors of profitability in dog breeding business. Potential dog breeders should consider these factors before venturing into dog breeding business.Keywords: Dog breeding, Education, Feed type, Profit, Oyo state, Veterinary medicin