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Buying Livestock in Nigeria? Check out this price guide!

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With the increase in population in the country of Nigeria, as well as insecurity and insurgency in some areas, the demand for livestock (cows, sheep, and goats) has gone up. Below is a quick guide to buying livestock in Nigeria.

Cows

The breeds of cows found in Nigeria include:

  • Naima
  • Red Bororo
  • Muturu
  • Sokoto Gudali
  • White Fulani

Where are the most popular cattle markets in Nigeria located?

  1. Wudil cattle market in Kano State
  2. Potiskum cattle market in Yobe State
  3. Sheme cattle market in Kastina State
  4. Amansea cattle market in Anambra State
  5. Maitagari cattle market in JIgawa State
  6. Asaba cattle market in Delta State

Average prices for cattle

When buying livestock in Nigeria, note that the prices vary depending on the location of purchase, cost of rearing, the season of purchase, age of the cow, breed, etc.

  1. A small-sized cow (calf) will fetch between N60,000 and N80,000 in the local market.
  2. A medium-sized cow weighing between 150 kg and 200kg costs between N.130,000 and N. 170,000 at the cattle markets.
  3. A big cow that weighs between 220kg and 250kg fetches N.180,000 and N. 230,000 at the local cattle market.
  4. A very large cow weighing between 300kg and 350kg will fetch between N.240,000 and N. 300,000.
  5. A giant-sized cow (400kg – 550kg) will cost between N. 350,000 and N. 450,000 on the local market.

Goats

There are different breeds of goats reared in Nigeria. The indigenous breeds include:

  1. West African Dwarf Goats (WAD)
  2. Sahelian Goats
  3. Red Sokoto Goats
  4. Pygmy Goats

Exotic breeds include:

  1. Alpine Goats
  2. Saanen Goats
  3. Boer Goats
  4. Anglo-Nubian Goats

Average prices for goats in Nigeria

  • Just like in the case of cows, the prices of goats vary depending on the breed, location, source, age, etc.
  • In the Northern States of Zamfara, Niger, Kebbi, Kano, Bauchi, Yola, Kaduna and Sokoto, goat prices range from N.7,000 to 15,000 per head.
  • In the Southern states and surrounding cities (Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, Port Harcourt), goats go for N.10,000 to N. 25,000

Sheep

When buying livestock in Nigeria, don’t forget to pick out a sheep or two! The main breeds reared within the country include:

  • Balami
  • Western African Dwarf Sheep
  • Uda
  • Yankasa

Average price of sheep

On average, rams range between N. 25,000 and N. 90,000 depending on the size, weight, age, location of purchase, breed, and season of purchase

NOTE: Always buy meat that has been properly inspected by the relevant health authorities.

Lastly, when buying livestock in Nigeria, always get it from a credible source, one that handles meat that is clean and does not have any organisms hiding inside it. Also, shop around before you settle on the best price.  Happy shopping!