‘By crossbreeding we produce better goats’

This reporter who visited the farm revealed that the goats and sheep section of the farm is not meant for producing only breeds of local goats. The section is also into producing of special breeds of goats. The breeds are being produced through cross breeding of three types of goats; South African  popularly known as […]

This reporter who visited the farm revealed that the goats and sheep section of the farm is not meant for producing only breeds of local goats. The section is also into producing of special breeds of goats. The breeds are being produced through cross breeding of three types of goats; South African  popularly known as Boars, the Sahelian goats of Niger republic and the Sokoto goats also known as Sokoto red.
Danhassan said he bought one set of three Boars; one male and two females from Governor Murtala Nyako’s farm at the cost of N35, 000 in 2007. He also bought 12 Sahelians goats from Niger republic at the rates of between N3, 000 and N4, 000 per goat and eight Sokoto red at the cost of N6, 000 and N7, 000 per goat.
He said the crossbreeding of the trio was successful as he is currently producing a special breed from the combination of the three, adding that although the first set of boars died he still has boars in his farm. He said the he-goat popularly called Dan Yarima died after it swallowed a nail and later the female also died.
The only boar he-goat that is in the farm is “Mallam Shehu” as many workers in the farm call him and he is aging. He added: “I am planning to go back to Governor Nyako’s farm to buy another set of boars so that they can complement Mallam Shehu in regeneration of boar breeds.”  
“I am into cross breeding of the three types of goats to produce a different breed that can give more meat. The first set of combination of Boars, Sokoto red and Sahelians gave birth to twins, the second set produced triplets and the third set gave birth to quadruplet. Presently, I have about 60 goats and I’ve sold over 30 of this breed. But presently they are only giving birth to one each and this may not be unconnected with their ages,” he said.
 Danhassan said generally speaking, the outcome of the cross breeding is perfect and gainful. He said he has never encountered any problem since he started the cross breeding and many farmers from within and outside Katsina state are purchasing the crosses produced by these breeds and nobody has complained about their productivity.
He said: “what we are producing from this combination are different from the original breeds. Their body structure has improved. They are moderate in height unlike the boars which are dwarf and the Sokoto red and Sahelians that are tall in nature.