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Research and Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology

Characterization of Pigeon (columba livia domestica) Production Systems and Marketing in Northern Ghana

  1. Shuaib M.A. Husein
  2. Anthony A. Agbolosu
  3. Najat Ishaq

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the social characteristics of pigeon farmers, production systems and marketing in northern Ghana. A total of 90 pigeon breeders were selected for the study, with 10 farmers chosen from each of the nine districts, employing the snowball sampling technique. Respondents were surveyed using a structured questionnaire that addressed the social attributes of pigeon farmers, their practices in managing pigeons, and aspects related to pigeon production. The data underwent analysis using descriptive statistics within the SPSS software. The findings showed that pigeons hold significant social importance for many farmers, particularly those residing in rural regions. The majority of pigeon farmers were men (94.4%), and a significant proportion had a high level of illiteracy (83%). The system of rearing pigeons was mainly semi-intensive (87.8%). Most pigeon farmers (84%) had pigeon population size up to fifty (50. Respondents described the birds as hardy and highly resistant to diseases with low rate of mortality (0–5%) throughout the year. Unlike other livestock, pigeons are not processed for sale. Pigeons are sold live in local markets. They may be bought from pigeon farmers or from middle men who buy the birds from farmers and sell them at the market. Pigeons were priced based on their colour morph (64.9%). The most expensive and uncommon colour was red (66%) which was sold above five hundred (500) Ghana cedis. Colour white was next expensive pricing from fifteen (15) to twenty (20) Ghana cedis. The study concludes that pigeons play key role in the livelihood of people in the area. Promotion of this venture could increase animal protein intake of the rural poor.

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