Cattle breeding and fattening in Niger State can be practiced through two main systems: extensive pasture-based systems and feedlot systems. The choice of system depends on factors such as rainfall patterns, pasture availability, and access to crop residues. The extensive pasture-based system is more viable in the southern part of the state, where annual rainfall reaches up to 1,200 mm, allowing for lush grasslands and abundant forage. Here, cattle graze naturally on pastures, supplemented by cultivated fodder crops like Napier grass, Guinea grass, and alfalfa. In contrast, central and northern Niger State, with annual rainfall ranging from 800 to 1,000 mm, has relatively lower pasture availability, particularly during the dry season. To counter this limitation, drought-resistant grasses like Buffel grass and Stylosanthes are cultivated to sustain cattle breeding. Additionally, transhumance remains a common practice, with herders migrating seasonally in search of better pasture and water resources.

Feedlot systems, on the other hand, provide a more intensive approach where cattle are confined and fed a controlled diet to accelerate fattening. This method is particularly suitable for the drier northern regions where pasture is limited. In feedlots, cattle are provided with high-quality feed, including a mixture of crop residues such as maize stover and rice straw, supplemented with energy-rich sources like maize, sorghum, and soybean meal. Reliable water supply is crucial for the success of feedlot systems, necessitating irrigation or boreholes in areas with limited rainfall. Feedlots offer significant economic advantages, as they reduce the time required for fattening, enabling farmers to meet market demands more efficiently and ensuring a steady supply of quality beef.

The success of cattle breeding and fattening in Niger State is heavily dependent on agricultural crops that provide fodder, crop residues, and nutritional supplements. These crops fall into three main categories: fodder crops, cereal crops, and legumes. Among the fodder crops, Napier grass stands out for its high yield and rich nutritional value, thriving particularly in southern Niger State where rainfall is plentiful. It can produce up to 40 tons of fresh forage per hectare annually. Guinea grass, a drought-tolerant species, is suitable for both the southern and central regions, yielding between 15 and 20 tons per hectare. Alfalfa, a protein-rich legume, is another valuable addition, particularly in irrigated areas where it can supplement cattle diets in feedlot operations.

Cereal crops play a crucial role in providing both food and livestock feed. Maize, one of the most widely cultivated crops in Niger State, yields between 1.5 and 2.5 tons per hectare, with its stover serving as a valuable feed resource. Sorghum, known for its drought tolerance, thrives in the northern regions, yielding 1 to 2 tons per hectare, with its residues commonly used as fodder. Rice, which is increasingly cultivated in irrigated areas, not only provides food security but also generates rice straw, an essential feed resource during the dry season.

Leguminous crops contribute significantly to both livestock nutrition and soil fertility. Cowpea, a dual-purpose crop, provides grains for human consumption while producing 2 to 3 tons of hay per hectare for cattle feed. Soybean, another important legume, serves as a high-protein feed supplement, yielding between 1 and 1.5 tons per hectare. Its increasing cultivation in southern and central Niger State supports both livestock production and soil enrichment through nitrogen fixation.

Several key statistics highlight Niger State’s agricultural potential. The state experiences a rainfall distribution ranging from 1,200 mm annually in the south to 800 mm in the north, influencing the choice of crops and livestock management strategies. Niger State is home to an estimated 2.5 million cattle, positioning it as one of Nigeria’s leading livestock-producing states. Crop yields vary, with maize producing between 1.5 and 2.5 tons per hectare, sorghum yielding 1 to 2 tons per hectare, rice ranging from 2 to 3 tons per hectare, cowpea producing 0.8 to 1.5 tons per hectare, and soybean yielding 1 to 1.5 tons per hectare. Forage production is also promising, with Napier grass yielding up to 40 tons per hectare, Guinea grass producing between 15 and 20 tons per hectare, and alfalfa contributing 8 to 12 tons per hectare.

The integration of crop and livestock systems in Niger State presents a significant opportunity for enhancing productivity and sustainability. Crop residues from maize, sorghum, and rice serve as valuable feed resources for cattle, especially in feedlots and during the dry season. Legumes like cowpea and soybean contribute to soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, thereby benefiting subsequent crops and improving overall agricultural sustainability. Additionally, irrigation schemes in drier regions offer the potential for year-round cultivation of fodder crops, reducing reliance on seasonal pastures and ensuring consistent feed availability for livestock. This integrated approach not only boosts livestock production but also strengthens Niger State’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.