Cattle Breeds in Nigeria: Best Choices for Meat and Milk Production

Cattle rearing is one of the oldest and most profitable agricultural practices in Nigeria. From suya spots in Lagos to dairy products in Kano, cattle play a central role in Nigeria’s food supply chain and cultural life. With a population of over 20 million cattle in Nigeria, the livestock industry is not just about tradition—it’s a multi-billion-naira sector . But here’s the truth: choosing the right cattle breed will determines your success. While some cattle breeds in Nigeria are excellent for beef production, others are better suited for milk. Some are hardy and resistant to heat, while others require modern ranching systems and better feeding.

At Dominion Integrated Farms Limited, we believe that informed farmers make profitable decisions. That’s why this guide dives deep into the best cattle breeds in Nigeria, explaining their strengths, weaknesses, and how to get the most out of them—whether you’re a local farmer, agribusiness investor, or food buyer.

Why Choosing the Right Cattle Breed Matters

Selecting the right cattle breed is not just about looks or tradition. It directly impacts your farm’s productivity, costs, and profitability.

Here’s why breed choice is important:

• Meat yield: Some breeds produce larger, leaner carcasses, fetching better prices in the beef market.

• Milk yield: Dairy-focused breeds produce higher volumes of milk, which is critical for dairy processors.

• Adaptability: Certain breeds withstand heat, drought, and diseases common in Nigeria better than others.

• Profitability: Matching the right breed to your business model reduces costs and maximizes returns.

For example, a farmer targeting suya and beef markets in Lagos may benefit more from White Fulani or Red Bororo breeds. Meanwhile, someone setting up a dairy farm in Ogun State may find Sokoto Gudali or imported Friesian breeds more profitable.

Overview of Cattle Breeds in Nigeria

Nigeria has a diverse range of cattle breeds, broadly grouped into:

1. Indigenous breeds (e.g., White Fulani, Red Bororo, Sokoto Gudali, Muturu).

2. Exotic imported breeds (e.g., Friesian, Jersey, Holstein).

3. Crossbreeds developed for higher productivity.

Let’s break them down.

Indigenous Cattle Breeds in Nigeria

1. White Fulani (Bunaji)

The White Fulani cattle breed in Nigeria is the most widely reared breed, making up almost 40% of the national herd.

Strengths:

• Excellent for beef production due to large body size.

• Adaptable to Nigeria’s hot climate.

• Resistant to common tropical diseases.

• Moderate milk yield (2–3 liters/day).

Best for: Commercial beef farmers, suya suppliers, and abattoir contractors.

In northern states like Kaduna and Niger, White Fulani herds dominate local markets because of their high meat yield.

2. Red Bororo (Rahaji)

Known for their tall, muscular build, Red Bororo cattle are one of the most iconic cattle breeds in Nigeria.

Strengths:

• Produces lean, market-preferred beef.

• Highly resistant to harsh climates.

• Strong endurance, ideal for pastoral herding.

Best for: Commercial beef farming and export markets.

 In Kano and Katsina, Red Bororo is highly sought after by beef processors due to its lean meat quality.

3. Sokoto Gudali

Sokoto Gudali cattle are dual-purpose, providing both meat and milk.

Strengths:

• Yields 2–3 liters of milk per day.

• Adaptable to the Nigerian climate.

• Strong for both beef and dairy production.

Best for: Small to medium dairy farmers and mixed-purpose farms.

Many Fulani pastoralists rear Sokoto Gudali cows in the northwest, providing fresh milk to local communities.

4. Muturu

The Muturu breed is a dwarf cattle breed native to southern Nigeria.

Strengths:

• Produces high-quality, tasty beef.

• Low maintenance requirements.

• Holds cultural importance in festivals and traditional rites.

Best for: Niche meat markets and cultural ceremonies.

In parts of Enugu and Anambra, Muturu cattle are often reared for ceremonial slaughter.

Exotic and Crossbreeds in Nigeria

5. Friesian (Holstein-Friesian)

Imported from Europe, the Friesian breed is the world’s most popular dairy cow.

Strengths:

• Produces 15–30 liters of milk per day under good management.

• Large body size suitable for beef after milk production.

Best for: Commercial dairy farms with proper ranching and feed systems.

Friesian breeds are being introduced into dairy farms in Ogun and Oyo under controlled ranch systems.

6. Jersey

The Jersey cow is smaller than Friesian but highly efficient for milk production.

Strengths:

• Produces 10–20 liters of rich, creamy milk per day.

• Requires less feed compared to Friesian.

Best for: Medium-scale dairy farmers who want high-quality milk at lower maintenance.

7. Crossbreeds

Crossbreeding is becoming common in Nigeria to combine the hardiness of local breeds with the high yield of exotics.

Examples:

• Friesian × Sokoto Gudali: Produces more milk than Gudali and is hardier than pure Friesian.

• White Fulani × Jersey: Offers better milk quality and still adapts to local conditions.

Comparison of Cattle Breeds in Nigeria

Practical Tips for Nigerian Farmers Choosing Cattle Breeds

When deciding among cattle breeds in Nigeria, consider the following:

1. Define your business goal: Meat, milk, or both?

2. Check local climate: In hot, dry zones, indigenous breeds perform better.

3. Consider feed availability: Exotic breeds require better feeding.

4. Invest in health care: Regular vaccination and vet visits prevent losses.

5. Plan your market access: Proximity to abattoirs, dairy processors, urban buyers matters and digital marketing.

Challenges Facing Cattle Breeds in Nigeria

Even with strong demand, cattle farmers face obstacles:

• Cattle rustling and insecurity in northern grazing zones.

• Diseases like trypanosomiasis and foot-and-mouth disease.

• Poor infrastructure for ranching and dairy processing.

• Climate change affecting pasture availability.

At Dominion Integrated Farms, we tackle these challenges with mechanized ranching, improved feed systems, and veterinary partnerships to ensure our cattle remain healthy and productive.

Future of Cattle Farming in Nigeria

The Nigerian government is encouraging ranching systems over open grazing. This shift benefits farmers because:

• Better productivity per cow.

• Reduced conflicts between herders and farmers.

• Easier adoption of exotic breeds for higher milk yield.

Forward-looking farms like Dominion Integrated Farms Limited are already embracing these modern practices, combining indigenous cattle breeds in Nigeria with crossbreeding programs and modern ranch infrastructure.

Why Dominion Integrated Farms is Your Trusted Source for Cattle

At Dominion Integrated Farms, we provide:

• Healthy cattle from top breeds in Nigeria.

• Support for investors and farmers in cattle rearing.

• Training on ranching, feeding, and cattle health.

• Direct sales of beef and live cattle to buyers and businesses.

Visit https://difarms.com today or contact us to learn more about cattle sales, agribusiness opportunities, and modern livestock farming.