Poultry Farmers’ Attitude towards Utilization of Veterinary Services in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Inadequate veterinary services have been identified as severe constraints that limit poultry production in
Nigeria. This study examined poultry farmers’ attitude towards utilization of veterinary services in Ogun state,
Nigeria from August 2016 – May 2017. The specific objectives are to describe socio-economic characteristics
of the respondents, identify available veterinary services and utilization. Simple random approach was
employed through structured questionnaire to elicit information from 215 poultry farmers. Data collected were
analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean and
Pearson Product Moment Correlation at 0.05 level of significance. Result revealed that (57.2%) of the
respondents’ age was between 40-59years and (69.8%) were married. Also, 20.9% and 32.6% had learn up to
primary and secondary education. Nearly half of the respondents (46.5%) had 10years and above farming
experience. The available and utilization of veterinary services of the respondents at low level were 74.4% and
63.3%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between attitude of the respondents (r=0.419,
p=0.112) and utilization of veterinary services. Majority 62.3% of poultry farmers had negative attitude towards
utilization of veterinary services. It is therefore recommended that extension should be proactive in their
services delivery by ensuring effective synergy between poultry farmers and veterinary doctors. Workshops
and seminars should be periodically organized for poultry farmers and extension agent for utilization of
veterinary services for enhancement of higher productivity and better standard of living among poultry
farmers in the study area.