Current ruminant feeding practices in N'Djamena livestock markets

 Corresponding author: Khadidja HASSABALLAH Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0. Current ruminant feeding practices in N'Djamena livestock markets Khadidja HASSABALLAH * and Abdoulaye CHARFADINE SAKINE Department of Animal production, National Higher Livestock Institute of Moussoro, Moussoro, Chad. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(01), 995-1003 Publication history: Received on 03 September 2025; revised on 11 October 2025; accepted on 14 October 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.28.1.3498 Abstract In the context of rapid urbanization in Chad, the livestock markets of N'Djamena play a central role in the commercialization of ruminants. The deterioration of animal body condition during transportation to these markets makes on-site feeding essential to optimize their market value. This study aims to analyze current ruminant feeding practices in six livestock markets of N'Djamena to assess their effectiveness and propose avenues for improvement. A survey was conducted between July and October 2024 involving 50 randomly selected feed traders. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics (Excel, Student's t-test). The results show that the majority of feed sellers are men (68%), with an average age of 42.4 years, and a high illiteracy rate (78%). The main feed types used include oilseed cakes (cottonseed and groundnut), cereal bran, peanut and cowpea haulms, sorghum stalks, and various types of straw. These feeds are primarily sourced from Moundou and the outskirts of N'Djamena. Distribution is collective, often using half-barrels (67%). Sheep (42.5%) and cattle (40%) are the most commonly fed species. A total of 97.5% of respondents consider the feeds effective, particularly the concentrates (cakes and bran), which promote rapid fattening and faster animal sales. Major constraints identified include the lack of feed preservation techniques (60%), the high cost of concentrates (40%), and insufficient storage infrastructure (30%). Feeding practices in N'Djamena's markets rely on locally available resources, combining concentrates with coarse forages. Despite their effectiveness, feed accessibility and preservation remain major challenges. It is recommended to develop appropriate storage infrastructures, train stakeholders, and secure peri-urban supply chains. Keywords: Current ruminant feeding practices, Livestock markets; N’Djamena 1. Introduction In sub-Saharan African countries, livestock plays a major economic and social role, representing an important source of income, food security and social stability (FAO, 2009). In Chad, ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats) are particularly important for the rural and urban economy. The city of N'Djamena, as the main urban Center, hosts several livestock markets where intense animal marketing activity takes place, often preceded by a short fattening phase on site. However, the conveyance of animals from production areas to markets leads to stress, weight loss and reduced body condition (Anonymous, 2001). Thus, market feeding practices become essential to restore the condition of ruminants before they are sold. The food used is often derived from agro-industrial or agricultural by-products, distributed under varying conditions depending on the means of the traders-breeders. This work aims to analyze current ruminant feeding practices in N'Djamena's livestock markets in order to improve animal performance and profitability for actors in the sector. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(01), 995-1003 996 2. Materials and methods 2.1. Study area The study was conducted in N'Djamena, the political and administrative capital of Chad. Located in the Centre-West at the confluence of the Chari and Logone rivers, on the right bank of the Chari, it extends between 12and 13°-degrees north latitude and 15and 16°-degrees east longitude. The climate of the city is dry tropical with two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season (long and short respectively). The average annual rainfall was 928.2 mm for the year 2024. The average temperature is around 37°C, with a minimum of 18°C in January and February and a maximum of 45°C between April and May. The city of N'Djamena is experiencing increasing urbanization. Its population was estimated at 993,492 in 2009, or 41% of Chad's urban population (MEP, 2009). The study was conducted in six livestock markets in the city of N'Djamena between July and October 2024. These markets are strategic places for the sale of ruminants, attracting breeders, traders and consumers alike. Figure 1 Map of Location of livestock markets in N'Djamena (CNRD, 2024) 2.2. Sampling and data collection A sample of 50 livestock feed traders was randomly selected from the six markets. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on the types of feed used, sourcing methods, distribution practices, costs, and perceptions of the performance of the animals being fed. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(01), 995-1003 997 2.3. Data analysis The data were processed by descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, percentages) using Excel software. Differences between food types were tested by comparisons of means (Student's test). 3. Results 3.1. Merchant Profile 68% of food vendors were men, with an average age of 42.4 ± 8.8 years. The majority (86 per cent) were married and 78 per cent were illiterate. Table 1 Socio-economic characteristics of feed traders at livestock markets in N'Djamena Character Variable Actual Proportion (%) Sex Man 34 68 Wife 16 32 Marital status Married 33 66 Other (single, divorced, widowed) 17 34 Level of education Illiterate 39 78 Primary 9 18 Secondary 2 4 Religion Muslim 50 100 Ethnic group Boulala 22 44 Gourane 13 26 Daddy 8 16 Others (Masmadjé, Arab...) 7 14 Activities Food Sale 50 100 Criterion of motivation in the activity Profitability, gain 50 100 The average age of the respondents was 42 ± 4 years. Males were older (43.6 years on average) than females (40.5 years) (P > 0.05). The average number of wives was 1.5 women with about 8 children and one dependant (Table III). Table 2 Age and marital status of livestock feed traders in the markets of N'Djamena Characteristics Average Standard deviation Minimum Maximum Age (years) 42.4  8.8 25 76 Number of wives 1.6  0.8 0 4 Number of children 7.9  5.4 0 24 Number of assets 0.8  0.9 0 4 Overall, the average length of time in the labor force was  10-6.02 years, with a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 23 years (P ˂ 0.05). In terms of work experience, the average duration of the activity of selling feed was 10.1 ± 6.1 years. Women (10.75 years) were on average more experienced than men (9.17 years) (P >0.05). They are older in the business of selling livestock feed than men. Males had an average of (9.17 years) versus (10.75 years) for females. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(01), 995-1003 998 3.2. Types of food sold The most common foods are cottonseed and groundnut cake, cereal bran (64%), followed by groundnut and cowpea tops, sorghum stalks, and various types of straw (Poaceae, Fabaceae). Table 3 Type of feed marketed in the different livestock markets in N'Djamena Character Variable Actual Proportion (%) Type of food marketed Cottonseed/groundnut meal 17 34 Cereal bran 15 30 Sorghum stalks 7 14 Grass straw, peanut tops 6 12 Other (natron, rest kitchen) 5 10 Origin of food City of Moundou 22 44 N'Djamena peri-urban area 18 36 N'Djamena urban area 10 20 Method of Acquiring Food Purchase 42 84 Harvest 8 16 Figure 1 Cottonseed meal (a) and groundnut meal (b) (Photo. Abdoulaye 2024) Figure 21 Cereal bran sold by Koro in livestock markets (Photo: Abdoulaye 2024) World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(01), 995-1003 999 Figure 3 Sorghum stalks sold by bundle in livestock markets (Photo. Abdoulaye 2024) Figure 4 Groundnut tops sold by the bag in livestock markets (Photo. Abdoulaye 2024) Figure 52 Green grass straw (a) sold by the bunch and Dry grass straw (b) (Photo. Abdoulaye 2024) 3.3. Origin and frequency of supply 80% of the food comes from Moundou and the outskirts of N'Djamena. Supplies are daily (46%) or biweekly (38%). Table 4 Feed supply in the various markets of N'Djamena Character Parameter Squad(n) Proportion (%) Method of food delivery 50 Kg bag 19 38 Koro 2 Kg Forage Bundle 16 8 32 16 World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(01), 995-1003 1000 Others (old utensil...) 7 14 Frequency of supply Daily 23 46 Twice a week 19 38 Once a month 5 10 Twice a month 3 6 Frequency of sale Daily 35 70 Three times a week 15 30 Feed supply period All year round 36 72 During the holidays 9 18 Dry season 5 10 How food is stored Bag 39 78 Storage 11 22 3.4. Distribution of the food and species concerned Sheep account for 42.5% of the animals fed, followed by cattle (40%) and goats (13.75%). Concentrates are served in half barrels (67%), while coarse feed is placed on the ground (18.8%). Feeding is done in groups in 100% of cases. Table 5 Animal feeding practices at the livestock markets of N'Djamena Character Variable Actual Proportion (%) Type of animals fed at market level Sheep 34 42.5 Cattle 32 40 Goats 11 13.75 Other 3 3.75 Category of animals fed Poor sales 59 73.75 Feeder animals 13 16.25 Both at the same time 8 10 Feeding period In all seasons 67 83.75 During the holidays 8 10 In the dry season 5 6.25 Type of food used Forages (green and dry) 57 71.25 Crop residues 23 28.75 Type of add-in used Cottonseed cake 41 51.25 Cereal bran 38 47.5 Spent grains 1 1.25 Distribution method In a group 80 100 Half barrel 54 67.5 World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(01), 995-1003 1001 Equipment used for food distribution On the ground Old utensil 15 11 18.75 13.75 Equipment used for water distribution Half barrel Old utensil 74 6 92.5 7.5 The animal feed supplements in the markets of N'Djamena were served in half barrels. These containers were used both as feeders and waterers for the majority of the respondents (Figure 15). Figure 63 Equipment used for food distribution (Photo: Abdoulaye 2024) 3.5. Performance and perception More than 97.5% of respondents consider food to be effective. Animals that are well fattened in the markets are sold more quickly than those coming directly from rural areas. Table 6 Performance of feed marketed in livestock markets in N'Djamena Character Parameter Workforce (n) Proportion (%) Performance assessment criteria Fattening status 78 97,5 Appetence 2 2,5 Top Performing Foods Concentrates 63 78.75 Crop residues 11 1375 Both 6 7.5 Feeding techniques Mixing sounds with cakes 44 55 Sorghum stalk mix with groundnut tops 36 45 Animals fed at the market level Sold more than others 42 52.5 Same as animals from other areas 38 47.5 3.6. Constraints encountered The main constraints as shown in the table are the following: • Lack of conservation techniques; • High cost of concentrates; • Insufficient storage infrastructure. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(01), 995-1003 1002 Table 7 Major constraints encountered in food at the N'Djamena livestock market Types of constraints Parameter Actual Proportion (%) Food (N=50) Lack of technicality in food preservation 30 60 Insufficient and high cost of concentrated feed 20 40 Markets (N=50) Insufficient infrastructure 20 40 Lack of organization of the activity 30 60 4. Discussion The study highlights the growing importance of feed in livestock markets as a lever for valuing animals before sale. The predominance of agro-industrial by-products (oilcake, bran) as sources of concentrated feed is consistent with other work carried out in West Africa (Kouassi et al., 2010). These foods are rich in protein and allow for a rapid improvement in body condition. However, their high cost is a barrier for many traders. Coarse feeds like haulms and straws are still widely used to keep costs down, despite being less nutritious. These results are contrary to those obtained by Manjeli et al (1996) in goats in Garoua and Maroua; Pitala et al (2012) in sheep in Togo; Daouda (2004) and Ardo et al (2013) in cows in Dschang (Cameroon) and Nigeria respectively and Nana et al (2014) in goats (Cameron), which are found to suppurate in the first half of gestation; The breeding of small ruminants constitutes a live savings that can be easily mobilized (ITRA 2005). In case of need (dowry, school expenses, marriage, expenses related to other agricultural activities, funerals, ceremonies, etc.), the breeder sells his animal without taking into account its age or physiological state (Pitala et al 2012). Thus, the losses observed over 3 months in the Farcha slaughterhouse amount to 1328 fetuses (double gestation 1152 + 174 single pregnancies). This result is comparable to that observed by pitla, et al (2012) in Togo, These results are superior to the impact of the slaughter of pregnant goats on the breeding of small ruminants in Cameroon in goats in Cameroon Several methods were used to estimate the age of the fetuses. These methods are based on different measurements such as the development of the embryonic vesicles, more particularly the rump length of the embryo, and the measurement of weight. The most reliable and easy-to-obtain measurements for determining the age of the embryo or fetus are the size of the embryo or fetus and the biparietal diameter (El-Amiri et al 2003). The relationship between the age of the fetuses and their weight is given by the function: y = 0.002x2 - 0.021x + 0.105. In contrast to Schrick and Inskeep's (1993) equation Y = 14.05 + 1.16 X - 0.012 X2, which is a relationship between the size and age of the embryo or fetus between gestation days 20 and 40, the formulas in this study cover the entire gestation period. The correlation coefficient between mean weights and average lengths is high (R2= 0.95) and the equation of the regression line is: y = 73.90 x – 1021, where y: the weight in grams and x: the direct length in centimeters. However, it should be noted that the correlation coefficient of our study is close to that (R2 = 0.97) obtained by Sivachelvan et al (1996) with the same parameters. Local and peri-urban supply shows an opportunity to organize a local urban food sector. However, infrastructural deficiencies (lack of sheds, silos) compromise the conservation and quality of products, especially in the wet season. The heavy dependence on informal circuits also limits the regulation and standardization of the feeds distributed, which could have effects on animal health in the medium term. 5. Conclusion This study on the livestock markets of N'Djamena shows that: World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(01), 995-1003 1003 • The feed of ruminants on the market is based on a combination of concentrated and coarse feed; • Traders-breeders favour local products (cake, haulms, straw) for reasons of cost and availability; • Animals that are locally fed in markets sell better because of their good body condition; • The main constraints remain access to quality food, conservation, and the organization of the sector. Recommendations • Encourage the establishment of storage infrastructure in markets; • Train traders on rationing and food preservation techniques; • Support peri-urban supply chains to secure food availability. 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