HEDONISTIC PRICE ANALYSIS OF SHEEP AND GOAT IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study evaluates hedonistic price analysis of sheep and goat in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Hedonic price models were fitted to a sample of 6,118 sheep and 4,518 goats, respectively, for which data were collected from 14 markets over a 12-month period. General linear model wase employed for the study. The result of the estimated hedonic price regression model explains 74.1% of the variation in prices of sheep and 88.4% variation in the prices of goats was influenced by the combined effects of the independent variables (age of animal, live weight, sex, body condition, breed, coat colour and season) included in the hedonic model. The result further revealed there was significant difference (P<0.05) in the price of Ram, when compared with the price of ewe and castrated sheep. Ram attracted the higher price than ewe. The reason was probably because male sheep were preferred than female because of Caracas quality. Live weight of sheep significantly influences market prices of sheep at P<0.05. Live weight range between 10-20Kg was used as reference group. Sheep with live weight of 21-30Kg and above significantly influenced prices of sheep at P<0.05 and attracted higher prices compared to the reference group (10-20Kg). This is a clear indication of the interests of sheep producers/buyers in the study areas probably because of the reproductive functions they are expected to perform to ensure herd growth and continuity. However, the result further revealed there was significant difference (P<0.05) in the price of Does, when compared with the price of Bucks and castrated goats. The reason was probably because Does were preferred than Bucks because of Caracas quality.  Body condition of goats was another factor that influence market prices in the study area. The price of moderate goat was found to significant at P<0.05 and attracted higher price when compared with price lean goats. The study concluded that, phenotypic character significantly influences prices of sheep and goats. The study recommends that, live weight is considered a very important variable in determining the price of sheep and goats. Separate weighing machine for small and large animals should be installed at the entry point of market. This will help traders to know the exact weight of animal and brings them at par with other market agents in price bargaining. So, the good quality animals will bring more if they are sold by grade and weight.