A. B. ARBMOLARAN AND A. M. BAMGBOSE University of Agricultb~reA, beokutn, Nigeri,~

Abstract

This study was carried out primary to analyze the relative cost of producing protein and energy from m a t sources and thereby determine the least cost source of animal protein from the most common meat products in southwestern Nigeria. The paper also attempted to compare the cost implication of satisfying the monthly protein and energy needs of an average consumer in the study area from meat and plant sources. The major finding of the study was that beef is currently the cheapest source of animal protein, while pork is the cheapest source of meat-energy in Abeokuta. When the cost of producing protein and energy from animal sources was compared with selected staple food crop sources, it was found that beans is a far more cheaper source of protein than beef. All the four food-crop items (rice, cowpeas, gari and yam) were found to be cheaper sources of energy compacted with pork. If the average consumer in the study area (with an average monthly income of about (N800) was to satisfy his monthly protein needs from beef he will require as much as N875 whereas he will need only N280 to satisfy his total protein needs from the less qualitative least cost plant protein source which is cowpea. The shady thus concluded that the cost of producing protein and energy from energy sources is still too high in the study area to make meat products an attractive and affordable source of protein to the average consumer. The study recommended the encouragement of backyard animal farming and the relaxation of the protection presently given to local livestock feed producers as short term measures. As a longer term measure it was suggested that local research should be intensified in the direction of making large scale livestock farming a reality in the Nigeria livestock sector.