Have you even wonder what the price of cow in Nigeria today will be? buying a cow at this festive seasons is quite expensive and it range from 800,000 naira to 1,700,000 naira and even 2,000,000 naira depend on location.
Considering observing the livestock market in Nigeria, It would probably be interesting to you that the prices of cows do not remain constant at all times.
Be it a cow for personal usage, farming or a business cow, it is essential for one to know the current situation of the markets.
In this blog post, I will explain the price of cows in Nigeria in more detail, looking into the reasons why this price varies, and giving some useful advice to those who want to buy or sell cattle.
Click here to learn about the current price of crayfish in Nigeria.
Let’s get started!
What Does the Price of a Cow Mean?
A cow price in Nigeria means the cost it takes to buy a cow, and this involves a number of aspects. These include factors like age, breed of the cow, weight, health and the location where the animal is bought. Moreover, the level of supply and demand could also affect the trends in prices.
Factors Affecting the Price of a Cow
- Breed: The different breeds of cows will have a different cost. For example, local breeds such as the White Fulani or Sokoto Gudali may be priced differently than exotic breeds such as the Holstein or Aberdina Angus.
- Age and Weight: In most cases, cows that are older and heavier tend to have a higher value or are priced higher. Younger calves are less costly, however, as they grow older, they will appreciate more value over time.
- Health: The price of the cow is determined by the health status of the cow. Healthy cows that suffer from no diseases or complications fetch higher prices.
- Region: Depending on the region, prices also vary. For instance, cows may be cheaper in the rural area rather than in the cities where costs such as transport and other expenses will increase the price.
- Seasonal Demand: Prices maybe change according to some seasons, events, festivals and other peak demand periods.
Current Price Trends for Cows in Nigeria
Current Market Prices
At the moment, cow prices in Nigeria come on average between Naira 150,000 to Naira 500,000. The average figure depends upon the above factors. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Calves: Typically priced between ₦50,000 to ₦150,000.
- Young Cows: Usually fall in the range of ₦250,000 to ₦500,000.
- Mature Cows: Can range from ₦500,000 to ₦1,700,000 or more.
Regional Variations
- Northern Nigeria: This region might have a glance of low pricing as they are into more of cattle rearing and so reason for a reasonable price for a mature cow in the North is it is nearer to the area of rearing of cows.
- Southern Nigeria: Southern region may have to look forward to fierce competition in the market, the reason behind can higher demand coupled with other expenses like transportation.
Seasonal Influences
During Eid-el-Kabir or the festive Christmas season, an increase of the prices may be due to increase in demand. However, during the lean season, there are low prices.
Why Are Cows so Expensive in Nigeria?
The depreciated value of the naira in the foreign exchange market has also led to skyrocketing prices of cattle which are largely imported from Chad and Niger Republic to compensate for inadequacies in the Nigerian livestock industry that is hampered by banditry, cattle rustling and Boko haram activities in the North.
The market dynamics for meat are influenced by beef traders who are vital intermediaries in delivering the product to various regions of the country.
In the year 2014 the amount of meat used was about three hundred and sixty tons per year in Nigeria which was reported by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina,
In May, 2014, it was stated that meat consumption in Nigeria might hit 1.3 million tonnes by 2050. It was observed that the price of a mature cowl of the Abure species which was N300,000 to N500,000 in 2019 is now between N800,000 to N1m in the marketplace.
The cost of a medium-sized cow ranges from N400,000 to N700,000 while the price of a small cow range between N250,000 to N300,000.
Around this time in November of 2019, a full-sized cow would have sold for about N500,000, but today it can fetch up to N1,500,000. Depending on the number of the cows, a truck can hold 20, 30, or 35, and the cost of transportation is typically expensive.
Taxes
There are many taxes that face by trader. When loading the cows in Maiduguri for instance traders pay tax to the relevant local government council from where they load the cows and they also pay tax to where offload. Let’s not forget the fact that they’re always held up by people on the roads who demand payment from them for reasons related to the government.
If traders has to settle with 100,000 naira to illegal levy collectors, how are they supposed to recover that loss if they don’t add it to the cost of the cows? If the government can stabilize the naira, they would be happy. Things are expensive now and it is affecting traders and families.
Cattle sellers face challenges such as high transportation costs and poor road conditions. A trailer load of cows from the North to the South costs between N750,000 and N800,000. It used to cost between N100,000 and N120,000 in 2018.
Insecurity
Insecurity and multiple levies is another problem on why cows are so expensive, The relevant authorities should look into the issue of multiple levies because it is killing their business.
Another reasons why cows are so expensive in Nigeria is the high demand of cow meat Nigeria today, being the most populous country in Africa, has a high demand for beef. This consumption rate with a relatively low supply of cows drives up the price.
Cost of rearing and maintaining the cows. This includes the cost of feed, veterinary services, and other maintenance costs. As the cost of all these increases, so does the price of the cows.
High fuel prices is another major reason why cows are expensive, this adds to the final price of the cows.
Species of Cows in Nigeria
Nigeria’s climactic conditions and geographical features have enabled the flourishing of various breeds of cows in its territories.
The White Fulani
The Fulani which is born white is a brahman breed of Africa which herds predominantly reside within Nigeria. They are sturdy animals equipped with large hocked frames and are known for being hardy to all grazing conditions along the Sahara.
The Sokoto Gudali
Another major Cattle breed that proliferates within gentler areas of Northern Nigeria is the Sokoto Gudali or Bokolo. Unlike other Gudali-bred cattle, these animals are notably heavier, and Do undertake physical work or laboring.
The Red Bororo
The Red Bororo, also referred as the rahaji known to be bred primarily in Nigeria from bororo herders. They are noted for their shaggy coats which can shine in any given setting. Being Great producers of meat along with having drooping large ears and compact feet provide emphasis on their intended design.
Adamawa Gudali
Adamawa Gudali and Sokoto Gudali are similar in builds but with a wider muscular such that the Adamawa is more suited in herding conditions requiring work. Their bulging musculature provides powerful advantages with the combination of Having large pellets along with a good milk yield offering a safe return.
Muturu breed
Finally, the Muturu breed is a smaller variety of cow found in Nigeria. They are recognized for their resistance to tsetse flies, which makes them ideal for specific regions of the country. Despite their diminutive size, they are nevertheless utilized to produce meat and milk.
Regional Price Differences for Cows in Nigeria
Cost of cows is cheaper in the Northern region, since there is a high concentration of cattle breeders, chiefly, the Fulani herdsmen. This is because of the nearness to the point of origin, low transportation costs, and as cattle are also kept for their provision of grazing area.
On the other hand, cows in the state of the Southern region tend to be more expensive. This is considerably due to such costs of transportation that have to be incurred in the process of ferrying the cows that are predominantly reared in the northern part to the southern one. To add on, the demand for cows has been higher most of the times exacerbated particularly, during celebrations and this coupled with a high cost of living have always been factors pushing prices up.
However, in the Eastern region, the price of cows is also quite high especially when associated with traditional ceremonies where the demand for cows increases. The price is in addition, affected by the type of cows, larger and healthier cows are of course expensive. From this perspective, Epeople should know that the Eastern region has her own distinct kinds of cows which also determines the price.
In the Western region, especially in highly populated towns such as Lagos, the cows are quite expensive due to the cost of transport and the high demand, more especially during festive seasons.
However, in rural regions in the Western region, costs may be slightly cheaper due to the prevalence of local cattle rearing activities.
Popular Cattle Markets In Nigeria
- Wudil cattle market in Kano State
- Potiskum cattle market in Yobe State
- Sheme cattle market in Kastina State
- Amansea cattle market in Anambra State
- Maitagari cattle market in JIgawa State
- Asaba cattle market in Delta State
Where Can I Buy Cheap Cows in Nigeria?
Nigerians looking to buy cattle have various options. Considering the Northwest, the Kara market in Ogun state, Malali markets in Kaduna state, Cattle market in Sokoto state, the Nkwo Nnewi market in Anambra state, and Yobe states’ Potiskum market and even the Aduwawa cattle market in Edo state are some of the modern cattle markets. Concerning the number of breeds of cows, this is the largest market in Nigeria with almost all types of cows available at different prices.
Malali Cattle Market located in Kaduna state in north-central Nigeria is known as a commercial hub. This market has copious cows and after a little bargaining you are sure to get the cows at a very good cost.
Northwest Sokoto state is yet another market for cheaper cows. This market is quite popular in the country because of its status as one of the civilizations most reputable markets.
While in the southeast, it is also advisable to visit the bustling Anambra Bihar where the market is positioned. The rates for cattle and other types of livestock, which this market deals with, are most of the times quite reasonable
In Yobe state as well Potiskum Cattle Market should be mentioned as another one worth visiting.
This is one of the largest markets in the West African region offering different types of cows at competitive prices.
Conclusion
Looking for livestock may be a bit overwhelming, but knowledge is power and with good information, one can make choices that suit him or her best. If you know the average price of cows in Nigeria and its determinants, you will be able to get some good bargains and maximize on the investments.
I hope that this guide has helped you in some way especially if you are purchasing a cow for personal consumption, are beginning a farming business, or want to engage in the livestock sector. For questions and clarifications or further support, drop a comment or contact me. Goodluck buying cattle!
FAQs About Cow Prices in Nigeria
1. What is the average price of a cow in Nigeria today?
Currently the price of cows in Nigeria can vary between ₦150,000 to ₦1,700,000 depending on the farmer, breed, age, weight and the location.
2. How can I get the best price for a cow?
The best thing you can do is scout the marketplaces and compare prices offering from various vendors. It would also be wise to consider buying in off-peaks seasons. For instance, Farmers in the villages are likely to sell at lower costs.
3. What factors influence the price of a cow?
The key elements are breed age, weight, health and area. The pricing is also affected by the demand and supply conditions at any season.
4. How can I evaluate if a cow is worth the price?
Consider the state, weight, the age or the breed of the cow. Examine the cow for signs of good health and inquire for any health records. In fact, the suggestions include getting a veterinarian opinion on the cow before buying it.
5. Are there financing options available for buying cows?
Yes, there are financing options such as agricultural loans and credit facilities provided by banks and financial institutions. Check with local banks or agricultural organizations for available options.