Welfare assessment of goats after long distance transportation from Northern to Southern Nigeria   

Year: 2026

Chidiadi Nwanehiudu
University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Grant: HSA Student/Trainee Scholarship 2026

Goat production plays a pivotal role in the Nigerian agricultural sector, serving as a vital source of protein, income, and cultural stability for millions of households across the country. Goats transported from Northern to Southern Nigeria face significant welfare challenges due to poor vehicle conditions and handling practices, overcrowding, extreme heat, prolonged fasting and extended journeys without rest stops. These stressors trigger behavioural responses such as panting, vocalization, aggression, and attempts to escape, which are often accompanied by physiological responses including dehydration, muscle damage, high temperature, and immunosuppression, ultimately leading to high mortality rates.

This project proposes a comprehensive investigation into the factors influencing the welfare of goats during long distance transportation from Northern to Southern Nigeria, aiming to identify practical strategies for mitigating transportation-related stress, thereby enhancing the welfare of goats during transportation. The primary objective of this research is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the welfare status of goats transported from Northern to Southern Nigeria, by integrating transporter reported practices with direct behavioural and physiological evaluations of the animals upon arrival.

Findings from this research are anticipated to significantly inform policy development and reforms, to implement improved animal welfare practices for humane animal transportation within Nigeria.