Current Price Of Cow In Nigeria Today 2024: A Market Analysis

The price of cow in Nigeria has become a hot topic, particularly with the current inflation and hardship that has ravaged the country. Beef is one of the most sort after protein in Nigeria due to cultural and economic reasons, and the price of cows in Nigeria fluctuates as a result of factors such as the location you are buying the cow from, breed of the cow, weight, demand, supply, economic conditions, and cultural festivities.

There was a time when a full-grown cow could be bought for between N150,000 and N300,000. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has recently said that prices of cows have gone up a lot.

In this detailed market analysis, Ogaprice delves into the current market trends, factors influencing cattle pricing, and regional variations to give you a comprehensive understanding of how much a cow costs in Nigeria today

Also See: Carton Price Of Frozen Turkey In Nigeria (July 2024)

Current Market Prices of Cows in Nigeria

Depending on the type, your location and size of the cow, the price on the market today ranges from N250,000 to an unbelievable N1.5 million per cow.

Prices are almost twice as high as they were two years ago, or even three times as high.

Price Range For Different Breeds Of Cows In Nigeria.

The price of cows fluctuates based on the breed and location. In general, a cow can cost between ₦250,000 and ₦1,500,000.

The prices for the following breeds are broken down in more detail.

White Fulani Cow:

These types of cows are known for their hardiness and milk production, these cows cost between ₦250,000 and ₦700,000 depending on their sixes.

Sokoto Gudali Cow:

These type of cows are Valued for their meat quality, they range from ₦200,000 to ₦1,000,000 depending on the size you are buying.

Red Bororo Cow

This is a  popular breed, costing between ₦250,000 and ₦800,000.

Muturu Cow:

These smaller cows are priced between ₦200,000 and ₦400,000.

Prices During Festive Seasons

During these festive periods, prices can significantly increase by 20-30%.

As an example, during Eid al-Adha, the price of a White Fulani cow can rise to ₦1,000,000 or more for very big size due to increased demand.

Similarly, during Christmas, the demand for beef increases, which pushes prices up.

Species of Cows in Nigeria

White Fulani (Bunaji)

A great source of milk, white Fulani cows are therefore highly sought for by dairy companies.

Their ability to withstand demanding climatic conditions guarantees constant milk output, therefore benefiting the local businesses.

They are also a dual-purpose breed as their meat is much sought after.

Sokoto Gudali

Sokoto Gudali cows are known for having a strong body, large in size and a unique hump. Most of the time, they areF light brown or gray, but their short, smooth coat can be any color. Because they don’t get sick easily, these cows are a good choice for farmers.

The main reason the Sokoto Gudali is grown is to make meat. Because they can easily turn food into body mass, they are a good choice for raising beef.

Red Bororo (Rahaji)

The long, thin horns and reddish-brown fur make red Bororo cows, which are also called Rahaji, easy to spot. They have gotten used to living in the dry parts of northern Nigeria and are very strong and mobile.

Cattle farmers value these cows a lot because they give milk and meat. The Red Bororo can live in harsh, dry conditions, so there is a steady supply of milk and meat even in places that aren’t very fertile.

In northern Nigeria, this makes them an especially important part of the agricultural economy there.

Muturu Cow Breed

One of the smaller native kinds of cows in Nigeria is the Muturu. They are small and strong, and their fur is dark brown or black.

Muturu are very good at living in the jungle and grassland areas of southern Nigeria because they are small and they have high resistance to tsetse fly.

Even though they are small, Muturu cows are very popular because their meat is very soft. Also, especially in the south, they are an important part of traditional ceremonies and cultural activities. Because they can graze on a wide range of plants, they are easy to care for and give small farms a safe way to make money.

Kuri Breed

The Kuri breed comes from the area around Lake Chad. It is easy to spot them because of their big, lyre-shaped horns and light brown to white fur.

Kuri cows do well in the wet, swampy areas where they live naturally.

Most of the time, Kuri cows are used to make milk. Their value in local communities is also increased by the fact that they are special and have cultural meaning.

N’dama Breed

The trypanosomiasis disease that is spread by tsetse flies doesn’t affect N’dama cows as much as it does other cows. A light brown coat covers their small to medium size bodies. N’dama cows are native to West Africa have been brought to Nigeria because they are resistant to disease.

They are primarily raised for meat production, and their hardiness ensures a steady supply of quality beef.

Regional Price Differences for Cows in Nigeria

Cow Prices are also different in different region of the country because the concentration of cattle farming in Nigeria vary from one region to another.

There are more cattle farms and headmen in northern Nigeria, so prices of cows tend to be lower there because there are more cattle available.

In the south, on the other hand, prices are higher because of the cost of transportation and the less supply there.

Price of cows in Kano

In Kano, Cow is not as costly as other southern part of the country because there are lots of cattle farms and market in Kano, so the supply is usually heavy.

Cattles are sold at a price of ₦250,000 to ₦600,000 in Kano depending on breed and size.

Price of cows in Lagos

Prices in Lagos might differ slightly from Kano. You could be paying higher price for cows when buying at Lagos cattle market because of cost of transportation from the north.

Expect to pay any amount from ₦350,000 to ₦1,500,000 for medium size to big size cows.

Kara Cattle Market Lagos is one of the popular market you can buy cows.

Price of cows in Benin City

In Benin City, you can buy cows at a price between ₦300,000 to ₦800,000 depending on the size.

Aduwawa cattle market is one popular market you can buy cows in Benin City.

Price of cows in Enugu

In Enugun, Cows are sold at a price from ₦400,000 to ₦1,000,000 depending on the weight and breed of the cow.

What is the cheapest price for a cow?

From our market survey, they cheapest price came across for a mature cow that is ready to be slaughtered is ₦250,000

Factors Contribute To The Current High Cost Of Cows In Nigeria

Several factors contribute to the current high current price of cow in Nigeria, some of them are:

Transportation Costs Going Up:

The cattle trade has been greatly affected by the rising costs of fuel as a result of the removal of subsidy from petrol because these cows are usually transported from where they are rear to the market for sale.

It’s hard for herders to move cattle from places where they breed to markets, which drives up prices for customers.

Concerns about safety:

Lack of safety in some areas due to farmers and headers clashes, especially the north, west and sometimes the south and east, makes it hard to keep cattle as a typical way of life, this would supply of cattle to go down thereby driving the price up.

General Inflation:

Nigeria is still fighting inflation, which affects all areas, even animals. Cattle farmers will always have to pay more for things like feed and other things that cattle need to live which has pushed the cost of raising a cow in Nigeria to an all time high.

Understanding Price Variations: Why The Prices Of Cows Vary?

The price of a cow in Nigeria is always changing, the question is why it is so?  Let’s see some of the reason why price change!

Breed of cow:

White Fulani and Yankasa are two examples of breeds that are noted for the quality of their meat, and these breeds attract higher prices.

Age and size:

It is only reasonable that older cows will be more expensive than younger ones. The size of the animal is another factor, with larger animals commanding a higher price.

Location of cattle market:

Prices might vary greatly from one region to another depending on the location. There will be an increase in prices in regions that have a higher demand and lesser supply, like the southern and eastern part of the country, while it will be relatively cheaper when buying cows from region of surplus supply like the northern part of the country.  

Health:

As far as health is concerned, a cow that is healthy and has a pleasant disposition will be more costly than one that is sick or hostile.

Where Can I Buy Cheap Cows In Nigeria?

To find cheap cows, you need to know the best places, times, and markets to buy cows. Some of the major markets for cattle in Nigeria are:

Maiduguri Market for Cattle

An important cow market in Nigeria is in Maiduguri, which is in Borno State. People love this market because it has a lot of cattle and the prices are low.

Kano Market for Cattle

Another important place to buy cows is the Kano Cattle Market. This market is in Kano State and has a long history of selling livestock.

Sokoto Market for Cattle

The Sokoto Cattle Market is a well-known place in Sokoto State to buy cows. This market has a lot of different kinds of cows at reasonable prices.

It is known for the Sokoto Gudali breed. Because it is close to big cattle-raising areas, there is a steady supply and prices are fair.

Malali Cattle Market in Kaduna

The Malali Cattle Market in Kaduna State is a place to visit in the north if you want to buy cow at a cheap price.

There are a lot of cows at this market, and the prices are often flexible, so you can get a good deal.

Aduwawa Cattle Market

The aduwawa cattle market is a very big market for livestock so it is a place to visit if you live in Edo state and wants to buy cow at cheap price.

Nkwo Nnewi Market

The Nkwo Nnewi Market is in Anambra State, which is in the eastern part of Nigeria. It is famous for selling animals, like cows, at this market, and the prices are generally fair.

The Best Region To Buy Cheap Cows in Nigeria

The Northern Of Nigeria

Cattle farming is a big business in northern Nigeria, especially in states like Katsina, Bauchi, and Jigawa. Large-scale cattle farming taking place in this area because it has a lot of open land and a mild climate.

If you buy from these areas directly, you can save money on transportation and broker fees, which means the prices are lower.

Adamawa and Taraba States

These states are also important places to raise cattle. Adamawa and Taraba have large numbers and well-run markets for cattle Purchasing cows from local farmers or markets in these states can be cost-effective due to the direct access to sources.

Tips for Buying Cheap Cows in Nigeria

Buy When Prices Are Low

Because there are more people wanting cattle during holidays like Christmas and Eid al-Adha, costs tend to go up. If you want to find cheaper cows, you might want to buy them when demand is lower.

Buy in Bulk

If you buy more than one cow at once, you might get a deal. Traders are more likely to give better deals to people who buy in bulk.

This approach works especially well for businesses or farming cooperatives that want to get the most out of their money.

Negotiate Prices

A lot of people negotiate at cattle markets. You may have more power if you know what the current market price is and are ready to walk away if the price isn’t right. Traders expect and are ready for bargaining, so don’t be afraid to get the best deal.

Conclusion: Current Price Of Cow In Nigeria Today 2024: A Market Analysis

The current price of cow in Nigeria today 2024 is considerably higher compared to previous years. Rising transportation costs, security concerns, seasonal demand, and high cost of raising cow contribute to this surge.

To make a good purchase as a buyer, you should know how the market works, how to negotiate well, and how to put animal health first.

The future is still unknown, but the direction of cow prices in Nigeria could be changed by government action, better security, and other protein sources.