Management and socio-economic determinants of profitability in dog breeding business in Oyo state, Nigeria

Dog breeding business has the potential to reduce unemployment among youths, especially fresh graduates of veterinary medicine. This study attempted to determine factors associated with making profits in dog breeding business in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic and management factors, tangible and intangible indicators of profitability in dog breeding. A criterion was designed to qualitatively define profitability in dog breeding. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariable analyses were done to determine predictors of profitability in dog breeding business. The mean age of respondents was 32.1 ± 7.7 years. The median year of practicing dog breeding was 6 (range 0 to 25). Using our profitability criterion, of the 70 dog breeders, only 13 (18.6%) was adjudged to have made profits from dog breeding business. In the univariate analysis, years of experience as a dog breeder (Odds Ratio (OR) = 6.4; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.2 – 64.6), bitch becoming pregnant at every mating (OR = 6.5; 95% CI 1.5 – 40.9), the total number of dogs in the kennel (OR = 4.4; 95% CI 1.0 – 20.1) and going on vacation by breeders (OR = 4.1; 95% CI 1.0 – 20.5) were significantly associated with profitability in dog breeding. In the multivariable logistic regression, variables such as the bitch becoming pregnant at every mating (OR = 7.5; 95% CI 1.5 – 38.1), years of experience as a breeder (OR = 7.9; 95% CI 1.3 – 48.1), feed type (OR = 5.2; 95% CI 1.0 – 27.2) and having a University degree (OR = 10.2; 95% CI 1.0 – 106.0) were significant predictors of profitability in dog breeding business. Potential dog breeders should consider these factors before venturing into dog breeding business.