A. Traoré
Arid and Semi-arid Zones Programme
International Livestock Centre for Africa
P.O. Box 60 Bamako Mali
Summary
A study in six areas of central Mali, involving 1500 head of sheep and goats, was carried out from January-December 1983. The principal causes of pre-weaning mortality were identified. Reasons for death included weakness at birth, malnutrition, and pneumonia and pneumonia-complexes, haemorrhagic septicaemia, enteritis, peste des petits ruminants and sheep pox. The causes of 18 to 20 per cent of deaths could not be identified. Some suggestions for reducing pre-weaning mortality are made.
