Consumer Perception and Preference for Meat Types in Ogbomoso area of Oyo State, Nigeria.

Two hundred and six (206) respondents in Ogbomoso (a university community) in Oyo state Nigeria were randomly selected through structured questionnaires to examine their perception and preference of meat and meat products. Data collected were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistical tools. The results showed that marketing activities should be centered on female who are mostly married (83.0%) within the age group 31-40 since women are the one to purchase the meat at home, although men (56.8%) responded to the questionnaire than their female (43.2%) counterpart. It was clearly shown that respondents eat beef meat the most but enjoyed chicken the most, while availability and taste were major factors that influenced decision on the meat types of preference. Consumers preferred a designated meat shop as against the conventional abattoir and general market to purchase meat. Greater number of respondents however showed their preference in eating meat at home than outside. Beef, was the most affordable (54.9%), preferred at ceremony (69.4%) and the most convenient (55.3%). Chicken (32.3%) and Turkey (36.3%) are most preferred for picnic. Chevon (35.4%) was the most nutritious while chicken (27.7%) and beef (23.3%) were the most preferred as fast to cook meat. The study clearly revealed the importance of meat to the respondents in Ogbomoso.