Experts in animal production from the Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP) have urged the Ministry of Livestock Development to establish livestock research institutes dedicated to different animal species in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The call was made during the NSAP’s 50th national conference, held at the Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State.
NSAP also stated that these research centres should regularly organise workshops, community seminars, and conferences to bring together researchers, policymakers, and livestock producers as part of their core activities.
The conference, which was declared open by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, had the theme: “Exploring the Transformations in Animal Agriculture for Food Security, Wealth Creation and Economic Growth”. The conference featured a Keynote address, scientific papers, and exhibitions, with participants drawn from government, academia, the organised private sector, farmers, and traditional rulers.
In a communique jointly signed by the President, Professor Olaniyi Babayemi and Secretary, Dr Folasade Jemiseye, NSAP also noted that there is the need to adopt technological innovation, policy support, and stock improvement using the combination of selection, modern-day genetic tools to upgrade the indigenous breeds of livestock, efficient livestock management, planned feed budget, and optimal disease control measures by all stakeholders.
The communique reads: ”In addition, precision feeding strategies including total mixed ration (TMR), the use of alternative feed resources, disease prevention and animal health innovations such as rapid diagnostic kits, vaccines and precision drug administration, strengthening local vaccine production and animal health extension services should be adopted by stakeholders to improve growth rates, egg and milk production.
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