Some animal production experts have requested that the Federal Government establish livestock research centres in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The group, under the Nigerian Society for Animal Production, made the call during its 50th national conference at the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State.
They said the centres should focus on different types of livestock in each zone and be backed by regular workshops, community seminars, and meetings between researchers, farmers, and government officials.
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 keynote addresses, 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.
“Climate-smart livestock agriculture should be promoted, and policy should be put in place to encourage local production of research equipment/facilities and acquisition of digital monitoring tools through subsidies and tax waivers on research equipment for effective farm management.
“Youth-driven agribusiness, digital livestock solutions and skills-based training should be put in place by relevant stakeholders to achieve the livestock transformation agenda.”
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