Don advocates increased FG’s funding to boost livestock production
Livestock
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umudike (Abia), Dec. 11, 2025 (NAN) An Animal Geneticist, Prof. Uma Oke, has advised the Federal Government to strengthen support for animal genetic improvement research programmes in the country.
Oke, a Professor of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), gave the advice while delivering the institution’s 66th Inaugural Lecture on Wednesday.
In the lecture, entitled, “Seed Boogie and Products of Animal Origin: a Panacea for Quality Protein Crisis”, he emphasised the importance of such research programmes to national livestock development.
According to him, Nigeria has the potential to close its protein gap through better use of indigenous poultry strains.
Oke said that the findings of his study show that local and exotic poultry breeds hold “rich genetic material, capable of transforming national protein production, if properly developed”.
He said that the application of core genetic principles, such as heterosis, breed complementarity and enhanced variability, could produce birds with faster growth, higher yield and stronger disease resistance.
He said that results from the guinea fowl lavender-pearl combinations, “clearly demonstrate the value of targeted crossbreeding in developing distinct and superior strains”.
Oke described indigenous chickens as “a reliable, affordable and nationally strategic source of quality protein”, saying that their improvement was critical for food security and rural economic empowerment.
He called for stronger collaboration among researchers, farmers, policymakers and industry players to scale up innovative protein production systems that match emerging breeding technologies.
He expressed concern that while more than 600 crop varieties were registered since 1983, only three poultry strains; the Bununafha, Shika Brown and Nuela, had been officially recorded.
“The country must expand and formalise the registration of genetically improved poultry strains, if it hopes to compete globally,” he said.
Oke, therefore, advocated increased financial support to breeders, pointing out that stabilising a new strain might take seven to 20 years.
“Sustained government funding is essential for breeders to maintain long-term breeding cycles and achieve meaningful genetic advancement,” he said.
He recommended restructuring the National Animal Production Research Institute into species-specific research centres, with poultry and pig units located in the southern states, where conditions favour their production.
Oke also advocated improved funding and modern infrastructure for research facilities to fully exploit comparative advantages and accelerate genetic progress.
He called for more research centres nationwide, including the strengthening of the emerging hub at Umudike to conserve indigenous traits and drive innovation.
Oke further advised that institutions with available land should be supported to host species-based research facilities for poultry and pig development.
He also described the improvement of animal genetic resources as “a national obligation essential to food security, sustainable development and economic growth”.
In a remark, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, described the lecture as highly impactful.
Iwe said that it clarified the concept of “seed boogie” as it relates to animal mating and production of offspring.
He said that the lecturer highlighted the link between animal reproduction, sustainable breeding, and improved access to high-quality protein.
“Success in these areas should not be just an academic achievement but a national imperative,” he said.
He expressed the university’s commitment to sustaining the inaugural lectures.
“From now until the next five years, many will be qualified to deliver these lectures and each time we announce, please find time to be here,” Iwe said.
He commended the Federal Government for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development.
He hoped that the ministry, working with the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, would address Nigeria’s protein and nutrition challenges.
In an interview with newsmen, the wife of the inaugural lecturer, Dr Ifeyinwa Uma-Kalu, described the lecture as part of her husband’s intellectual journey.
Uma-Kalu, who is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, expressed gratitude to God for making the event a reality.
She said: “I provide encouragement and sometimes serve as his sounding board.
“He presents his lectures to me several times and I read parts, offering my contributions.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
INA/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah