Expert calls for genetic conservation in Nigerian Muscovy ducks

Amid a surge in global interest in sustainable livestock farming and genetic conservation, Dr Adeniyi Charles Adeola, an expert in molecular genetics and animal breeding, has highlighted the importance of genetic diversity in the population of Muscovy ducks in Nigeria.

Speaking about his recent study, which unveiled the genetic diversity and population structure of Nigeria’s Muscovy ducks, Dr Adeola underscored the unique genetic resources these animals provide. His research, which analysed mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences from 378 Nigerian Muscovy ducks alongside 80 published sequences from India, offers crucial insights into their adaptability and genetic resilience.

Presenting his findings at a seminar on sustainable livestock breeding in Abuja, Dr Adeola revealed that Nigerian Muscovy ducks exhibit high haplotype diversity for nuclear DNA but relatively low diversity for mitochondrial DNA. “This pattern suggests a history of extensive genetic intermixing among Nigerian populations, which is essential for their adaptability,” he explained.

The study showed that the Nigerian Muscovy duck population is structured into two genetic groups: one consisting exclusively of Nigerian populations and the other including both Nigerian and Indian ducks. This finding underscores the influence of both natural selection and human activities on genetic diversity.

Dr Adeola, an associate professor at the Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Bayero University, Kano, emphasised that the research sheds light on the mechanisms driving the ducks’ remarkable adaptive capacities. “Understanding these genetic variations can help improve breeding strategies and ensure the long-term sustainability of indigenous livestock,” he stated.

His research also revealed that Nigerian Muscovy ducks have undergone recent population expansions, likely influenced by favourable environmental conditions and human-driven selection. “These findings indicate the need for well-structured conservation and breeding programmes to maintain genetic diversity,” Dr Adeola advised.

Addressing journalists after his presentation, Dr Adeola noted that the lack of a distinct geographic genetic signal among the ducks aligns with patterns observed in other Nigerian poultry species. “This means that Nigerian Muscovy ducks have been widely exchanged across regions, leading to a homogenised genetic pool,” he remarked.

As a leading researcher in animal genetics and evolutionary biology, Dr Adeola has dedicated years to studying the genomic diversity of African livestock. His work has earned him international recognition, with over 80 scientific publications and research collaborations spanning Africa, Europe, and Asia.

He cautioned that while genetic intermixing supports adaptability, it also poses risks. “If unchecked, it could lead to the erosion of unique genetic traits that are vital for disease resistance and environmental adaptation,” he warned.

Dr Adeola called for government intervention to support genetic conservation efforts. “There is an urgent need to implement policies that promote the sustainable breeding of indigenous livestock while preserving their genetic integrity,” he urged.

In addition to policy recommendations, he advocated for increased funding for genetic research. “Investing in molecular breeding technologies can enhance productivity and disease resistance in Nigeria’s poultry industry,” he added.

As part of his ongoing projects, Dr Adeola is spearheading initiatives to apply CRISPR-based molecular assays for Pestivirus detection in cattle and develop breeding programmes for scrapie resistance in Nigerian sheep and goats. These efforts align with global trends in precision livestock farming.

His work has also significantly contributed to international collaborations, including the Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre, fostering knowledge exchange between African and Chinese research institutions.

With Nigeria’s poultry industry playing a pivotal role in food security and economic stability, experts like Dr Adeola believe that harnessing genetic diversity is essential for ensuring sustainable livestock production for future generations. “The science is clear—our indigenous livestock are reservoirs of untapped genetic potential. It’s time we leverage that for a more resilient agricultural future,” he concluded.