In a move aimed at enhancing productivity in cattle farming in Nigeria through genetic improvement, SILAGREENAGRO of Nigeria has signed a partnership agreement with EMBRAPA-GENEPLUS on a data-driven Genetic Improvement Program for cattle.
SilagreenAgro is introducing into the Industry a Genetic Improvement Program aimed at enhancing farmers’ productivity and profitability.
As part of this partnership, the company is currently hosting a team of Brazilian experts in cattle genetics improvement in Nigeria.
During this visit at ADILA NICHE RANCH in Kobape Ogun State, animals for the program were evaluated to fit into the program.
The process has the presence of Embrapa-Geneplus Expert Dr. Renato Guimaraes da Silva (DVM), Mr. Michael Olusegun Akinruli (Founder and CEO SilagreenAgro, Nigeria) and Engr (Dr.) Amos Ayodele (Chairman of SilagreenAgro).
Speaking about the program, Akinruli stated that some basic genetic information were necessary to know the status of each animal with a view to improving them. He added that concerted effort was being made by SilagreenAgro company in partnership with Embrapa-Geneplus to help improve the genetics of animals through data collection and selection of best performing animals with desirable economic traits.
He further expressed that towards this end, one of SilagreenAgro’s team member, Mr. Adeola Adesote (RAS) is presently attached to genetic improvement organizations in Brazil for doctorate research and training on the zebu cattle genetic improvement.
He noted that animal genetic improvement is done all over the world to guarantee food security, “if we don’t improve the genetics of our cattles how can we increase the supply of animal protein?”
“We need to identify early maturing animals, age at first calving and identify good mothers (dams) including understanding their Expected Progeny Differences EPDs for various economic traits to help us breed quality animals and guarantee food security.
“A databased system has been created, interested farmers will have the information of their animals captured, animals will be branded for identification and several modern genetic improvement analytical methods will be employed to boost our cattles livestock industry”
“With this capturing and identification, farmers can go online with the identity of the animal and see all the profile on their dashboard for managing their herds towards improvement.” Also, results of the analysis of the animals will be published during the year for farmers to take informed decision in their breeding program.
He said that SilagreenAgro recognized the challenges within the Nigerian cattle industry and has been at the forefront of promoting the cultivation of improved fodder to address feed shortages.
“Over the past five years, the company has provided fodder materials to many farmers, established hectares of pastures for farms, engaged in commercial silage production, and offered training programs in fodder conservation and silagemaking.”
“The company is now advancing further in genetic improvement with the introduction of the Silagreen Genetic Improvement Program (SGIP).
The productivity of an animal is determined by the interplay between its genetic potential and its environment, including factors like feed, health management, and housing.
“Our indigenous breeds cannot express their genetic potential if the cattle industry fails to recognize that without a decisive and deliberate effort to capture and trace the genealogy of our animals, with the aim of identifying, selecting, and concentrating desirable traits within the herd, we cannot enhance animal productivity”.
In his remarks, while visiting A and A Harmony Farms, Dr. Silva also expressed the readiness and support of Embrapa-Geneplus in ensuring that the program achieves its objective of improving the productivity of Nigeria’s indigenous cattle breeds.
“The improvement is not only at improving beef or milk production, but getting the animals to gain more weight at a younger age and commence milk production at a much younger age. He added that Nigeria and Brazil have the same Zebu cattle species and above all the same climate; hence, the proven success achieved with tropical cattle in Brazil can be effortlessly replicated in Nigeria.
“Embrapa-Geneplus in Brazil oversees research and development of Zebu cattle through various programs for the genetic improvement.”
“Our focus includes herd assessment and monitoring for body conformation, performance evaluation tests and their interpretation, and the integration of genomic tools for genetic improvement, among other areas.”
“Our research findings are shared annually, allowing cattle farmers to adapt to the latest advancements in the industry.”
Engr. (Dr.) Amos Ayodele, the Chairman of SilagreenAgro expressed his satisfaction and gave assurance that the Genetics improvement program would yield optimum results for the industry.
The Chairman of Divine Living Farm, Iseyin, Mr. Akeem Balogun, who was also present, said that genetic improvement and nutrition are key as he wants more quality than quantity, reasons for keying into the genetic program.
“As an analyst by trade, I have already studied and have an idea of the program, and I also know that Brazil is one of the pioneers. They have done their research and lot of things on it,” he said.”
SGIP, with it’s strong data back up has been designed to assist farmers in enhancing productivity by determining the best Sire (male) to mate with each Dam (female) based on thorough data analysis and interpretation. SGIP is designed with modern genetic improvement evaluation tools to assist the farmers to understand the Expected Progeny Differences EPDs of several valuable economic traits that will add value to the industry. The system will then propose a structured program and provide monitoring support for the farmer.
The aim is for continuous improvement with every generation.
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