In a move to boost productivity in Nigeria’s cattle farming through genetic improvement, SILAGREENAGRO Nigeria has signed a partnership agreement with EMBRAPA-GENEPLUS for a data-driven Genetic Improvement Program for cattle. This initiative by SilagreenAgro aims to enhance productivity and profitability for farmers.
As part of this partnership, SilagreenAgro is currently hosting a team of Brazilian experts in cattle genetics improvement in Nigeria. During their visit to ADILA NICHE RANCH in Kobape, Ogun State, the animals were evaluated to ensure they fit the program’s requirements.
The evaluation process included Dr Renato Guimaraes da Silva (DVM) from Embrapa-Geneplus, Mr Michael Olusegun Akinruli (Founder and CEO of SilagreenAgro, Nigeria), and Engr. (Dr.) Amos Ayodele (Chairman of SilagreenAgro).
Speaking about the program, Akinruli emphasized the need to gather basic genetic information to assess each animal’s status for improvement.
He stated, “Concerted efforts are being made by SilagreenAgro in partnership with Embrapa-Geneplus to enhance animal genetics through data collection and the selection of the best-performing animals with desirable economic traits.”
He added that one of SilagreenAgro’s team members, Mr. Adeola Adesote (RAS), is currently working with genetic improvement organizations in Brazil for doctoral research and training on Zebu cattle genetic improvement.
He noted that animal genetic improvement is practiced globally to ensure food security, saying, “If we don’t improve the genetics of our cattle, how can we increase the supply of animal protein?”
“We need to identify early-maturing animals, determine the 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.”
He continued, “A database system has been created. Interested farmers will have their animals’ information captured, animals will be branded for identification, and several modern genetic improvement analytical methods will be employed to boost our cattle livestock industry.”
“With this capturing and identification, farmers can go online with the identity of the animal and see the full profile on their dashboard for managing their herds toward improvement.” Additionally, he mentioned that results from the analysis of the animals would be published during the year, allowing farmers to make informed decisions in their breeding programs.
He stated that SilagreenAgro recognizes the challenges within Nigeria’s cattle industry and has led efforts to promote 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 pasture for farms, engaged in commercial silage production, and offered training programs in fodder conservation and silage-making.”
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.”
He continued, “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.”
During his remarks at A and A Harmony Farms, Dr Silva expressed Embrapa-Geneplus’ commitment to supporting the program in achieving its objective of improving the productivity of Nigeria’s Indigenous cattle breeds.
“The improvement is not only about enhancing beef or milk production,” he said, “but also about getting animals to gain more weight at a younger age and begin milk production earlier.” He highlighted that Nigeria and Brazil share the same Zebu cattle species and similar climate conditions, making it feasible to replicate Brazil’s proven successes with tropical cattle in Nigeria.
“Embrapa-Geneplus in Brazil oversees research and development of Zebu cattle through various programs aimed at 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 assured 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, emphasized that genetic improvement and nutrition are key, stating that he prioritizes quality over quantity, which is why he has keyed 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 a lot of things on it,” he said.
SGIP, with its strong data backup, 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 equipped with modern genetic improvement evaluation tools to help farmers 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 continuous improvement for every generation.
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