AbdulGanny Balogun
Nigeria is intensifying efforts to transform its livestock sector through modern reproductive technologies, positioning the move as a catalyst for job creation, higher productivity, and improved food security.
This formed the central message at the second biennial conference of the Society for Animal Reproduction and Improvement (SARI), where industry experts and policymakers called for rapid adoption of innovative breeding solutions to close the country’s protein gap.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar, said the initiative aligns with the newly approved National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), endorsed by the National Economic Council as a blueprint for sector-wide reform.
According to him, achieving meaningful growth in the livestock industry will depend on improved genetics, enhanced animal health systems, effective disease control, and better feeding practices.
Mukhtar stressed that modern reproductive tools such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and genomic testing are critical to improving breeds across cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs, adding that the government will collaborate with private investors and global partners to scale these innovations.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen traceability, certification, and quality assurance systems to boost consumer confidence and expand access to international markets.
In a keynote address, Demo Kalla underscored the transformative impact of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in agriculture, noting that a mix of conventional and advanced techniques has significantly improved reproductive efficiency and accelerated genetic gains in livestock production.
He explained that technologies such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, estrus synchronization, and cryopreservation are already reshaping animal agriculture, with benefits extending to poultry, small ruminants, and aquatic species.
Kalla added that reproductive science is increasingly bridging agriculture and human health, particularly in fertility treatments and genetic disease management.
Also speaking, Idris Abiola Ajimobi said emerging technologies including CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, semen sexing, fixed-time artificial insemination, and in vitro fertilization are enabling precision breeding, improving disease resistance, and enhancing climate adaptability in livestock systems.
He noted that digital innovations such as artificial intelligence, biosensors, and nanotechnology are further revolutionizing the sector by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and more efficient herd management.
Earlier, Idowu Ola described the conference as a critical platform for collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry players, emphasizing the role of professional bodies in driving innovation, research, and policy development in Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that scaling these technologies could unlock significant economic opportunities while strengthening national food security.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.