How biotechnology can boost livestock production

Livestock account for one-third of Nigeria’s Agricultural GDP, providing income, employment, food, farm energy, manure and transport. Livestock production if properly handled can boost our economy, there is the need to use biotechnology to improve the quality and quantity of meat, milk and eggs consume to feed Nigerians and even export surplus overseas. Developing countries like Nigeria is faced with the challenge of feeding its growing population, there is urgent need to balance it rapidly with increase in agricultural productivity. The country has to look toward to enhancing its livestock productivity. Nigeria’s indigenous animal’s especially local chickens, goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea fowls etc can yield and produce more if biotechnology is adapted in to the process. In the Northern part of the country there are local chickens in almost every household in the rural areas. The local chicken productivity has been neglected due to introduction of foreign chicken popularly known as “Agric chickens”. With the application of Biotechnology the way they lay their eggs can be improved and also to enhance their quantities in much larger numbers. If biotechnology can be allowed to play its role in the country, health challenges that are normally encountered by our local chickens during harmattan in some cases almost all the chicken in an area is wiped away because of the harsh wealth can be addressed. Negligence has led to low production of Goat, sheep, cattle in the country and leading to shortage of beef for local consumption as large numbers are imported into the country from our neighbours. Livestock like rabbits, turkeys, and ducks can be produced in large quantities to compliment the normal means of providing meat and eggs, but so far no efforts are put in place by both private and public sector to increase their productivity. If Biotechnology is commercialised in Nigeria, it will provide new tools for improving human health, welfare and increase in livestock production. And it also enhances the ability to detect, treat and prevent diseases. by Shehu Mustapha Chaji 08038222575