Nigeria launches cattle artificial insemination programme to boost dairy production

NIGERIA – Nigeria’s Kwara State has launched a statewide cattle artificial insemination programme targeting thousands of animals to improve genetics and increase milk and dairy production.

The programme is being implemented in partnership with Genex URUS American International Animal Breeding Company and began with 500 cattle in September. 

The state government aims to inseminate about 1,000 animals by the end of 2026 before expanding the programme further.

Oloruntoyosi Thomas, Commissioner for Livestock Development, announced the programme during its flag-off at TGB Farms in Ganiki, Ilorin South Local Government Area.

“One of the ways to improve breeds is through artificial insemination. We are going to inseminate thousands of cattle across the state,” Thomas said.

She said the cattle had undergone synchronisation before insemination and that the programme would continue beyond its initial phase.

“In terms of numbers, we are going to inseminate thousands. We are starting with 500 this month of September, but by the end of the year, we are hoping to reach maybe a thousand, and then we keep going. It’s a long process, but we are just starting,” she said.

The government also plans to establish an artificial insemination centre in Malete, with additional facilities expected in other communities to improve farmers’ access to breeding services.

Thomas said the programme would also build local technical capacity by involving Animal Production students from tertiary institutions and young people from pastoralist communities.

“We need to ensure that we have our well-trained technicians, artificial insemination technicians, and that’s why we are involving our students from the University of Ilorin, the various tertiary institutions in the state,” she said.

Developing a pool of trained technicians could help reduce service costs, improve synchronisation and increase the chances of successful insemination, according to Thomas.

Focus on dairy production

Ahmed Umar, director of livestock in the Ministry of Livestock Development, said cooperation among stakeholders would be essential to improving cattle genetics.

“We want to develop this sector the way it should be developed by having improved breeds. This cannot be done alone. All stakeholders must come together to ensure success,” Umar said.

He said the programme could achieve an 85% success rate.

Saka Shittu, team lead of Genex URUS American International Animal Breeding Company, said selected semen would be used to improve cattle quality and support dairy production.

“For now, the programme focuses on cattle; it will later be extended to other livestock. The essence of the programme is that animals are being inseminated with improved semen selected to boost dairy production,” Shittu said.

The artificial insemination service is currently free, with each farmer eligible to have two cattle inseminated at no cost.

The programme also provided practical training for Animal Production students from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, Malete, and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

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