- Will definitely bring a lot of transformation
From Kehinde Akinpelu, ilorin
Agricultural Attachee to the Brazilian Embassy, Mr. Frederique Rosa E Abreu; International Business Director to Zebuembryo, the Technical Partner to Silagreen International Agro Development Ltd, Mr Humberto Da Rosa; Chief Executive Officer of Silagreen International Agro-Development Limited, Mr Michael Akinruli; Chairman Silagreen Agro, Engr. Dr. Amos Ayodele; Managing Director, Blue Ridge Farm Mr. Kunle Obisesan; Director, Adila Niche Farm, Mr. Solanke Abel, and Managing Director, Divine Living Farms, Mr. Olu Balogun, have said the positive laboratory result of the cattle embryo transfer in Nigeria will improve national food security by fast-tracking massive dairy production.
They spoke in separate interviews with journalists on Tuesday.
Abreu stated that the achievement is the testament to the power of international cooperation, bringing together both public and private sectors in pursuit of sustainable livestock improvement.
He explained that the public officials, the technical team for the ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of both countries worked to reach a mutual understanding which led to the approval of the international certification.
He added that in the private sector, the collaboration between Brazilian biotechnology and the Nigerian agriculture company has been instrumental in making the breakthrough a reality.
He commended the leadership of Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock and Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, for his commitment to modernize the sector, adding that such has been crucial.
Abreu said: “With this development, there is going to be greater development in terms of livestock production in Nigeria. For instance, the average milk production in Nigeria is about three litres per cow. And there is a lot to improve. So, this is the first step to restart a new industry of milk in Nigeria.”
International Business Director to Zebuembryo, the Technical Partner to Silagreen International Agro Development Ltd, Mr Humberto Da Rosa, said the feat is a very important milestone in Nigeria.
He said: “We made the diagnosis of gestation for the first cows, early Nigerian cows, who had received the first embryos in Nigerian history. Then we transferred embryos from Brazil to Nigerian cows in Harmony Farms in Ogun State. And we achieved a good result with this embryo transfer. And we strongly believe that it will help to change the dairy production in Nigeria with Brazilian breeds, mainly Girolando breeds.
“Girolando is a crossbreeding breed. They are breed donors with Holstein Moose. In Brazil, we have a very good average milk production with this breed. And this breed is more resistant against parasites, and it is more resistant against heat and wet conditions, mainly during the rainy seaso
Rosa who is in charge of international operations in (Zebuembryo) urged Nigerian farmers to adopt the new technology as possible as he stated that it changes the Nigerian model of production.
Chief Executive Officer of Silagreen International Agro-Development Limited, Mr Michael Akinruli, said the novel technology has been a great learning for farmers in Nigerian
He stated that the feat is a very good one and the first time as well as playing the foundational talk of purebred dairy and beef animals in Nigeria.
He said: “We started early and we are already showing results. So, I think it could impact greatly because now farmers as well can produce animals that are purebred, are from dairy line, animals with global record of milk consistency in milk production and beef production, So we can now start seeing our animals as well enjoying the record of animals in the global stage. So it is the beginning as I said, so we still have a long way to go but the beginning is really, really, really promising.”
Chairman Silagreen Agro, Engr. Dr. Amos Ayodele who expressed excitement at the positive outcome of the result as the intention of the company to revolutionize cattle production in Nigeria was becoming a reality as it is.
He said: “Of course, because this is the first of its kind in Nigeria, it has never happened before. Our customers were naturally not very sure, but we were able to sell the technology to them through some knowledge that we known.
“We got them to embrace the idea, and at the end of the day, they also took the risk to come into it, and today is a moment for everybody to be excited. So, we have this sense to actually do this technology, but six farmers embraced this idea first. And honestly, we cannot but recognize their confidence and trust in us to have signed up for this program
For example, we have, in this process, six farmers, most of them are co-sponsored; Kosbaz farm from Ilorin. We have Adila Farm, Harmony Farm and Bluerich Farm from Ogun State, Divine Living and Eagle Crest Farm from Oyo State as well. All these clients of ours actually believed in us when we showed the idea to them.
“And today, we can say it’s a moment of joy, both for us, for them, and also for our country, Nigeria. So, because this kind of thing has never happened before, it’s a landmark for us, and it’s already showing an indication and a direction that Nigeria could go into for cattle production, especially to improve dairy and beef in our country. Let’s get to know, what is the technology you are really talking about that you adopted? The technology adopted is identifying the best animal in terms of animal production.
“So, this will transfer into Nigerian cattle, which means we have the full range, all right, of animals at the end of the day. So, the future of animal production in Nigeria will be determined by the cows that these animals will give birth to, you know, in about six months from now. The Federal government is aware of the positive result. So, before the transfer, the concerned Government authorities were engaged and the due processes complied with. After the transfer, we had a meeting with the Minister of Livestock and the Directorate of Quaternary Exchanges was also aware because they were the one who approved the imposition of the technology.
Managing Director, Blue Ridge Farms, Mr. Kunle Obisesan, said it is great news that such feat could be achieved in Nigeria.
He said: “I think this should be the first project of that type, Nigeria. And it’s a good thing because it’s very important that we embark on things that bring about a genetic status of our cows. And this definitely is going to bring a lot of transformation. I think it’s a good thing. I was happy. The result has not been made known to us officially. But this is just the beginning.
“And I’m very sure that we are going somewhere big in the future. I have also sure that Nigerian dairy farmers will embrace it and of course, it will help in boosting dairy production in the country because if you look at where we are when it comes to dairy production now, it’s quite unfortunate. And over the years, many people have been trying to come in and make their contribution. But because of the process, some of our cows, I think the best you can get from them, could be five litres or four litres. Some may not even give you anything a day.
“And so with this technology, it’s definitely going to bring about a lot of improvement. And I expect a lot of farmers who want to do dairy again.”
