From Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin
Chief Executive Officer, Silagreen International Agro Development Limited, Mr. Michael Akinruli, has announced a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s Dairy Industry.
He stated that the first Embryo Transfer (ET)-Born Girolando Calf from Advanced Tropical Genetic Improvement Program arrived at Harmony Farms center in Odogbolu, Ogun State.
In a statement on Sunday, he also said this has resulted into a new era for dairy productivity in Nigeria, adding the calf is registered with SGHF 009.
He added that Silagreen International Agro Development Ltd, a pioneering leader in agricultural biotechnology and sustainable farming solutions, is proud of the new innovation at one of its ET centers.
Akinruli said: “This healthy female Girolando calf represents the vanguard of a carefully managed cohort, with several more calves expected from the program between now and March 2026.
“This milestone is the culmination of a dedicated project utilizing Brazil’s cutting-edge ET technology to introduce superior bovine tropical genetics directly into the Nigerian ecosystem. These calves when they reach maturity will give 30 – 50 litres of milk daily.
“The birth of this calf is not merely a scientific success; it is a tangible asset for the future of Nigerian dairy farming. The Brazilian Girolando breed, a proven hybrid of Holstein and Gyr, is renowned for its high milk yield, heat tolerance, and resilience—traits perfectly suited to the Nigerian climate. By bypassing traditional, slower genetic improvement methods, Silagreen’s ET program delivers a quantum leap in herd quality.”
He stated that it will lead to exponential increase in milk production.
He explained that farmers integrating these genetics can expect a dramatic rise in per-cow milk yield, directly boosting income and farm profitability.
He also said it will improve herd resilience, adding that the Girolando’s adaptability means lower mortality rates, better health, and reduced veterinary costs, enhancing sustainability.
According to him, there will be rapid genetic upgrading.
He explained that this technology allows farmers to build elite, high-performing herds within a single generation, rather than over decades.
Akinruli further said the development will lead to enhanced livelihoods: He noted that increased and stable dairy income translates to greater economic security for farming families and communities.
He stated that the innovation will forge partnerships for national impact.
He said: “Silagreen International recognizes that scaling this success requires collaborative effort. We are actively seeking to partner with Federal and State policymakers, agricultural development agencies, and financial institutions. “Together, we can develop supportive policies and regulatory frameworks for advanced reproductive technologies in livestock.
“We can create innovative financing models to help more dairy farmers access these high-genetic-value animals.
“We can integrate this into national breeding programs to leverage on this breakthrough to achieve dairy self-sufficiency.”
The Chairman, Silagreen International Agro Development Limited, Engr. Dr. Amos Ayodele stated that the birth of the new calf has strategic importance for Nigeria.
According to him, this achievement aligns directly with Nigeria’s national goals for food security, import substitution, and economic diversification.
He explained that dairy product importation constitutes a significant drain on foreign reserves.
According to him, Silagreen’s Genetic Improvement Program presents a clear, science-backed pathway to boost domestic milk production and reduce reliance on expensive imports.
He added that it will create jobs, adding that it will stimulate the entire dairy value chain from feed production to processing.
He said it will lead to technology transfer by building local expertise in world-class agricultural biotechnology.
He further stated that the development will inspire agricultural innovation and demonstrate that Nigeria can lead in frontier Agri-Tech.
Amos said: “This pioneering phase of the project was made possible through collaboration with forward-thinking commercial farms that provided recipient herds. Silagreen extends its profound gratitude to our launch partners, which are: Harmony Farms, Odogbolu, Ogun State (Birth location of the historic first calf), Adila Niche Farms (Ogun State, Blue Ridge Farms (Ogun State), Kosbaz Farm (Ilorin), Eagle Crest Ranch (Eruwa-Oyo State), Divine Living Farms (Iseyin-Oyo State) and Mirth Farms (Asejire)
“Silagreen International Agro Development Ltd is a Nigerian Agro-Biotech Company committed to transforming agriculture through advanced science and sustainable practices. Specializing in tropical genetic improvement, innovative feed and fodder solutions, and integrated farm management, Silagreen empowers farmers to achieve unprecedented productivity and profitability.”
