The Kwara State Government has commenced a statewide cattle artificial insemination programme targeting thousands of animals as part of efforts to improve breeds and increase milk and dairy production. The initiative, being implemented in collaboration with Genex URUS American International Animal Breeding Company, began with 500 cattle in September. The programme aims to enhance livestock production in the state by providing farmers with access to improved breeds.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, disclosed this on Sunday during the flag-off of the exercise at TGB Farms in Ganiki, Ilorin South Local Government Area. Thomas said the intervention was part of the government’s broader efforts to transform livestock production in the state. She explained that the animals had first undergone synchronisation as part of preparations for the insemination.
The programme plans to inseminate thousands of cattle across the state, with a target of 1,000 by the end of the year. The government hopes to establish an artificial insemination centre in Malete, with similar facilities expected to be introduced in other identified communities to improve farmers’ access to the service. This will enable farmers to gain access to improved breeds and enhance dairy production.
The state is also developing local capacity by involving students of animal production and youths from pastoralist communities in the exercise. The government aims to build a pool of trained personnel to reduce the cost of the exercise, improve the synchronisation process, and increase the chances of successful insemination. This will ensure the programme's sustainability and success.
The Director of Livestock in the ministry, Ahmed Umar, said the success of the programme would depend on the cooperation of stakeholders across the livestock sector. Umar expressed optimism that the exercise would record an 85 per cent success rate, while calling for the support of farmers and other stakeholders. He emphasised the need for collaboration to develop the sector.
The Team Lead of Genex URUS American International Animal Breeding Company, Saka Shittu, said the intervention was designed to improve the quality of cattle through the use of selected semen, particularly to increase dairy production. Shittu urged cattle owners, including pastoralists and smallholder dairy farmers, to participate in the scheme, stressing that the service was currently being provided free of charge in Kwara.
The flag-off provided practical exposure for students of animal production, with participants drawn from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, Malete, and Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The programme also commended the government for selecting TGB Farms to participate in the programme and appreciated the opportunity to benefit from the state’s livestock development initiative.
Key points
- The programme targets 1,000 cattle by the end of the year.
- The government plans to establish an artificial insemination centre in Malete.
- The service is currently being provided free of charge in Kwara.
