By joshua 
Envoy, Others lauds positive result of first Nigeria’s cattle embryo transfer
* It’ll revolutionize cattle production, boost national food security in Nigeria – Silagreen
Ayo Ola
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 season.”
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 Nigeria.
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: “So it’s a good one, yeah. So how will this impact on dairy production in Nigeria? Yeah, it will impact very positively because as you would know, the present government is doing everything possible to boost beef and milk production in the country. And they are working towards profit out of their netting from brand deals and here in Silagreen Agro, we are showing the result.
“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 the dairy line, animals with a 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 know.
“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.”
He added: “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 majority of Nigerians well informed farmers know about this, so there is nothing to worry about. Honestly, a good number of them are very, very keen to sign into this program. It’s just that they want to be sure of the success before they do so.
“What has been achieved now, as long as the news is spread everywhere, we are expecting to see, an explosion from the farmers to request more of this. So, there is really nothing to worry or concern about it as far as religion or whatever is concerned. So, there is no concern about it at all.
“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. After meeting all the conditions, the due diligence and all of that, it’s something that the federal government is fully aware and they are also looking forward to seeing or hearing about this good news.
“We are not only trying to buy into this technology, Nigerian farmers are also involved. They are aware and the moment they get the news of this result, they themselves are going to begin to sign off on it.
“Nigerian farmers are fully aware of this technology and they are also anxiously waiting for the outcome of this first attempt. It has nothing to do with Nigerian farmers because all they are waiting for is to hear the positive news. Because they want to be sure that this thing is doing well and positively.
“So, with the news that we are pushing with the development of this*result, there is no doubt that people are going to buy into it.”
Managing Director, Divine Living Farms, Mr. Olu Balogun, said the development is exciting and the first of many procedures that will happen in Nigeria.
He said: “With this we have the confidence that we don’t necessarily need to be importing cattle anymore. We can actually come in, Sela Green and their partners, to our own local cattle, be able to do the embryo transfer successfully, knowing that it’s going to be more cost effective as well. And as you know, seeing is believing, once the news spreads throughout Nigeria as a whole, people will have more confidence to go down that route.
“Because we all strive in the dairy industry to have genetically improved animals and that’s the only way we can achieve optimum milk production. And so, this will go a long way in helping farmers get to this point where we’re actually spending a lot of money.
“The technology will lead to increased milk production in Nigeria, because for any dairy farm to have optimum milk production, they need to have those genetically improved animals. Because these are the animals that are known to be able to produce the amount of milk that we desire as a farmer. Doing AI, artificial insemination, although it’s good, it does not give us what we actually need because we still have elements of crossbreeding. So, for example, you take one of our local Bukolos and give them AI, the result will still be 50% Bukolo, so you still have not achieve that maximum.
“But when you use the embryo as well, of that genetic makeup that you already have, that you desire, the outcome of what you’ll be getting once the cow gives birth, will be the full breed that you desire. The full breed born in our own country, Nigeria. There’s nothing more than that we need from there, because we have the genetics. They are actually born in the country, so the acclimatization and all that stuff is not necessary. And that’s the optimum space we need to be in. And the fact that we’ve done it in Nigeria, and we’ll be able to continue to do it, is very, very pleasing and it’s just an amazing success story in my view.”
He added: “I’m very proud to be one of the pioneer farmers who went through this process. And all I can say is that we’ll continue to use this process to make sure we can expand our flock. And hopefully we’ll get even more results as we go along. Because as you know, the more you do something, the better you’ll get at it. And people will be more confident to put their money where their mouth is.
“So, if say, for example, I did 10 before, I would be happy enough to go out there and do more than 10. Because I’ve seen it. I’ve seen the results.”
Managing Director, Blue Ridge Farms, Mr. Kunle Obisesan, said it is great news that such ferat 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.
Director, Adila Niche Farm, said the feat exemplifies that Nigeria is in the right direction towards the improvement of dairy production.
He said: “It is a welcome development. We are very happy about this development. It will definitely improve dairy production in Nigeria. We should have started long time agon but it is not too late. Now that we have started, I think we are on the right direction towards the improvement of dairy production in this country.
“I am optimistic that dairy farmers in the country will embrace this technology. When you see positive result from those who are changing to better practice you are bound to change to this modern way.”