The Kwara State Government has launched a statewide artificial insemination programme aimed at improving cattle breeds and increasing milk and dairy production.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, announced the initiative during its flag-off at TGB Farms in Ganiki, Ilorin South Local Government Area.
The programme, carried out with Genex URUS American International Animal Breeding Company, started with 500 cattle in September. The state plans to increase the number to about 1,000 by the end of the year.
Thomas said the cattle had undergone synchronisation before the insemination process. She added that the programme would continue after the initial phase.
The government also plans to establish an artificial insemination centre in Malete and introduce similar facilities in other communities.
Thomas said students from the University of Ilorin and other tertiary institutions, as well as youths from pastoralist communities, were being trained as technicians.
The Director of Livestock, Ahmed Umar, said stakeholder cooperation would be important to the success of the programme. He said the exercise is expected to achieve an 85 per cent success rate.
Genex URUS team lead, Saka Shittu, said selected semen would be used to improve cattle quality and dairy production.
He said the service is currently free, with each farmer allowed to have two cattle inseminated at no cost.
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