NAPRI crossbreeding boosts milk yields in Nigeria

NIGERIA – The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) has achieved remarkable success in cross-breeding through genetic improvement of indigenous cattle production.

Programme Leader for NAPRI Dairy Research Programme, Dr Na’imatu A Sani, said in an update on the programme’s achievements that the success recorded was in line with its core national mandate.

Speaking about the institute’s efforts to improve indigenous cattle production through genetic processes, the programme leader said that production of crossbred cows at NAPRI was paying off.

“A crossbred cow developed at NAPRI through the crossing of White Fulani cows with exotic breeds, currently produces up to 15 litres of milk per day, compared to the 3 – 4 litres typically produced by indigenous breeds”, she said.

According to her, the NAPRI Dairy Research Programme recorded significant progress in milk production through simple but effective managerial interventions.

Dr Na’imatu also said the average milk yield increased from five litres to seven litres per cow per day among the institute’s crossbred cows.

This, she explained, was a result of improving the qualitative water supply and its access to cattle, apart from feeding, through repairs of the existing water system and provision of additional watering points.

The programme leader also said the noticeable improvement in the quality of NAPRI Yogurt over the past month was largely due to increased milk production at the NAPRI Dairy farm and improved quality of milk sourced from vendors.

Na’imatu, who described NAPRI yoghurt as the cheapest 100 percent fresh cow milk yoghurt in Nigeria, said “milk quality directly determines the quality of yoghurt produced”.

She disclosed that NAPRI now set a target to increase on-farm milk production by 200 percent in 2026 through affordable and impactful dairy research to be carried out by its dedicated researchers and technical staff.

“In line with this, the management has purchased an additional F1 breeding bull from Arla Farms to enhance cross breeding”, she said.

Interestingly, in the last one month, about 50 percent of the target had already been achieved, she also said.

“Increased milk production by cows will further reduce production costs and enhance affordability of dairy products to the public in line with the core mandate of our programme and the institute at large”, she stated.

She further disclosed that NAPRI was now working toward producing bottled water, with plans to repair the previously non-functional bottling lines.

Dr Na’imatu, however, listed poor power supply, lack of internet access, dilapidated and inadequate infrastructure, and lack of research funding as some of the major challenges facing the programme.

The programme leader, who said they would continue to do their best to fulfil the mandate, expressed appreciation to the NAPRI leadership for their continued support for the programme in achieving the set goals.

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