A partnership between Nigerian agricultural stakeholders and Brazilian biotechnology firms has produced the country’s first confirmed successful cattle embryo transfer.
The development, which took place at Harmony Farms in Ogun State, has been described as a promising step toward improving dairy production in Nigeria.
Mr Frederique Abreu, the Agricultural Attaché at the Brazilian Embassy in Nigeria, spoke with journalists following the confirmation of positive laboratory results.
He said the embryo transfer was the result of collaboration involving both private and public sector participants in Nigeria, along with support from Brazil’s agricultural technology experts.
He pointed out that dairy output in Nigeria has long remained below potential. While most cows in the country currently produce an average of three litres of milk per day, the use of improved breeds could lead to significant increases.
According to Mr Abreu, the long-term goal is to help create a more productive livestock sector that supports both food security and economic development.
Mr Humberto Da Rosa, who leads international operations for the Brazilian firm Zebuembryo, encouraged Nigerian farmers to take advantage of the opportunity to modernise livestock practices. He noted that Nigeria and Brazil share similar environmental conditions and said the Girolando breed, used in the embryo transfer, has proven to be both productive and well adapted to hot climates.
The embryo transfer involved introducing embryos from Brazilian dairy cows into local cattle. This is the first time the procedure has been successfully carried out in Nigeria, and early signs show the pregnancies are progressing well.
Mr Michael Akinruli, Chief Executive of Silagreen International Agro-Development Limited, which coordinated the project, said the success of this first phase sets the stage for broader improvements in both milk and meat production.
He explained that the effort also supports the government’s objective of increasing domestic livestock output. In addition to the benefits of using high-yield breeds, he noted that Nigerian farmers will gain access to training and long-term support.
Dr Amos Ayodele, Chairman of Silagreen Agro, described the project as a meaningful step forward for Nigerian agriculture. He explained that the pilot involved six farms across Ogun, Oyo and Kwara states, all of which took part in the embryo transfer process.
He acknowledged that there was initial uncertainty around the project, but said that a number of local farmers trusted the process and were willing to participate. Their involvement, he said, played an essential role in reaching this point.
Dr Ayodele also confirmed that regulatory bodies had been involved from the beginning. He said the Ministry of Livestock and other relevant agencies were fully informed and approved the procedures after reviewing technical details.
According to him, results from the embryo transfer will start to emerge over the coming months as the calves are born. These animals are expected to show improved characteristics in both milk production and beef quality.
He expressed confidence that the project will gain more support as farmers learn about the results. He said the success of this approach is based on science and practical outcomes, and he hopes it will encourage adoption across the country.
