Ekiti trains 30 specialists for livestock artificial insemination programme

The Ekiti State Government is training 30 professionals to carry out artificial insemination as part of a programme aimed at improving livestock production and farmer incomes. The trainees, drawn mainly from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Departments, are being prepared for induction as artificial insemination technicians. The programme is organised by the state’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, known as L-PRES.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Ebenezer Boluwade said the initiative was targeting 850 cows and 150 goats. He described artificial insemination as a tool for genetic improvement and livestock multiplication. Boluwade said a survey had found poor genetic quality and limited access to improved breeding services among beneficiary farmers.

These conditions, he said, contributed to low milk yields, slower growth and lower market value. The state expects improved breeding to increase milk output, live-weight gain and carcass yield. Officials also said crossbreeding local animals with exotic breeds could produce stronger livestock with better performance and disease resistance.

Lead consultant Olayiwola Adekunle of Genex Urus Company said the exercise was intended to develop local expertise rather than rely on personnel from other countries. He said the company would support the 30 qualified inseminators for three years. Adekunle said the programme would involve inseminating at least 1,000 animals and goats across Ekiti’s local government areas.

L-PRES Animal Husbandry Officer Olumuyiwa Adelodun said the wider goal was to reverse declining local-breed production through improved livestock quality.