The Kwara State has launched an artificial insemination program for livestock animals

A large-scale cattle artificial insemination program has been launched in Kwara State, aimed at improving livestock breeds as well as increasing the production volume of milk and dairy products. The initiative is being implemented by the state government in cooperation with the American international animal breeding company Genex URUS.

The procedure began in September, covering 500 livestock animals at TGB Farms in the Ilorin South Local Government Area, and by the end of the year, the authorities expect to bring this number to 1,000. Subsequently, it is planned to cover thousands of animals across the state. Before the insemination procedure, the animals undergo a synchronization process. In addition, an artificial insemination center is planned to open in Malete, and similar facilities will appear in other selected communities.

The program is also aimed at developing local capacity building. Students of animal science faculties from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State University in Malete, and Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, as well as youth from pastoralist communities, are being engaged in the work. The training of qualified technicians is designed to reduce the cost of carrying out the activities, improve synchronization, and increase the success rate of insemination, which Ahmed Umar, the director of livestock at the ministry, projects at 85 percent.

As stated by Saka Shittu, the head of the Genex URUS team, at this stage the project using selected seed is focused on cattle, but in the future it will also cover other livestock animals. Currently, livestock owners, including herders and small-scale milk producers, can artificially inseminate up to two livestock animals free of charge within the framework of this initiative.