A groundbreaking embryo transfer carried out at Harmony Farms in Ogun State has signalled a promising new era for Nigeria’s dairy industry. The successful procedure, the first of its kind in the country, has been hailed as a critical step toward improving milk and beef production and bolstering national food security.
This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort involving Brazilian biotechnology firms, the Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, local agribusiness stakeholders, and pioneering private farms.
Brazilian-Nigerian Partnership Lays the Groundwork
Mr. Frederique Abreu, Agricultural Attaché to the Brazilian Embassy in Nigeria, described the development as a major breakthrough. “This is a significant step forward in livestock development for Nigeria,” he stated. “With average milk yields in Nigeria currently around three litres per cow, this kind of innovation has the potential to radically improve output.”
Abreu emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration, noting that it was the synergy between Nigerian institutions and Brazil’s advanced agricultural technologies that made the success possible.
Proven Genetics Meet Nigerian Terrain
At the core of the initiative is the Girolando breed—an optimized cross between the Holstein and Gyr cows—well-known in Brazil for high milk production and adaptability to tropical climates. Mr. Humberto Da Rosa, Head of International Operations at Zebuembryo, the Brazilian firm that supplied the embryos, urged Nigerian farmers to embrace the technology.
“You have environmental and climatic conditions similar to ours in Brazil,” Da Rosa noted. “Our experience shows that with the right genetics and practices, production can improve dramatically—and quickly.”
He confirmed that the Brazilian embryos had been successfully implanted in Nigerian cows, with positive gestation results. “This is a critical foundation for building a sustainable and profitable dairy economy in Nigeria,” he said.
Local Facilitators Push Technological Frontier
The embryo transfer was facilitated by Silagreen International Agro-Development Limited, a Nigerian agro-tech firm focused on advancing local farming practices. Its CEO, Mr. Michael Akinruli, stated that the project is already beginning to show tangible outcomes.
“We’re laying the groundwork for a new generation of high-yield dairy and beef animals,” Akinruli said. “This aligns with the federal government’s drive to scale up local livestock production and reduce dependence on imports.”
He also noted the broader implications for food security and rural empowerment, pointing out that farmers are gaining access to world-class animal genetics previously unavailable in the region.
Farmer Participation and Federal Support
Dr. Amos Ayodele, Chairman of Silagreen Agro, underscored the risk and faith shown by participating farms in the pilot phase of the project. Six farms across Kwara, Ogun, and Oyo States took part, including Kosbaz Farm in Ilorin and Harmony, Adila, and Bluerich Farms in Ogun.
“At the beginning, there was scepticism. But some forward-thinking farmers took a chance—and now they are part of history,” Ayodele said.
According to him, the embryo transfer programme focuses on selecting and reproducing animals with superior traits for milk and beef production. “In six months, the first calves will be born, and we’ll begin to measure the impact in real terms,” he added.
Importantly, Ayodele confirmed that the Federal Government had fully endorsed the project. “We complied with all regulatory requirements and engaged all relevant agencies before and after the procedure,” he said, including the Ministry of Livestock and the Directorate of Quaternary Exchanges.
Looking Ahead: Embracing Science for Food Security
With early results showing promise, stakeholders are optimistic that more farmers across the country will be inspired to adopt the embryo transfer technology.
“This is not about religion or tradition—it’s about science, sustainability, and national progress,” Ayodele concluded. “Nigeria has the capacity to produce world-class livestock, and this project proves we’re on the right path.”
As the agricultural sector seeks to modernize, this milestone may well be the catalyst that transforms Nigeria’s livestock economy into a regional leader in dairy and beef production.