First L-PRES Artificial Insemination Product Delivered in Sokoto
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The first Girolando breed of cattle produced through the Artificial Insemination (AI) programme introduced by the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in Sokoto State has been delivered, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to improve livestock productivity.
The Girolando breed is widely recognised for its high milk production potential and adaptability, making it an important breed for enhancing dairy production among livestock farmers.
The A.I initiative was introduced under L-PRES to improve livestock production and productivity across the state, with the broader objective of promoting commercialization and improving the livelihoods of livestock farmers and other stakeholders in the value chain.
Speaking in an interview, one of the beneficiaries, Malam Bello from Gumburawa in Wurno Local Government Area, expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government and the L-PRES project for introducing the intervention.
He said he was among the beneficiaries of the A.I exercise, adding that three of his cows were inseminated, with one successfully delivering a healthy male Girolando calf.
According to him, the Girolando calf is superior to the local breeds in several respects, particularly its level of agility and good birth weight.
Malam Bello described the initiative as a welcome development and urged fellow livestock farmers to take advantage of the programme to improve their livestock breeds and increase productivity.
The Sokoto State L-PRES Project has so far carried out A.I on more than 200 cows and heifers, while the exercise is still ongoing across the state.
The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to produce improved breeds with speedy growth, superior muscles and milk production, for high productivity and commercialization of Livestock in Sokoto State.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
