Nigeria approves indigenous chicken breed to boost poultry output

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has announced the approval of a new indigenous meat-type chicken, MoorBeta, in a move aimed at strengthening poultry production and enhancing food security in Nigeria.

The breed was formally approved for release and registration on March 26, 2026, by the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds Registration and Release Committee during a session held at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology in Ibadan, Oyo State.

MoorBeta was developed by the Poultry Research Team of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, following over a decade of crossbreeding work involving indigenous and exotic meat-type chickens.

The ministry in a statement said it collaborated closely with the institute and is represented on the approval committee.

The new breed, tailored for smallholder farmers, can adapt to diverse environmental conditions across Nigeria, according to officials. At 10 weeks, MoorBeta attains an average live weight of 2.8 kilograms, alongside improved feed efficiency and survival rates exceeding 95 percent.

Beyond productivity, the bird is described as having consumer-friendly qualities. Its meat is tender and juicy, with minimal cooking loss.

Physically, it is predominantly white with speckles of brown, black or red, features a large single comb, and has a well-developed body suited for higher meat yield. It also shows tolerance to heat stress, making it suitable for tropical poultry systems.

A 2025 cost analysis indicates that farmers raising 100 birds could realise a net profit of over N278,000 within a 10-week production cycle, underscoring its commercial viability for both small-scale and larger operators.

The ministry noted that the introduction of MoorBeta aligns with ongoing efforts to improve local livestock genetics, raise productivity, and enhance food and nutrition security nationwide.

The statement added that collaboration with research institutions and industry stakeholders would continue to drive innovation and increase farmer incomes.