By Leonard Okachie
Umuahia – A researcher, Prof. Kevin Amaefule has called for reduction in the cost of animal feeds to sustain livestock, poultry production and ensure food security in the country.
Amaefule, Professor of Animal Nutrition and Biochemistry at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike made the call an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria NAN in Umuahia on Monday.
The professor said this had become necessary due to shortage of feeds and ingredients that would sustain production.
According to Amaefule, the livestock production in the country is adversely affected by other challenges including lack of fund, high interest rate and poor and non availability of infrastructure.
The don blamed inconsistent government policies and undue politicisation of livestock production for the existing challenges faced by the industry.
“Livestock and poultry industry development is constrained by unavailability of improved forages, fodder and grazing lands/pasture, farmer-pastoralist conflicts.
“The development is also constrained by dependence on imported equipment and machines as well as low technical inputs in the management of the animals.”
He explained that even though the country’s large number of young, active and growing population necessitated the supply and consumption of animal proteins, there was not much being done to keep the cost of production low.
Amaefule said that the scope of his recent research covered alternative energy and protein feeds, energy and protein requirements among others in poultry, rabbit and pig feeding.
He said that livestock and poultry sub-sector of the country’s economy had the potential to provide new products and income opportunities for farmers, affordable and healthier diets for future generations.
Amaefule however, said the achievement of these would require structural and institutional changes in government policies.
According to him, it will stimulate income and employment opportunities in the rural and semi-urban areas, as well as improve resource at all levels of production.
(NAN)
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