EXPLOITING LOCAL POTENTIALS FOR INCREASED DAIRY PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Commercial milk production in Nigeria has remained underdeveloped due to a complex of factors relating to the animal, environment, infrastructure, socio-economic clime and government policies. While the challenges facing this sector are real and daunting, the array of natural resources available in the country suggests great possibilities for commercial milk production. Nigeria has a population of 173 million people with a high demand for milk and its products. This provides incentive for investment into local milk production. Although milk yield from indigenous cattle is low (2 L/day), their ability to survive in the harsh tropical environment suggests a need to crossbreed with highly productive dairy breeds (> 25 L/day). The abundant feed resources in different parts of the country also indicate that nutritional needs of these animals can be met at reasonable cost. In this paper, attempt is made to discuss the major problems encountered in the dairy sector and local possibilities for surmounting them.