THE POTENTIALS AND PROSPECTS OF THE NIGERIAN CATTLE INDUSTRY

Abstract

The review highlighted the potentials and prospects of the Nigerian cattle industry and how to maximize these potentials. It noted that indigenous cattle breeds were characterized by low productivity, and low heritability estimates. The population and socio-economic importance of cattle as well as prospects and challenges were highlighted. The country’s cattle industry is characterized by diverse breeds, each with unique characteristics, adaptations, and production potentials. Beck in 1970 described the Nigerian cattle industry as a sleeping giant that will assume its rightful place in the Nigerian economy. As at 2024, 54 years after this statement was made, it seems the giant is still sleeping. The potentials of the Nigerian cattle industry is great, the outlook is very promising, It was concluded that the potentials and prospects of the Nigerian cattle industry are tremendous but require a major fundamental reorganization to be able to tap its full potentials. Developing value chain  initiatives (processing, packaging), Establishing a national cattle breeding program, Developing a comprehensive livestock policy, Enhancing research and development in cattle production, and Promoting regional and international trade, were recommended.