Nigerian Scientists Supercharge ShikaBrown Chickens to Lay Eggs Like Never Before!

Hold on to your hats, poultry farmers! Nigerian scientists at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) have just pulled off something truly remarkable. They’ve boosted the ShikaBrown chicken’s egg-laying potential to a mind-blowing 350 to 380 eggs within a 90-week cycle. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a game-changer for Nigeria’s poultry industry!

Here’s a quick rundown of what this exciting development means:

  • Massive Egg Production: ShikaBrown chickens are now geared up to lay a whopping 350-380 eggs in a 90-week period.
  • Improved Economic Growth: This upgrade could spark significant economic expansion in the agricultural sector.
  • More Jobs: Expect more jobs in breeding farms and hatcheries as a result of this upgrade.
  • Better Nutrition: More eggs and poultry meat will be available for consumers, boosting health.
  • Reduced Imports: Nigeria will rely less on foreign parent stock, saving valuable foreign exchange.

Why the ShikaBrown Upgrade?

So, what triggered this impressive leap forward? NAPRI researchers recognized the need to upgrade the ShikaBrown Grand Parent Stock (GPS) in order to boost its traits for better overall performance and keep up with Nigeria’s population growth projections for 2050. The ShikaBrown Layer project started in 1979 and is a result of dedicated breeding and selection by poultry scientists.

The Science Behind the Upgrade

NAPRI has been diligently maintaining the genetic resources of the ShikaBrown GPS for 45 years. This project is all about creating robust parent stock and commercial egg layers by strategically combining different lines of the grandparent generations. Think of it like creating the ultimate chicken dream team!

What This Means for Nigerian Farmers

The upgrade means that existing hatcheries and breeding farms will have a steady supply of high-performing parent stock. These chickens will be used to produce layers for commercial farms. This will result in:

  • More breeding farms and hatcheries opening up
  • More job opportunities for Nigerians
  • An increase in poultry meat and egg production to improve nutrition and health
  • Less reliance on foreign parent stock, boosting the Nigerian economy

The Future of Chicken Genetics

Dr. Idris Abdullahi, Head of Poultry Research Programme, pointed out that the genetic potential of chickens has been plateauing, especially in traits like egg number and size. This means that there’s a huge opportunity to make more improvements through scientific selection. The institute is also working on developing a broiler foundation with two lines – Anak and Hubbard.

This is a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a powerhouse in the agricultural sector. We can only wait to see how these supercharged chickens will transform poultry production in the country!

A little extra info for the curious: Did you know that chickens are believed to have been domesticated over 10,000 years ago? They play a significant role in food security across the globe. These new, super egg-laying chickens can play a key role in addressing malnutrition in many areas.

About The Author

Emeka Okon

Emeka is an innovative editor who focuses on youth issues, music, and entertainment. He is known for his creative approach to storytelling and his ability to connect with the younger generation.

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