SOKOTO, NIGERIA – The harsh climatic conditions of Northern Nigeria have long been a barrier to the development of exotic cattle breeds. However, the Artificial Insemination (AI) program utilizing frozen semen from Singosari National Artificial Insemination Centre (SNAIC), Indonesia, has successfully overcome these hurdles. The birth of vigorous and adaptive calves serves as clinical evidence of the superior performance of Indonesian genetics. Singosari National Artificial Insemination Centre (SNAIC),
The success is rooted in precise genetic selection. The elite bulls from Singosari National Artificial Insemination Centre possess exceptional heat tolerance—a critical trait for survival and productivity in the high temperatures of Sokoto and Kebbi. The resulting crossbred calves exhibit faster physical growth and higher resistance to local environmental challenges compared to local purebreds.
Precision in Cold Chain and Semen Quality Control
Beyond genetics, the success lies in the meticulous management of the cold chain and the quality of the frozen semen, which remains optimal through the field-thawing process. BBIB Singosari ensures that every dose of semen meets rigorous standards for motility and viability, directly correlating with the impressive conception rates (CR) observed in Nigeria.
“Technical empowerment ensures that genetic advancement is paired with improved animal husbandry practices. We are not just delivering a product, but a sustainable biological system.”
— Drh. Sarastina, M.P, Livestock Expert at BBIB Singosari
Capacity Building for Sustainable Veterinary Excellence
The program also includes intensive training for local veterinarians and AI technicians. They are equipped with advanced knowledge in reproductive monitoring, estrus synchronization, and animal health management. This ensures that the local workforce can maintain the quality of the program independently.
Farmers in Nigeria are now transitioning toward intensive livestock systems. They have been trained in animal welfare standards, balanced feeding systems, and routine health monitoring. Shifting from extensive to intensive management is vital to maximizing the genetic potential injected through the AI program.
This technological innovation has proven that geographical and climatic limitations can be mitigated through science. The success in Nigeria provides valuable empirical data for the future development of global tropical livestock science.
