Non Livestock Data responsible for feeds scarcity, says ILRI Country Rep

The Country Representative (CR) of International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Dr. Tunde Adegoke

The Country Representative (CR) of International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Dr. Tunde Adegoke has said that the scarcity of livestock feeds can be traced to the non availability of accurate data for animals and livestock in the country.

Dr. Adegoke said this in an interview with food Farm News in Abuja during the 1st National Animal Feed Summit 2021, organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).

ILRI CR pointed that the availability of accurate numbers of animals and birds in existence would be very effective to determine the quantity of feeds to be provided for the entire country saying lack of data are responsible for feeds shortfall.

He also identified poor regulatory system to the sub standard feeds  being made available for feeds consumption in the country, adding that data provision would assist to know the numbers of animals that are slaughtered per day, the numbers that entered into a state, feeds resources at each location, available of natural grass and crops residue.

Adegoke added there would be the feed availability long as there is data to show areas of need and excess stock pointing that the bane of the feeds sub sector in Nigeria was lack of ingredients in quality supplies at a reasonable price.

The scientist also identified insufficient regulatory inspectors to monitor the quality of ingredients used to mix up the feeds, saying wholesome and pure ingredients must be enforced through more sensitization as Nigeria is recognised for good feed quality in the international arena.