Regulation of Nigerian Poultry Industry: Formation of Poultry Breeders’ Association of Nigeria

Abstract

There are lots of crossbreeding activities going on in poultry industry with less development of new breeds in Nigeria. Data were obtained through individual interview on breeding operations being carried out by some members of the day-old chicks (DOC) Merchants Association of Nigeria and Chicken promoters in Nigeria. Eleven major and other subsidiary chicken producers in the country were also interviewed on their stocks’ pedigrees and operations. The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis of simple percentages and proportions. The respondents’ highest educational qualification are Higher National Diploma and First Degree representing 36.36 % male and 38.33 % female, respectively. A total of 303 respondents representing 75.75 % were identified to engage in livestock farming with different chicken breeding operations. Respondents engaged more in the production of fertile eggs/day-old chicks. Crossbreeding operations were been carried out by the respondents (53.80 % and 43.04 %) but no new chicken breed was developed. None of the chicken companies responded to the survey. Establishment of breeders’ association where the members can be educated and guided on the procedures governing the development and registration of new chicken breeds in Nigeria will be highly beneficial.