A professor of ruminant nutrition has called for increased government investment in livestock farming to address low protein intake, enhance food security, and improve livelihoods in Nigeria.

Professor Dupe Olufunke Ogunbosoye, delivering her inaugural lecture at Kwara State University, Malete, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, urged federal, state, and local governments to prioritize research and development in ruminant nutrition and sustainable farming practices to optimize the rearing of animals like cattle, goats, and sheep.

Highlighting the critical role of ruminants in human nutrition, she noted, “Ruminants are efficient converters of unusable plant materials into high-quality protein for human consumption. It is essential for society to understand their importance in tackling protein deficiencies and boosting food security.”

Professor Ogunbosoye emphasized the need for sustainable feed conservation methods, citing challenges posed by global population growth and shrinking arable land. She warned that traditional forage production would struggle to meet the rising demand for livestock feed, jeopardizing the production of livestock products.

“Supplying high-quality forages will become increasingly crucial as livestock are raised for high-value meat products. Economic incentives, coupled with emerging technologies, will drive the use of conserved forages like hay and silage in tropical countries, ultimately improving farmers’ livelihoods,” she explained.

She appealed to the government to provide financial and technical support to livestock farmers, stressing that such interventions would promote sustainable farming and strengthen the livestock sector.

Professor Ogunbosoye concluded by calling for policies that encourage innovative and sustainable livestock farming practices, which she described as vital to Nigeria’s food security and economic development.