L-PRES empowers 200 technicians on livestock breeding in Kano

By Uzair Adam On May 30, 2025

L-PRES, technicians , livestock breeding, Kano — L-PRES empowers 200 technicians on livestock breeding in Kano

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has trained 200 artificial insemination technicians in Kano to enhance animal breeding practices and improve livestock productivity in the state.

SolaceBase reports that the three-day training workshop that started on Thursday aimed to build the capacity of technicians in key areas of artificial insemination, reproductive health, and animal management, as part of ongoing efforts to modernize the livestock sector.

In his welcome address, the Kano State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Salisu Muhammad Inuwa, described the training as timely, saying it comes at a period when challenges affecting livestock production, including poor genetic performance, require urgent attention.

Dr. Inuwa said, “I congratulate the participants on this opportunity and urge them to take this assignment seriously. Livestock production is a key driver of our economy and a vital source of livelihood for many families in Kano State.”

He explained that L-PRES is focused on improving the productivity, commercialisation, and resilience of livestock production systems across Nigeria, and that artificial insemination is central to this mission.

Also speaking, Dr. Sulaiman Musa of the Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources emphasized the need to improve the genetic quality of livestock.

He said indigenous cows typically produce just 1.5 to 2 litres of milk per day, but with improved breeds through artificial insemination, yields can rise to 8, 10, or even 20 litres.

“One of the setbacks we face is the absence of trained technicians in local communities. This training is addressing that gap by equipping foot soldiers who can serve their areas effectively,” Dr. Musa added.

Abubakar Muhammad Kabiru, an Animal Husbandry Officer with L-PRES, defined artificial insemination as a biotechnology that involves introducing semen from quality male animals into female animals to increase milk and meat production.

He praised the turnout, noting that participation exceeded expectations. “We received interest from many people beyond the 200 that were officially invited,” he said.

Kabiru also commended the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting capacity-building initiatives in the livestock sector and encouraged participants to deliver quality breeding services in their communities.

The workshop featured training on spermatozoa collection, assessment and preservation, female reproductive anatomy, pregnancy detection, delivery and postpartum management, as well as practical sessions at the Kadawa Artificial Insemination Centre.

It is expected that the training will strengthen local technical capacity, promote productivity, and support sustainable livestock development in the state.