By Lanre Omotoso
For Nigeria to meet her milk demand, there must be a conscious investment in exotic dairy cattle as done by countries like Holland and Botswana.
A lecturer in the Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Dr Anthony Ekeocha gave the advice to commemorate world milk day.
Dr Ekeocha observed that most cattle in Nigeria are for meat purposes, hence the need to invest in the exotic dairy cattle that can produce more milk for local consumption as well as export that would serve as source of revenue and employment.
While analysing the dairy value chains to include cheese, milk and butter, the animal scientist stressed that milk derived from sheep and goat are more nutritious.
He noted that Nigeria is a tropical region, stressing that well equipped air-conditioned areas and planting of more trees would be needed in the country, for optimal production of cattle milk.
The animal scientist however called for establishment of grazing reserves to end farmers-herders clashes, stressing that roaming animals were often exhausted and produce lesser milk and beef.
Dr Ekeocha further suggested that instead of roaming animals for pasture, their owners could keep them in resisted areas where grasses and legumes would be planted to feed them.
Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations in 2001 designated June 1 as World Milk Day to raise awareness about benefits of drinking milk and challenges of dairy industry and the theme for this year is “Enjoy Dairy”.
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