Nigeria has approved a new indigenous meat-type chicken, MoorBeta, aimed at boosting poultry production, improving farmer incomes, and strengthening national food security, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development announced Tuesday.
The breed was formally approved on March 26 by the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds Registration and Release Committee at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology in Ibadan, Oyo State. The approval marks a milestone in efforts to improve local livestock genetics and expand the productivity of Nigeria’s poultry sector.
“The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development welcomes the release of MoorBeta, an improved indigenous meat-type chicken developed to support poultry production and food security in Nigeria,” the ministry said in a statement.
Developed by the Poultry Research Team at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, MoorBeta is the product of over a decade of selective breeding, combining indigenous and exotic meat-type chickens. Officials say the breed is particularly suited to smallholder farmers and can thrive under varied environmental conditions across Nigeria.
At 10 weeks, MoorBeta reaches an average live weight of about 2.8 kilograms, with feed efficiency and survival rates exceeding 95 percent, the ministry noted. Beyond productivity, the breed offers meat qualities that appeal to consumers, with tender, juicy flesh and minimal cooking loss. The bird is predominantly white, with speckles of brown, black, or red, a large single comb, and a well-developed body suitable for higher meat yield.
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MoorBeta also demonstrates tolerance to heat stress, a critical trait for poultry farming in Nigeria’s tropical climate. Economic projections indicate that raising 100 birds could yield a net profit of over 278,000 naira in a 10-week production cycle, highlighting its potential viability for both smallholder and commercial poultry operators.
The ministry emphasized that MoorBeta represents part of a broader strategy to enhance local livestock breeds, increase productivity, improve farmer incomes, and reinforce national efforts to achieve food and nutrition security. “We will continue to partner with research institutions and stakeholders to scale innovations that enhance agricultural performance nationwide,” the statement said.
However, the introduction of MoorBeta comes amid ongoing debate over agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria. Critics have linked some transgenic products approved in recent years to potential health risks, including cancer, heart, and kidney-related diseases, describing them as “chemical foods.”
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The government has previously approved several genetically modified seeds, sparking discussions on safety, environmental impact, and socio-economic implications. In one recent case, the National Biosafety Management Agency ordered the suspension of four new transgenic cotton hybrid varieties after finding that field trials and related activities were conducted without proper authorisation or regulatory oversight.
Despite these controversies, officials say MoorBeta is an indigenous breed and not genetically modified, positioning it as a safe and practical option for improving local poultry production. Its development reflects a decade-long investment in research aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to meet growing domestic demand for poultry meat.
Industry analysts say the release of MoorBeta could help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported poultry and feed into broader efforts to boost local agriculture. With poultry meat among the country’s most consumed animal proteins, improved breeds such as MoorBeta are expected to have significant impact on household nutrition, rural employment, and farm incomes.
The ministry’s announcement coincides with broader government initiatives to modernize livestock production, encourage innovation in agricultural research, and support smallholder farmers in adopting high-yield breeds that can adapt to Nigeria’s climatic and socio-economic conditions.
With its combination of productivity, resilience, and profitability, MoorBeta is poised to become a flagship example of indigenous livestock development, supporting Nigeria’s drive for sustainable, food-secure growth across the poultry sector.
