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By Godswill Michael
The Federal Government has approved a new indigenous meat-type chicken, MoorBeta, in a move aimed at strengthening poultry production and enhancing food security across Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
According to the Ministry, the approval was granted by the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds Registration and Release Committee (NVRC) on March 26, 2026, during its meeting at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The statement noted that MoorBeta was developed by the Poultry Research Team of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, following more than a decade of breeding work involving indigenous and exotic meat-type chickens. It added that the Ministry collaborated with the institute and is represented on the NVRC.
The introduction of the new breed comes amid ongoing efforts by the government to address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s livestock sector, including low productivity, high production costs, and the poor adaptability of some imported breeds to local conditions.
“The breed is suited for smallholder farmers, with the ability to perform well under different environmental conditions across the country,” the Ministry said.
It explained that at 10 weeks, MoorBeta reaches an average live weight of about 2.8 kilogrammes, with improved feed efficiency and survival rates above 95 per cent.
The Ministry stated that the bird produces tender and juicy meat with minimal cooking loss, and has a well-developed body structure that supports higher meat yield.
“It is predominantly white with speckles of brown, black, or red, features a large single comb, and demonstrates tolerance to heat stress, making it well suited for poultry production in tropical climates,” the statement added.
On its economic viability, the Ministry cited a 2025 cost analysis indicating that raising 100 birds could generate a net profit exceeding N278,000 within a 10-week production cycle.
The Ministry said the release of MoorBeta aligns with efforts to improve local livestock breeds, increase productivity, and strengthen food and nutrition security.
“The Ministry will continue to work with research institutions and other partners to improve productivity, increase incomes, and strengthen food and nutrition security across the country,” it stated.