Nigeria has taken a bold step toward agricultural transformation with the approval of a new indigenous meat-type chicken, MoorBeta, set to revolutionise poultry production and strengthen food security nationwide.
The breakthrough breed was officially approved by the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds Registration and Release Committee (NVRC) during its meeting at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology in Ibadan.
Developed after more than a decade of intensive research by experts at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, MoorBeta combines the resilience of local chickens with the rapid growth of exotic breeds.
Backed by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the new breed is tailored for Nigerian farmers, boasting strong adaptability to diverse climates, high survival rates above 95 percent, and impressive growth—reaching about 2.8kg in just 10 weeks.
Beyond productivity, MoorBeta offers premium-quality meat described as tender and juicy with minimal cooking loss, making it highly attractive to both farmers and consumers.
Economic projections further highlight its potential, with analysts estimating that raising just 100 birds could yield profits exceeding ₦278,000 within a 10-week cycle—positioning it as a game-changer for smallholder farmers and commercial poultry operators alike.
Officials say the introduction of MoorBeta signals a major leap in Nigeria’s drive to enhance local livestock breeds, boost farmers’ incomes, and secure sustainable food production in the face of growing demand.
With MoorBeta now cleared for nationwide adoption, stakeholders are optimistic that the “homegrown super chicken” could redefine poultry farming and reduce reliance on imported breeds.
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