‘MoorBeta’ chicken raises hope for poultry sector

Last week, a new locally developed chicken breed known as ‘MoorBeta’ was officially registered in Nigeria. The breed is said to possess key features that could benefit farmers across the country, provided it is affordable and accessible. Details of the new chicken breed were announced in Ibadan on Thursday at the 36th meeting of the […]

Last week, a new locally developed chicken breed known as ‘MoorBeta’ was officially registered in Nigeria.

The breed is said to possess key features that could benefit farmers across the country, provided it is affordable and accessible.

Details of the new chicken breed were announced in Ibadan on Thursday at the 36th meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries, hosted by the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) and presided over by the committee’s chairman, Prof. Soji Olufajo.

 

Key features of the breed

‘MoorBeta’ was developed by the Poultry Research Team of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, after more than a decade of breeding work involving indigenous and exotic meat-type chickens.

The breed is suited for smallholder farmers, with the ability to perform well under different environmental conditions across the country.

At 10 weeks, ‘MoorBeta’ can reach an average live weight of about 2.8kg, with improved feed efficiency and survival rates above 95 per cent.

In appearance, it is predominantly white with speckles of brown, black or red, features a large single comb, and has a well-developed body that supports higher meat yield.

It also demonstrates tolerance to heat stress, making it well suited for poultry production in tropical climates.

A 2025 cost analysis indicates that raising 100 birds can generate a net profit exceeding N278,000 within a 10-week production cycle, suggesting strong economic viability and a compelling return on investment for both smallholder farmers and commercial operators.

Beyond its impressive growth rate, the bird possesses qualities that make it attractive to both farmers and consumers.

Its meat is said to be tender and retains quality with minimal cooking loss.

 

Livestock ministry reacts

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has welcomed the approval and release of MoorBeta, describing it as an improved indigenous meat-type chicken developed to support poultry production and food security in Nigeria.

The ministry, in a statement, said: “The release of MoorBeta supports 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.”

The National Variety Release Committee (NVRC), during Thursday’s meeting, also approved the release and registration of two popcorn maize varieties tagged ‘ARTPOP 001’ and ‘ARTPOP 002’, also developed by the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan.

The institute, in a statement, said the chicken breed and crop varieties would have a significant impact on food production in the country.

It added that “this laudable development is a testament to the institute’s commitment to agricultural research and service delivery aimed at improving farmers’ productivity and livelihoods in the South-West and across the country.”

The new popcorn varieties were developed by the institute’s crop team led by breeder Prof. D. J. Ogunniyan, alongside the Head of Maize Improvement Programme, Prof. J. O. Olasoji, and the Head of Grain Legumes Improvement Programme, Prof. O. F. Owolade.

 

Where is ShikaBrown?

One of the previously developed local breeds is the ShikaBrown chicken, produced by the National Animal Production and Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika, Zaria.

However, despite its potential and economic benefits, smallholder farmers across the country have limited access to the breed.

NAPRI has said that inadequate funding has constrained its ability to meet farmers’ demand or produce the breed at a commercial scale.

With many research institutions facing insufficient and unsustainable funding from the government, stakeholders fear that MoorBeta may suffer the same fate as ShikaBrown if deliberate efforts are not made to ensure its availability and affordability.