PROSPECTS IN THE UTILIZATION OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES (ART) TOWARDS IMPROVED CATTLE PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria has a huge potential for cattle production but sadly this has been poorly developed. This is partly attributable to the poor utilization of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in dairy and beef cattle breeding and production. These technologies generally include artificial insemination (AI), multiple-ovulation, embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization (IVF), sex
determination, cloning and genetic engineering. ARTs have been applied extensively in the yearly production of millions of cattle in many developed and developing countries worldwide. This review highlights the applications and potentials of ARTs in cattle production and suggests how stakeholders in the Nigerian cattle industry can exploit these potentials. It is clear that the utilization of ARTs will enhance national livestock productivity so the Nigeria can feed her growing population and possibly increase her foreign exchange earnings by becoming a livestock-exporting country.