By Godwin Ogar
In a bid to boost local poultry production and food security, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has approved the release of a new breed of chicken, ‘MoorBeta”.
The Ministry of Livestock disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen by the Principal Information and Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to the Ministry, the indigenous meat-type chicken developed by the Poultry Research Team of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training,IAR&T, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, Ibadan boasts over 95 percent survival rates, reaching 2.8kg within 10 weeks.
Nigerian Pilot gathered that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development worked with the Institute and is represented on the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds Registration and Release Committee, NVRC.
The MoorBeta chicken followed a decade of breeding work involving indigenous and exotic meat-type chickens, said to be suited for smallholder farmers and has the ability to perform well under different environmental conditions across the country.
The Ministry stated that, “The new breed was approved for release and registration by the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds Registration and Release Committee,NVRC,on March 26, 2026, at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology,NACGRAB, Ibadan, Oyo State.
“Beyond its impressive growth, the bird possesses qualities that make it attractive to both farmers and consumers. Its meat is tender, juicy, and retains quality with minimal cooking loss. 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,” the statement revealed.”
Explaining further, the Ministry, “The new breed of chicken developed in Nigeria is said to develop fast and possesses a high survival rate. According to the Ministry, “at 10 weeks, MoorBeta reaches an average live weight of about 2.8kg, with improved feed efficiency and survival rates above 95 percent.
“A 2025 cost analysis indicates that raising 100 birds can generate a net profit exceeding N278,000 within a 10-week production cycle, indicating strong economic viability and a compelling return on investment for both smallholder farmers and commercial operators.”
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.
