Nigerian Dairy Firm Raises Milk Output Through Embryo Transfer Technology

News in brief:

-Silagreen has introduced an ET-born Girolando calf using advanced Brazilian genetics.

-The technology is expected to significantly raise milk yield, farmer income and dairy sector resilience.

Agricultural biotechnology and sustainable farming firm, Silagreen International Agro Development Limited, has recorded a boost in dairy milk production following the introduction of advanced embryo transfer (ET) technology.

In a statement, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Akinruli, attributed the improvement to the arrival of an embryo transfer born Girolando calf developed under the Advanced Tropical Genetic Improvement Programme at Harmony Farms Centre in Odogbolu, Ogun State.

Landmark for Nigeria’s Dairy Industry

Akinruli described the arrival of the Girolando calf, registered as SGHF 009, as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s dairy industry.

According to him, the healthy female calf represents the first of a carefully managed cohort, with several more calves expected from the programme between January and March 2026.

He explained that the milestone marks the successful application of Brazil’s embryo transfer technology to introduce superior tropical bovine genetics directly into the Nigerian ecosystem.

Akinruli noted that when mature, the Girolando calves are expected to produce between 30 and 50 litres of milk daily, significantly outperforming average local yields.

The Brazilian Girolando breed, a hybrid of Holstein and Gyr cattle, is known for its high milk output, heat tolerance and resilience, qualities well suited to Nigeria’s climate and production environment.

Faster Herd Improvement

According to the company, the embryo transfer programme enables farmers to achieve genetic improvement within a single generation, rather than over decades using traditional breeding methods.

Akinruli said integrating these genetics would increase per-cow milk yield, directly boosting farm income and profitability while strengthening herd resilience through lower mortality rates, improved animal health and reduced veterinary costs.

He added that higher and more stable dairy income would translate into greater economic security for farming families and rural communities, supporting long-term sustainability within the sector.

Call for Policy and Financing Support

Silagreen International disclosed that scaling the success of the programme would require strong collaboration with public and private stakeholders.

The company said it is seeking partnerships with federal and state policymakers, agricultural development agencies and financial institutions to create supportive regulatory frameworks for advanced reproductive technologies.

According to the statement, Silagreen is also exploring innovative financing models to improve farmer access to high-genetic-value animals and integrate the technology into national breeding programmes to advance Nigeria’s quest for dairy self-sufficiency.