Unilorin Scientists Develop Local Alternative to Livestock Antibiotics

News in Brief:

-Unilorin leads a global project developing natural alternatives to antibiotics in livestock and fish farming.

-Researchers aim to reduce antibiotic misuse and enhance food system resilience to strengthen Nigeria’s position in bio-innovation.

A team of Nigerian, British, and Spanish researchers is leading a groundbreaking project at the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) to develop a locally made alternative to antibiotics for livestock and aquaculture. The initiative, known as BAC4RumA, could reshape Nigeria’s livestock and fish farming industries by reducing dependence on imported antibiotics and improving food safety.

A Local Solution to a Global Threat

The BAC4RumA project is funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the UK’s Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF). It focuses on producing bacteriocin-rich extracts, natural antimicrobial substances from engineered lactic acid bacteria, as a sustainable substitute for antibiotics used in animals.

Project lead Dr Ismail Odetokun said early findings are promising, with the extracts performing better than conventional antibiotics in controlling diseases such as mastitis in cattle and bacterial infections in fish. “We are ready to move into field trials and work with farmers who are eager for safer, affordable alternatives,” Odetokun explained.

Tackling the Silent Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance

Speaking on the global implications, Dr Najete Safini of IDRC described antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a 'silent pandemic' threatening both human and animal health. “The misuse of antibiotics in food production is undermining global food systems. The solution must be local Nigerian researchers developing Nigerian medicines,” she said.

Dr Mahmoud Eltholth of the Royal Holloway University of London highlighted that the long-term goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s research capacity and reduce dependence on imported veterinary products. “We are building capacity for Nigeria to produce its own solutions rather than rely on imports,” he noted.

Boosting Nigeria’s Livestock and Aquaculture Sectors

Nigeria’s livestock and aquaculture industries currently contribute over ₦33 trillion to the national economy. Experts say innovations like BAC4RumA could enhance productivity, safeguard farmer livelihoods, and establish Nigeria as a regional leader in AMR research and bio-innovation.

As the project moves into field trials, it holds promise for farmers seeking climate-smart, antibiotic-free livestock and aquaculture systems that protect both animal health and food security.