Livestock Ministry supports women and youth in development agenda.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is scaling up strategic efforts to reposition Nigeria’s livestock sector by placing women and youths at the centre of sustainability, innovation and value-chain competitiveness.

This policy direction was underscored at the Capacity Building Workshop for Women and Youths in the Livestock Value Chain, held in Abuja from Monday, December 29 to Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Addressing participants at the workshop, the Director, Technical, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Peter Alike, emphasised that the transformation of Nigeria’s livestock industry depends on the deliberate integration of sustainable and innovative practices across production, processing and marketing. He noted that adopting this approach is vital for unlocking the sector’s economic potential, strengthening food security and driving inclusive economic growth.

Peter explained that equipping women and youths with relevant skills and technical knowledge remains a core priority of the Ministry, given their growing influence in agribusiness development and rural livelihoods. According to him, the capacity-building initiative is designed as a continuous, hands-on programme focused on practical solutions that participants can immediately deploy within their farms and livestock enterprises.

He added that the training strongly promotes mindset change, actionable expertise and long-term competence development, with an emphasis on environmentally responsible and economically viable livestock systems. Peter further stated that the strategic importance of women and youths informed their recognition as a priority group under the ten pillars of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), the Ministry’s flagship framework for comprehensive sector reform.

Speaking on sustainable livestock production, animal scientist  Ifeanyi Harry Njoagwuani described sustainability as a science-based and management-driven process. He highlighted climate-resilient breeds, improved genetics, precision nutrition through optimised feed formulations and climate-smart housing systems as essential tools for building resilient livestock systems.

In another session, Ayoade Akande stressed the importance of biogas production in sustainable livestock development. He called for strengthened extension services, increased private sector investment in modern feed technologies, expanded forage seed distribution networks and supportive policy frameworks to enhance sustainable ruminant nutrition.

In his closing remarks, the Director of Livestock Extension and Business Development, Joseph Ako Eleojo, urged participants to form cooperative alliances and act as change agents within their communities, noting that women and youths were deliberately targeted for their capacity to drive innovation, productivity and sustainability.

A major highlight of the two-day workshop was a study visit to De-Dre Solution Poultry Farm in Pasali 2, Kuje Area Council, Federal Capital Territory. With a capacity of 24,800 birds and daily output of about 650 crates of eggs, the facility offered participants valuable insights into efficient and sustainable poultry production. Participants were drawn from poultry and ruminant enterprises across several states of the federation.

ASF is one of the most serious diseases affecting pigs globally, with severe economic consequences for producers.

UK pig producers are being strongly advised to review their biosecurity strategies and disease contingency plans following new outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Spain.

While the immediate threat level to the UK has not changed, industry experts warn that the evolving ASF situation across Europe is a clear reminder of the need for constant preparedness.

Julian Sparrey, group technical director at Livetec Systems, said, “The cases in Spain are part of the ongoing ASF situation across Europe. They highlight the potential impact an outbreak could have here, and why producers must stay one step ahead of ASF and other disease threats.”

ASF is one of the most serious diseases affecting pigs globally, with severe economic consequences for producers. If the virus were detected in the UK, pig farms within designated restriction zones could face at least 40 days with no pig movements. Sparrey emphasises that producers must fully understand how such restrictions would affect pig flow, housing capacity, staffing levels and overall farm operations. He added, “Pressure-testing contingency plans now is critical to business resilience and to regaining disease freedom as quickly as possible.”

According to Sparrey, the most likely pathway for ASF to reach the UK remains contaminated, illegally imported or undeclared meat. As a result, producers are encouraged to reassess all possible on-farm transmission routes, including vehicle access, staff hygiene, visitor protocols, pig-to-pig contact and overall site layout.

“Effective biosecurity doesn’t always require major investment,” he explains. “Small, practical improvements can make a significant difference if they’re consistently applied.”

Wild boar populations and neighbouring pigs also pose a potential risk, particularly through nose-to-nose contact that can be difficult to monitor. “While ASF poses no risk to human health, it is highly contagious among pigs,” said Sparrey. “Measures such as double fencing to prevent incursions may be justified in higher-risk areas.”

Rare breed pig keepers are likewise urged to register their animals and maintain appropriate quarantine facilities, which could help reduce the likelihood of compulsory culling if circumstances permit.

Throughout the year, AHDB has worked alongside Livetec Systems and the National Pig Association (NPA) to deliver vet-led ASF preparedness workshops. Sparrey recommends external biosecurity audits to identify weak points. “It can be difficult to spot vulnerabilities on your own farm,” he says. “Regular biosecurity reviews allow producers to make steady improvements. We have time now and we should use it.”

Cagemax has grown to become Europe’s largest supplier of high-quality animal proteins and fats.(Image caption: Cagemax)

Cagemax, based in the Netherlands, plays a vital role as a supplier of high-quality animal proteins and fats. In recent years, Cagemax has not only expanded its own global business but has also supported the growth of its clients in the aquafeed, compound feed, fertiliser, bioenergy and pet food sectors.

Growth is a central theme for Cagemax, contributing to the healthy development of animals worldwide through a broad range of proteins and fats. The company is recognised as a flexible partner that readily adapts to changing legislation and dynamic market demand. One thing, however, never changes: the market’s need for quality, competitive pricing and optimal delivery reliability.

Reliable

While market conditions continue to shift, Cagemax remains a stable and dependable partner in an ever-changing environment. The company consistently deploys its expertise and extensive network to offer competitive prices combined with exceptional quality. Logistics are managed down to the finest detail, supported by proprietary storage and transshipment facilities. This enables the team to respond effectively to fluctuating market demand.

Cagemax maintains direct and continuous contact with a wide range of manufacturers, ensuring customers can always choose between different qualities and origins. Solutions are tailor-made not only in the product range, but also in advisory services. Cagemax’s experts stay fully informed of industry trends and possess in-depth knowledge of their products.

Dynamic

Originally focused on ingredients for the pet food industry, Cagemax has steadily expanded into the compound feed, aquafeed, fertiliser and bioenergy sectors. On the supply side, the company is capable of sourcing large volumes, while on the demand side, customers benefit from attentive service and consistently high-quality raw materials. By responding effectively to market dynamics, Cagemax has built long-lasting relationships with customers worldwide, driven by the belief that continuous differentiation is key to remaining indispensable.

Cagemax understands that quality is fundamental to success and long-term business continuity. The company is GMP+ certified and operates fully in accordance with HACCP principles and practices. As each market has its own quality requirements, Cagemax is also certified to meet the strict ISCC-EU standards for the bioenergy sector, supported by a SKAL certificate that guarantees biological and bio-organic products are produced in line with European production directives. To ensure constant product quality, every incoming shipment is carefully analysed in an accredited laboratory.

With a strong focus on quality, delivery, reliability, flexibility and a proactive approach to partnership, Cagemax has grown to become Europe’s largest supplier of high-quality animal proteins and fats.

H5N1 in livestock is considered essential for early risk detection.

Scientists are intensifying efforts to understand how the H5N1 avian influenza virus, widely known as bird flu, is adapting to infect dairy cattle in the United States.

This unexpected development has raised fresh concerns about animal health, biosecurity, and the long-term implications for human health. The virus was first identified in US dairy herds in March 2024, marking a significant shift from historical patterns, as influenza viruses have not traditionally caused outbreaks in cattle.

Researchers believe this emergence reflects the virus’s well-known ability to jump from birds to mammals. However, new scientific evidence suggests that recent H5N1 variants may be better suited to infecting cow cells and tissues than earlier strains. This growing adaptability has prompted global attention from virologists, veterinarians, and public health experts monitoring zoonotic disease risks.

A study published in Nature Communications by the MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research examined a wide range of H5N1 viruses spanning more than 60 years. The findings reveal that the virus’s ability to infect bovine cells is linked to genetic changes that have built up gradually over time. Some strains demonstrated a stronger capacity to replicate in cattle cells, highlighting clear differences between virus lineages and their potential to adapt to new mammalian hosts.

Influenza viruses are known for their rapid evolution, which enables them to cross species barriers. As H5N1 becomes more efficient at infecting mammals such as cattle, scientists warn that the theoretical risk of further adaptation including to humans may increase. Previous events, including the 2009 swine flu pandemic, illustrate how animal-origin influenza viruses can eventually pose global public health challenges.

Current data suggests that the strain circulating in US dairy cattle is among the most capable of infecting bovine cells identified so far. However, researchers caution that other bird-origin viruses could also infect cattle under the right conditions. This highlights the need for continuous surveillance, advanced genomic analysis, and functional testing of circulating strains.

Ongoing monitoring of H5N1 in livestock is considered essential for early risk detection, safeguarding agricultural systems, and strengthening pandemic preparedness in an increasingly interconnected world.