Use tiger nuts to feed sheep, ruminant animals, don advises breeders

Professor Ahmed Amin Njidda, a renowned expert in Animal Science at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has recommended the use of tiger nuts in feeding sheep and other ruminant animals. During NOUN’s 26th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Marvels in Ruminant Nutrition: The Quest for Animal Protein,” Njidda highlighted the significant role ruminants play in food security, providing 51% of all livestock protein, with 57% coming from milk and 30% from meat. He emphasized the importance of understanding ruminant nutrition to optimize livestock production and meet the growing demand for sustainable food sources in Nigeria. Njidda also discussed the socio-economic benefits of ruminants for poor farmers, including economic stability and essential commodities like traction, manure, and fiber. His research underscored the need to optimize available resources for efficient livestock production. He expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor Prof. Olufemi Peters for supporting his research and the opportunity to deliver the lecture, which Peters highlighted as crucial for addressing agriculture, food security, and human well-being.
Source: Vanguard

Our Review
Professor Ahmed Amin Njidda’s advocacy for using tiger nuts in feeding ruminants like sheep presents a valuable opportunity for Nigeria’s livestock sector. Ruminants are crucial to food security, contributing significantly to the protein supply from milk and meat. By integrating tiger nuts into their diet, breeders can enhance the nutrition and productivity of these animals, leading to better yields in meat and milk production.
Njidda’s research underscores the vital role of ruminant nutrition in optimizing livestock production, which is essential as Nigeria’s population grows and the demand for sustainable food sources increases. His findings also highlight the socio-economic benefits ruminants provide to millions of poor farmers, offering not only food but also economic stability and essential agricultural by-products.
Adopting such innovative feeding practices can drive efficiency in both intensive and extensive farming systems, ultimately improving food security and the livelihoods of farmers. This approach aligns with the broader need to utilize available resources effectively to boost productivity in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.