Food security: Nigeria unveils MoorBeta, new indigenous chicken breed

By Sola Ogundipe

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has announced approval and release of MoorBeta, an improved indigenous meat-type chicken developed to support poultry production and food security in Nigeria.

Making the announcement in a statement the ministry said the new breed was approved for release and registration by the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds Registration and Release Committee (NVRC) on the 26th of March 2026, at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan, Oyo State.

“MoorBeta was developed by the Poultry Research Team of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, after more than a decade of breeding work involving indigenous and exotic meat-type chickens. The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development worked with the Institute and is represented on the NVRC.

“The breed is suited for smallholder farmers, with the ability to perform well under different environmental conditions across the country. At 10 weeks, MoorBeta reaches an average live weight of about 2.8kg, with improved feed efficiency and survival rates above 95 percent,” the statement noted.

Further, the Ministry remarked that beyond its impressive growth, the new chicken breed 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 noted.

Analysing its economic impact, the ministry remarked, “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.

Alongside the new entrant, Nigerian farmers rear a mix of indigenous and exotic breeds. Local varieties such as the Fulani chicken, Yoruba chicken, frizzle-feathered birds, and the heat-tolerant naked neck remain popular. The breeds are valued for their adaptability.

Experts say the Moorbeta breed could help bridge the gap between productivity and resilience, combining the strengths of exotic and indigenous chickens. With demand for poultry products rising across Nigeria, the release is seen as a timely intervention to support farmers and consumers alike.

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