Ahmadu Bello University’s NAPRI Begins Silage Production to Conserve Animal Feeds for Dry Season
The initiative, which commenced on October 28 and is set to end by late November, aims to ensure a steady feed supply for livestock during the dry season, addressing food scarcity and promoting sustainable livestock production.
Binye-lum 
The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has started its annual silage production using forage sorghum as an alternative to maize. The initiative, which commenced on October 28 and is set to end by late November, aims to ensure a steady feed supply for livestock during the dry season, addressing food scarcity and promoting sustainable livestock production.
Silage, a preserved feed created through fermentation, is used for ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats. By using forage sorghum instead of maize, NAPRI seeks to reduce competition for maize between livestock and human consumption, offering a more sustainable option for smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
Dr. Ishiaku Yunusa Muhammad, NAPRI’s Assistant Director for Extension and Linkages, urged farmers to adopt silage making to store feed for leaner periods. He highlighted research showing that silage increases milk yields in dairy cows and enhances livestock performance, and called on stakeholders to support smallholder farmers with tools and resources to advance silage production and expand its market.
