FUNAAB’s IFSERAR Partners Alliance Farms to Drive Data-Driven Livestock Innovation in Oyo State

Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, through its Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), has entered a strategic engagement with Alliance Farms in Oyo State aimed at strengthening data-driven livestock production and advancing applied agricultural research.

The visit, which took place on April 30, 2026, focused on deepening industry–academia collaboration, with emphasis on improving livestock productivity, feed efficiency, and sustainable production systems through innovation and technology integration.

Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Farms, Mr. Oyekunle Ogunmola, outlined the farm’s operational model, noting that its approach is anchored on efficiency, productivity, and genetic improvement of livestock. He explained that the enterprise was established to strengthen Oyo State’s agricultural value chain and improve access to high-quality animal production systems.

A key feature of the farm’s operations is a proprietary digital management system, “Farm OS,” used to track reproductive performance indicators such as kidding rates, lambing intervals, and calving records. According to him, the platform enables precision livestock management and data-informed decision-making.

Despite being less than a year in operation, the farm has recorded notable reproductive outcomes, including multiple births in goats. However, Ogunmola noted persistent challenges, particularly high kid mortality rates and vaccine inefficiencies linked to Clostridium-related infections, which he attributed to formulation inconsistencies and limited strain coverage.

On genetic development, he explained that livestock sourcing combines local procurement—especially from northern Nigeria—with crossbreeding involving imported pedigree stock. While this has improved output, he acknowledged ongoing challenges such as quarantine losses and the need for more structured selection systems. The farm is also exploring advanced reproductive technologies, including artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

In the area of nutrition, the CEO stressed the farm’s reliance on precision feed formulation supported by laboratory analysis, while highlighting constraints such as high testing costs, inconsistent commercial feed quality, and limited availability of reliable mineral supplements, which often necessitate imports.

To address feed sustainability, the farm cultivates maize, sorghum, and soybeans and has expanded forage development initiatives. It also incorporates alternative high-protein forage such as Cajanus cajan and is diversifying into agroforestry components, including teak cultivation, as part of its long-term sustainability strategy.

Director of IFSERAR, Prof. Kazeem Bello, described the engagement as a critical bridge between academic research and real-world agricultural challenges. He emphasized that collaboration with commercial farms is essential for translating research outputs into practical solutions that benefit the agricultural sector.

He added that the partnership will facilitate staff exchange programmes, student industrial training placements, and joint research initiatives, particularly in fodder production, feed processing, and sustainable livestock practices. According to him, the collaboration is expected to strengthen teaching, research, and extension services within Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta while enhancing innovation capacity at Alliance Farms.

The engagement reflects a growing shift toward data-driven agriculture and reinforces the role of university-industry partnerships in addressing productivity and sustainability challenges in Nigeria’s livestock sector.