Silagreen International Agro Development Limited, a Nigerian agri-biotech firm, has unveiled the country’s first Embryo Transfer-born Girolando calf at the Harmony Farms centre in Odogbolu, Ogun State.
In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer of Silagreen International Agro Development Limited, Michael Akinruli, noted that the arrival of the calf signalled a boost to the Federal Government’s food security drive and the dairy industry.
He described it as “a new era for dairy productivity in Nigeria,” noting that the innovation would enhance livelihoods, as stable dairy income would strengthen the economic security of farming families and rural communities.
Akinruli revealed that the healthy female calf originated from the firm’s Advanced Tropical Genetic Improvement Programme, which is deployed at its embryo transfer centres.
“This healthy female Girolando calf represents the vanguard of a carefully managed cohort, with several more calves expected from the programme between now and March 2026,” he said.
Akinruli explained that Silagreen deployed Brazil’s cutting-edge embryo transfer technology to introduce superior tropical bovine genetics into Nigeria, adding that the calves would significantly lift milk output when they mature.
“These calves, when they reach maturity, will give 30–50 litres of milk daily,” he said.
He described the birth as more than a scientific milestone, noting that the Girolando breed, a hybrid of Holstein and Gyr, is well-suited to Nigeria’s climate due to its productivity and hardiness.
“The birth of this calf is not merely a scientific success; it is a tangible asset for the future of Nigerian dairy farming. The Brazilian Girolando breed is renowned for its high milk yield, heat tolerance, and resilience — traits perfectly suited to the Nigerian climate,” he said.
The firm’s boss added that the embryo transfer programme would fast-track genetic improvement in local herds and drive exponential growth in milk production.
He suggested that farmers adopting the genetics would record higher income and profitability through increased per-cow milk yield, while also benefiting from stronger herd resilience.
Akinruli said, “Girolando’s adaptability means lower mortality rates, better health, and reduced veterinary costs, enhancing sustainability.” He added that the technology would allow farmers to build elite herds “within a single generation, rather than over decades.”
Akinruli said Silagreen had begun engaging stakeholders to scale the impact nationwide. “Silagreen International recognises that scaling this success requires collaborative effort. We are actively seeking to partner with Federal and State policymakers, agricultural development agencies, and financial institutions,” he said.
He added, “Together, we can develop supportive policies and regulatory frameworks for advanced reproductive technologies in livestock. We can create innovative financing models to help more dairy farmers access these high-genetic-value animals. We can integrate this into national breeding programmes to achieve dairy self-sufficiency.”
The Chairman of Silagreen International Agro Development Limited, Dr Amos Ayodele, noted that the breakthrough aligned with Nigeria’s goals on food security, import substitution, and economic diversification.
Ayodele cautioned that dairy imports continue to drain the country’s foreign reserves. He maintained that Silagreen’s genetic improvement programme offers “a clear, science-backed pathway” to boost local milk production.
He said the initiative would stimulate job creation across the dairy value chain, from feed production to processing, while also driving technology transfer.
“This development will build local expertise in world-class agricultural biotechnology. It will inspire agricultural innovation and demonstrate that Nigeria can lead in frontier agri-tech,” Ayodele said.
He added that the first phase of the project succeeded through partnerships with commercial farms that provided recipient herds.
He listed the farms, including Harmony Farms in Odogbolu, Adila Niche Farms, Blue Ridge Farms, Kosbaz Farm in Ilorin, Eagle Crest Ranch in Eruwa, Oyo State, Divine Living Farms in Iseyin, and Mirth Farms, Asejire.
Punch News