Nigeria has officially approved a new indigenous meat-type chicken breed, MoorBeta, in a major step toward strengthening poultry production and enhancing food security nationwide.
The approval was granted by the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds Registration and Release Committee on March 26, 2026, at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Developed by researchers at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, the MoorBeta chicken is the product of over a decade of crossbreeding indigenous and exotic meat-type birds. The project was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
Key Features of MoorBeta
MoorBeta stands out for its strong performance and adaptability:
Reaches an average weight of 2.8kg in just 10 weeks
Records over 95% survival rate
Exhibits high feed efficiency
Shows strong tolerance to heat stress, ideal for Nigeria’s tropical climate
In addition to productivity, the breed delivers high-quality meat—tender, juicy, and with minimal cooking loss—making it appealing to both farmers and consumers.
Farmer-Friendly and Profitable
Designed with smallholder farmers in mind, MoorBeta performs well across diverse environmental conditions. A 2025 cost analysis suggests that raising 100 birds can yield over ₦278,000 in net profit within 10 weeks, highlighting its strong commercial potential.
Boost for Food Security
The introduction of MoorBeta aligns with Nigeria’s broader agricultural goals—improving local livestock genetics, increasing productivity, and enhancing food and nutrition security.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with research institutions to scale innovations like MoorBeta, aiming to increase farmers’ incomes and reduce dependence on imported poultry products.
