Federal Govt Approves Indigenous Poultry Breed MoorBeta

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has approved the release of MoorBeta, an improved indigenous meat-type chicken designed to boost poultry production and strengthen food security in Nigeria.

The breed was officially registered by the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds Registration and Release Committee (NVRC) on March 26, 2026, at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan, Oyo State.

MoorBeta was developed by the Poultry Research Team at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, following over a decade of breeding work that combined indigenous and exotic meat-type chickens.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development collaborated with the Institute and is represented on the NVRC.

The breed is ideal for smallholder farmers, performing well under diverse environmental conditions.

By 10 weeks, MoorBeta reaches an average live weight of 2.8kg, with feed efficiency and survival rates above 95 per cent.

MoorBeta’s meat is tender and juicy, with minimal cooking loss. The bird is predominantly white with speckles of brown, black, or red, has a large single comb, and a well-developed body for higher meat yield.

It also tolerates heat stress, making it suitable for tropical poultry production.

A 2025 cost analysis shows that raising 100 birds can generate net profits of over N278,000 within a 10-week cycle, offering strong economic returns for smallholder and commercial poultry operators.

The launch of MoorBeta is part of ongoing efforts to improve local livestock breeds, enhance productivity, and strengthen food and nutrition security.