Nigeria has approved a new indigenous meat-type chicken breed, MoorBeta, in a move aimed at boosting poultry production, improving farmer incomes, and strengthening national food security.
The approval was granted on March 26, 2026, by the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds Registration and Release Committee during a session held at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development welcomed the development, describing it as a major milestone in efforts to enhance local livestock productivity.
MoorBeta was developed by the Poultry Research Team at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, following more than a decade of intensive breeding involving both indigenous and exotic meat-type chickens. The Ministry collaborated closely with the institute throughout the process and is represented on the approving committee.
Designed with smallholder farmers in mind, the new breed is adapted to Nigeria’s diverse environmental conditions and demonstrates strong growth performance. At just 10 weeks, MoorBeta attains an average live weight of approximately 2.8 kilograms, while maintaining improved feed efficiency and survival rates exceeding 95 per cent.
Beyond productivity, the breed offers qualities attractive to both producers and consumers. Its meat is described as tender and juicy, with minimal cooking loss, while its physical features include a predominantly white plumage marked with brown, black, or red speckles, a prominent single comb, and a well-developed body structure suited for higher meat yield. Its tolerance to heat stress further enhances its suitability for tropical poultry farming conditions.
Economic projections also highlight its commercial potential. A 2025 cost analysis indicates that raising 100 MoorBeta birds could yield a net profit of over ₦278,000 within a 10-week production cycle, positioning the breed as a viable option for both small-scale and commercial poultry operators.
