ABU research institute targets 25,000 chicks in 2026

The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has commenced its 2025/2026 annual hatching exercise, with a target of producing about 25,000 chicks.

Malam Auwalu Umar, Director of Public Affairs at the university, disclosed this in a statement issued in Zaria.

He said the exercise began successfully on March 31, with more than 3,000 grandparent stock (GPS) chicks already produced.

According to him, the chicks comprise Shikabrown grandparent stock and broiler foundation stock, primarily intended as replacement stock for the institute’s existing flock.

Umar noted that the projected output marks a large increase from the 17,000 chicks produced in the previous cycle, reflecting the institute’s commitment to expanding productivity and meeting growing national demand.

He added that the programme is designed to support hatcheries across the country through the supply of high-quality parent stock (PS) layers and Shikabrown pullet commercial layers for both large-scale and smallholder poultry farmers.

During an inspection of the newly hatched chicks at the institute’s poultry brooding unit in Shika, Zaria, the Acting Executive Director, Prof. Muhammad-Rabiu Hassan, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

He described the exercise as successful and on track to meet its target.

Hassan also commended the Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha, and the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, for their support toward the programme’s success. (NAN)