Edo LPRES Trains Extension Agents On Innovative Livestock Feed Solutions

The Edo State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Edo LPRES) has started a five-day training for extension workers on Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHPS).
The State Coordinator, Mrs Betsy Ikpikhumi, in her welcome address, explained that the training aimed to equip extension agents with knowledge on using plant waste for alternative livestock feed formulation.
She emphasised that feed accounted for over 70 per cent of livestock production costs, making alternative feed options essential for improving farmers’ profitability and sustainability.
Ikpikhumi highlighted the challenge of competition between human and animal consumption of grains like maize and sorghum, increasing production costs for farmers.
She proposed using agricultural residues such as corn husks and plant straws to create livestock feed, reducing reliance on conventional, costly feed ingredients.
According to her, these feed alternatives include grass, straw, and plant residue, which are affordable, accessible, and efficient for animal nutrition.
She noted that with these practices, farmers could lower feed costs, increase productivity, and enhance income through better commercialisation of livestock products.
She disclosed that the extension agents trained during the session would transfer the knowledge to rural farmers, which helped them adopt sustainable and cost-effective livestock practices.
“Participants include veterinary doctors, ministry officials, and animal husbandry experts and extension agents ensuring a broad support network for farmers in the state.”
She added that the training which started on Monday, hosted 78 participants, and would end on Friday, providing comprehensive, hands-on experience in modern feed formulation techniques.
Also speaking, the Animal Husbandry Services Officer for Edo LPRES, Mr Emmanuel Konedo, said the training was specifically designed to enhance the capacity of extension agents.
He noted that agriculture, especially livestock farming, was evolving rapidly, adding that methods used decades ago were outdated, while modern techniques were emerging for better outcomes.
“Unfortunately, many of our farmers remain unaware of these innovations.
”Extension agents play a vital role in bridging this knowledge gap and improving farm productivity.
“Their duty is to transfer up-to-date practices to farmers, helping them adapt to modern methods currently trending in Nigeria and around the world,” he said.
Participants were taken through topics such as emerging trends in GAHPS, overview of livestock production systems and housing design, and maintenance.