The Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), recently undertook a strategic visit to Alliance Farms in Oyo State. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia, fostering innovation in livestock and crop production systems.
Alliance Farms Vision and Operations
Mr. Oyekunle Ogunmola, the Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Farms, welcomed the delegation. He shared his professional background, which includes a Physics degree from the University of Ibadan and a Chartered Accountant qualification from KPMG. His transition into agriculture was driven by a desire to enhance Oyo State's agrarian economy and improve access to quality livestock systems.
The farm operates on principles of efficiency and productivity, emphasizing high-performing pedigree animals to shorten production cycles. Central to its operations is a proprietary digital platform called Farm OS. This system monitors reproductive performance indicators such as kidding rates, lambing intervals, and calving records.
Despite being operational for less than a year, the farm has achieved notable reproductive successes, including instances of triplets and quadruplets in goats. However, challenges remain, particularly high kid mortality rates and the limited effectiveness of some vaccines against Clostridium-related infections. These issues are attributed to inconsistencies in vaccine formulations and inadequate strain coverage.
Genetic Improvement and Nutrition
Regarding genetic improvement, Ogunmola explained that livestock are sourced locally, especially from northern Nigeria, and crossbred with imported pedigree stock. While this approach has yielded promising results, challenges such as quarantine mortality and the need for more scientific selection processes persist. The farm is exploring advanced reproductive technologies like artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
On livestock nutrition, the farm is committed to precision feed formulation supported by laboratory analysis. However, the high cost and occasional inaccuracies of commercial feed analysis services are concerns. Sourcing quality mineral supplements locally is also difficult, leading to reliance on imports. To ensure feed sustainability, the farm cultivates maize, sorghum, and soybeans, alongside extensive forage development. Alternative forage crops like Cajanus cajan are used for their high crude protein content, and pasture management strategies are implemented, including teak cultivation.
IFSERAR Collaboration
Prof. Kazeem Bello, Director of IFSERAR, described the visit as a vital step toward aligning academic research with real-world agricultural challenges. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with commercial farms to drive solution-oriented research and strengthen engagement with national bodies such as the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).
The collaboration will include staff exchange, student industrial training placements, and joint research initiatives. Opportunities in fodder production, improved feed processing, and sustainable practices will also be explored. Prof. Bello noted that the partnership is mutually beneficial, enhancing teaching, research, and extension services at FUNAAB while supporting innovation at Alliance Farms.
