… As it begins 2025/2026 annual hatching exercise
The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, has commenced the 2025/2026 annual hatching exercise, projecting to hatch approximately 25,000 chicks.
A statement from the Direct deposit of Public Affairs office of the Vice Chancellor said the exercise began on a successful note on 31st March, 2026 with over 3,000 grandparent stock (GPS) chicks so far produced.
The chicks, comprising Shikabrown GSP and broiler foundation stock, are essentially to serve as replacement stock for the existing flock.
The 25,000 chicks targeted represents a significant increase over last year’s production of 17,000 chicks, reflecting NAPRI’s commitment to scaling productivity and meeting national demand.
NAPRI’s objective remains largely to support hatcheries across the country by supplying high-quality parent stock (PS) layers and Shikabrown pullet commercial layers, catering for both large scale and small scale poultry farmers.
Inspecting the newly produced chicks at the institute’s poultry brooding unit at Shika near Zaria, NAPRI Ag. Executive Director Prof Muhammad Rabiu Hassan expressed satisfaction with the exercise given the success being recorded.
Prof Hassan, who was accompanied by NAPRI Deputy Director Dr Muhammad Sa’Id Tanko and other management staff of the institute, said the programme commenced successfully.
He lauded the enormous support of the Hon. Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Idi Maiha, and the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed, towards the success of the programme.
The Ag Executive Director equally commended all staff involved for the success being recorded and urged them to buckle up to achieve the target set this year.
Shedding more light on the exercise, the Head, Poultry Research Programme, Dr Idris Abdullahi, said they had achieved significant improvements in the physical characteristics of the institute’s GSP stock.
This, according to him, was through rigorous annual selection and sorting processes.
The poultry research programme leader went on to add that the advancement had translated into enhanced quality and performance of NAPRI commercial layers.
Dr Abdullahi appreciated most sincerely the support and leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, university management, and the NAPRI Reform Committee for their invaluable contributions.
He emphasised that their commitments had enabled this year’s successful ongoing hatching programme under the guidance of the institute‘s Ag Executive Director.
