By Femi Dansu
In a bid to boost agricultural research and livestock production, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, today, August 12, 2024, commissioned a state-of-the-art 30-unit Small Ruminant Experimental Pen at the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM) Farm, along the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS) road.
While commissioning the project, Prof. Kehinde lauded the efforts of the Principal Investigator, Prof. Ronke Aderinboye, for her dedication and vision. He described the facility as both befitting and highly conducive to animal research, emphasising its long-term relevance.
According to him, the pen would remain invaluable for at least the next fifteen years and would be crucial for future projects.
Prof. Kehinde also extended his congratulations to COLANIM, the Research Team, and TETFund for their contributions to the successful realisation of the project.
In her remarks, Prof. Aderinboye, who led the Research Team, highlighted that the pen was a product of the 2023 National Research Fund (NRF) grant.
She explained that the facility, designed to house 30 animals comfortably or 60 animals if required, would support ongoing and future research endeavours.
According to her, the research focused on nutritional interventions using plant-based additives to enhance nutrient utilisation in ruminants, aiming to promote eco-friendly livestock production.
Prof. Aderinboye further detailed that the construction of the pen began in March and was integral to a two-year research project.
The facility, she noted, was equipped with essential amenities, including a water supply system that feeds into each unit, electricity, and additional infrastructure such as an office space with a toilet facility, a laboratory, and a store.
Meanwhile, the TETFund-sponsored “Small Ruminant Additives Project,” developed for COLANIM, was a collaborative initiative between FUNAAB and TETFund.
It sought to manipulate the rumen environment through nutritional interventions for efficient and sustainable small ruminant production.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo; the Ag. Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu; the Dean, COLANIM, Prof. Abimbola Osho; the Director, Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu; the Director, Directorate of Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Mutiu Busari, and other distinguished faculty members such as Prof. Chryss Onwuka (Rtd), Prof. Victoria Ojo, Prof. Oluwakemi Irekhore, Dr. Mathew Whetto, Dr. Kafayat Adebayo, and Dr. Risikat Akinbode.
