Development of genomic resources for Muturu cattle at risk of extinction in Nigeria

About the project

UK-registered Partner: Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetic and Health (CTLGH), University of Edinburgh – Oluyinka Opoola
Africa-registered Partner: The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) – Matthew Wheto

Muturu cattle has great but unexploited beef production potential to contribute substantially to food security of the growing Nigerian population. However, Muturu cattle as an important genetic resource is presently eroded and at risk of extinction. This is due to the lack of reliable information on the current status of the breed and the absence of any genomic information to support its characterisation to guide any interventions. Therefore, the project objective is to characterise the Muturu cattle based on field, genetic and experimental data on morphology and conformation traits that has been collected for years by the African partner institution (FUNAAB).

Approximately 500 Muturu cattle from the Southwest region of Nigeria will be genotyped to determine population structure and diversity. The project outcome will guide in reversing the downward trend of Muturu cattle genetic resources by using genomic information to enhance future breed improvement strategies thus enhancing food availability and security.