Under its beef research programme, NAPRI plans to slaughter 500 cattle in 2026
. As part of its commitment to livestock development, community serviceThe National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, has assured of a bumper supply of high-quality beef products as it plans to slaughter 500 cattle in 2026.
The ambitious and transformative plan of the institute through its beef research programme is part of NAPRI’s commitment to sustainable livestock development and community service.
The Programme Leader of the Beef Research Programme, Dr Tawakalit R. Sanni, said the institute’s beef production output for 2025 was approximately 120 cattle.
For 2026, she said the institute targeted 500 cattle, representing an increase of over 400 percent.
With this target, according to her, it was expected that there would be a bumper supply of high quality beef products and enhanced local food and nutrition security.
Affordable access to beef for the university community and host communities as well as positive contributions to socio-economic development were also part of expected impact of the beef production plan for 2026, she further said.
“This represents a major milestone for the institute. In previous years, slaughter volumes were modest, often averaging fewer than two cattle per week”, according to the Programme Leader.
The Deputy Director of the institute, Dr Muhammad Sa’idu Tanko, assured that all slaughtering and processing activities in 2026 would continue to be carried out professionally, under strict hygienic and safety protocols and full compliance with animal welfare standards.
They would also be conducted under close supervision by qualified veterinarians and certified meat inspectors, according to him.
On the implementation strategy, the Deputy Director explained that the 2026 beef production programme would commence early this month (January) and that it would run continuously throughout the year.
According to him, the plan would be supported by an expanded and strengthened cattle fattening programme, ensuring a steady supply of market-ready animals.
Dr Tanko stressed that the integrated approach aligned research, production, and service delivery into a single, efficient system.
“This initiative directly advances NAPRI’s mandate of community service while demonstrating how research institutions can meaningfully address real-world challenges”, he further said.
The Deputy Director highlighted that NAPRI Beef Research Programme exemplified the institute’s enduring commitment to scientific excellence, public health protection, and community service.
The programme, he said, contributed to improved nutrition, stronger local economies, and sustainable livestock development. This was by delivering safe, nutritious, and affordable beef products, he also said.
According to him, NAPRI would continue to ensure quality animal protein remained accessible, reliable, and safe through professionalism, innovation, and community engagement.
“Our work is guided by a simple but powerful commitment: to provide safe, wholesome, and high quality animal protein to our communities, processed under the professional and hygienic standards”, he stated.
The Deputy Director further explained that the programme supported food and nutrition security as well as promoted public confidence in meat safety and translated livestock research into tangible benefits.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (NEWS/NAM)
Wednesday, 7th January, 2026
