By Akatu Samuel James
Noiler chickens are a hybrid breed specifically designed for small holder poultry farmers. They are a cross between a Nigerian indigenous chicken and a White Plymouth Rock chicken, bred to serve as dual-purpose birds for both meat and eggs.
Noiler chickens exhibit remarkable growth within a short period, reaching marketable weight quicker than many other breeds. This accelerated growth allows farmers to generate income more rapidly, reducing the time it takes to turn a profit.
The fast growth rate of Noiler chickens translates into lower expenses for farmers. Since these birds require less time to reach market weight, farmers can save on feed costs and housing expenses.
Noiler chickens have a high meat-to-bone ratio, making them more desirable for consumers. The meat of Noiler chickens is lean, tender, and tastes like local chicken, appealing to a wide range of consumers.
The market demand for Noiler meat is steadily increasing, both domestically and internationally. Consumers have come to recognize the superior taste, quality, quantity, and texture of Noiler meat, driving up its demand.
Noiler chickens are well-suited for small-scale poultry farming, making them accessible to a broader range of farmers. They can thrive in various environments and require less intensive management. They are adaptable and resilient to climate change and diseases that affect poultry, making them an attractive option for farmers.
Speaking on the viability of noiler chickens, Northern Sales Manager of Amo Farms, Mr. Deshi Walbe, noted that, “the business has been in existence since 2012 and has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Benue farmers since 2017.”
On her part, the representative of AMO Farm in Benue State, Dooshima Audu said, “the noiler are high-breed chickens that lay high-quality eggs and meat. They can adapt to any weather condition, and farmers can benefit from their eggs and meat.”
The government of Benue State should provide support and resources for small holder farmers to access noiler and other beneficial breeds.
The government should also foster partnerships and collaborations between farmers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to promote the growth of the livestock sector.
Benue State Government can distribute or subsidize the price of noiler to small holder farmers in communities and rural dwellers, especially women and youth, to economically empower them and add a source of income while closing the gap between demand and supply.
