Olufemi Alabi, a Professor of Animal Science at Bowen University in Osun State, emphasized the necessity of maintaining good welfare for livestock to enhance their productivity and ensure suitability for human consumption during his recent inaugural lecture, titled ‘Animal and Us, That All May Live Well: The Quest for Animal Welfare’. Professor Alabi stressed the crucial role of domestic animals in various aspects of human society, including food production, transportation, and income generation. He highlighted that good animal welfare involves ensuring proper health, nutrition, and living conditions to minimize stress and disease transmission among animals. Professor Alabi underscored the importance of understanding how the environment affects animal well-being, especially in determining housing conditions in different production systems. He also emphasized the ethical treatment of farm animals, advocating against cruelty in their slaughter. Furthermore, Professor Alabi addressed the detrimental impact of smuggling frozen poultry products into Nigeria on the local poultry industry, citing economic challenges and health risks associated with illegal imports. He called for enhanced border security, government support for local poultry farmers, and consumer education to combat smuggling and promote the sustainability of the domestic poultry sector. In conclusion, Professor Alabi emphasized the need for infrastructure development, awareness campaigns on animal welfare, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address challenges in Nigeria’s livestock production and ensure economic stability and public health. The Vice Chancellor of Bowen University, Professor Jonathan Babalola, commended Professor Alabi’s lecture, emphasizing the importance of caring for livestock for the betterment of humanity, as animals are indispensable to human well-being.
Bowen Don Highlights How Enhanced Livestock Welfare Can Increase Productivity and Benefit Humans
