Is Importing Danish Cows the Only Way to Boost Nigeria’s Milk Supply?

Nigeria is working hard to produce more milk by bringing in dairy cows from Denmark. The goal is to close the big gap between how much milk the country makes now about 700,000 tonnes a year and how much Nigerians actually drink, which is 1.6 million tonnes.

Nigeria spends about $1.5 billion every year on milk imports, so the government hopes that by importing high-yield cows, it can produce more milk locally and depend less on foreign products.

But is importing cows the only way to fix Nigeria’s milk problem? Is it really the best solution? Or is there still hope in Nigeria’s own cattle herds?

Nigeria Has Plenty of Cows, So Why Is Milk Production Low?

Nigeria has over 20 million cows, one of the largest herds in Africa. But most of these cows are local breeds that give very little milk. Traditional herders mostly raise these cows, and they simply don’t produce as much milk as the special dairy cows from places like Denmark.

Because of this, Nigeria imports a lot of milk and now also high-yield cows to increase milk production. The Danish cows are expected to produce much more milk, especially when farmed using modern methods.

Is Bringing in Foreign Cows the Only Answer?

Bringing in foreign cows will help, but it is not the only answer. Nigeria’s dairy problems go beyond the type of cows. They also involve how the cows are cared for, what they eat, the farms’ facilities, and access to veterinary care.

For example, cows need good food to produce milk. Poor pasture and feed limit milk production, no matter how good the cow is. Nigeria recently started growing new types of pasture plants, which is a good step, but there is still a lot to improve in feeding the cows properly.

There is also great potential in making Nigeria’s local cows better through careful breeding, good health care, and teaching farmers new skills. This means Nigeria can increase milk from its own cattle, without relying only on imported cows.

The Important Role of Local Farmers and Herders

Local herders and farmers know a lot about raising cattle. Combining their experience with new farming techniques can create a better way to raise cows in Nigeria’s unique environment.

Instead of replacing local cows, crossbreeding them with imported cows can help. This creates cows that give more milk but are still strong and well-suited to Nigeria’s climate.

Building the Right Support Systems

Milk production is not just about cows. Nigeria needs better ways to store, process, and transport milk so it doesn’t spoil and can reach more people.

The government should also support farmers with money, training, and good farming policies. Without these supports, milk production will struggle even if more cows are brought in.

A Mixed Approach Works Best

It’s good that Nigeria wants to double milk production. Importing Danish cows can help farms that use modern methods.

But Nigeria should not forget its own cows and farmers. The best way forward is to improve local cattle, support farmers, build infrastructure, and use imported cows where they fit.