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By Josfyn Uba
Dr. Ify Onwumelu is one the women who have broken stereotypes and exemplifies the rare breed in the field of STEM. A Ph.D. holder in Animal Sciences, Dr. Onwumelu is a lecturer at the Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba and has developed some personal body products. In this interview with Daily Sun, Dr. Onwumelu said that to tackle climate change and increase productivity, there must be collaboration between research communities and livestock owners.
What inspired you to study animal sciences?
My inspiration into animal production; animal nutrition and biochemistry precisely, is divinely orchestrated. As a growing child, my ambition was to be a medical doctor, specializing as a gynecologist but somewhere along the line, I went into a B.Sc. program on Applied Biochemistry. Upon graduation, I did my NYSC at the defunct College of Agriculture, Anwai-Asaba, Bendel State (1987). Then in 2006, I had to quit my desire to go back to the University and study medicine. On the alternative, I went back to school for my Ph.D.
My research areas were majorly on poultry production. They involved the replacement of some feed ingredients such as corn, soya beans, with herbal supplements like bitter leaf and scent leaf, at varying levels. It was discovered that the experimental birds that had the herbal supplements in their diets, performed significantly better than those that were fed control diets and antibiotics, at starter and finisher phases; thereby of immense economic, health and general performance benefits.
What are some of the significant advances in animal nutrition and biochemistry that have emerged in recent years?
In recent years, great significant advances have emerged in Animal Nutrition and Biochemistry. Among them is an intentional shift from relying so much on antibiotics as growth promoters on prophylactic basis to including phytochemicals which are feed additives of plant origin. This advance is greatly felt in poultry production. In addition, there is massive replacement of grains that form the basis of compounding animal feeds, with plant leaves which are found to be nutrient dense, and in most cases trashed as wastes. Typical examples are carrot leaves, onion peels, bitter leaf, scent leaf, moringa leaves, to mention but a few. Various research works have found them to be antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, and even antiviral in function, thereby reducing to near zero the use of conventional drugs in the management of animals.
Have you done any research?
Yes, of course. My research areas were majorly on poultry production. They involved the replacement of some feed ingredients such as corn, soya beans, with herbal supplements such as bitter leaf and scent leaf, at varying levels. It was discovered that the experimental birds that had the herbal supplements in their diets, performed significantly better than those that were fed control diets and antibiotics, at starter and finisher phases; thereby of immense economic, health and general performance benefits.
With the rise of global challenges like climate change, how is animal nutrition adapting to ensure sustainable practices?
The soaring global challenges with greater emphasis on climate change definitely have its negative effects on animal nutrition, due to changes in environmental conditions such as air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, drought and floods. Various mitigation strategies are being employed to ensure sustainable practices. These include selective breeding programs in developing animal breeds that can resist the challenges posed by climate change. Production and management systems modification by integration of livestock systems with forestry and crop production, diversification of livestock and crop varieties, and also shifting the timing and locations of farm operation. Not to be neglected is an improvement on veterinary surveillance systems, so as to track the diseases that climate change related. Effective preventive measures are of essence, by the detection and response key, which will prevent and control both old and new infections and diseases in animals. Of great importance are the preservation of natural habitats and, the restoration of damaged ecosystem. Last but not the least is educating the public about the complex relationship between animal health and climate change.
Are there any emerging technologies in animal nutrition that you find particularly promising?
Surely there are neo-technologies/methodologies in animal nutrition that spell healthy outcomes in animal nutrition. These are basically Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Biotechnology. They can improve animal health and production by analyzing data from sensors and other sources to optimize feed formulations. AI algorithms can adjust feed for dairy cows based on milk production patterns. For precision animal nutrition, ML predicts growth rates for poultry which allows precise adjustments to feeding schedules. Biotechnology uses chemicals, like feed additives, to increase the nutrient value of animal feed, and can also improve the digestibility of low-quality feeds.
What are some unique nutritional challenges faced by Nigerian farmers and how can that be addressed?
Nigerian farmers face some unique nutritional challenges, such as food insecurity, low incomes, and inadequate access to resources, which basically emanate from the general poor approach to crop and animal farming. As a result, accessing the animal feed ingredients (mostly crops) entails going outside different states to places such as Onitsha and Benin. This is not cost effective, as transportation cost escalates the cost of production. These challenges can lead to malnutrition and food shortages.
To curb this challenge, the federal government should establish large crop and animal farms, leveraging on the availability of arable land and much human resources (job seekers, students, corps members, rehabilitation centres, retired but not tired public/civil servants). Research centers should be attracted to different states by virtue of being their capitals. This will move both cooperatives and non-governmental organizations to establish farms in various states and the strategic places, thereby enhancing the much limited farming efforts of lone farmers.
How can local famers improve the nutritional quality of their animal feed using locally available ingredients?
Local farmers can improve the nutritional quality of their animal feed while using locally available ingredients. This could be greatly achieved by exposing them to the activities of extension officers, who will periodically engage them in awareness seminars and practical sessions. By illuminating them on the benefits of locally available ingredients such as crop and animal wastes, when included in the animal feeding, not only will it cut down costs of production, the animals will have improved general performance, while achieving an environmental friendly ecosystem.
What impact does proper nutrition have on the prevention of diseases in animals?
Proper nutrition impacts greatly on disease prevention in animals. Adequate nutrition helps animals develop a strong immune system and fight off infections, which can help prevent diseases. A balanced diet provides the energy and amino acids that the immune system needs to function. Good nutrition helps the animals produce antibodies, cytokines, and receptor cells. Nutrients like zinc and vitamin D can help fight infections, as they possess antibacterial and antiviral properties. Proper nutrition can help enhance the integrity of cells and tissues, which can reduce the risk of infection in animals.
What area of research in animal nutrition and biochemistry do you believe need more attention moving forward?
As a way forward in animal production, research works in animal nutrition and biochemistry in these areas should be duly emphasized on muscle biology, carcass composition, and methods to enhance the nutritional value, flavor, and shelf life of meat products. The future of animal nutrition is being shaped by technological advancements, sustainability efforts, and ethical considerations. Innovations such as precision feeding, novel feed ingredients, automation, and block chain technology are evolving to address the needs of a growing population and changing market demands.
How can the university and research community better engage with local farmers and stakeholders in the field of animal nutrition?
The University and Research Community can favorably engage with local farmers and stakeholders in the field of animal nutrition, by primarily establishing collaborations within them. This will enable them to address real world contemporary challenges, thereby proffering animal sector solutions that will increase productivity and address climate change. In addition, livelihoods and resilience will be developed in rural communities, as well as promote livestock farmers’ access to markets, innovation and trade, while safeguarding biodiversity and enhancing food and nutrition security. With this, the University will break free of the ivory tower and prove her relevance to society.
What is your advice to livestock owners?
My advice to livestock owners begins with this; they have to be unapologetically determined with resolve, purposefulness and single-mindedness. They should without compromise provide comfortable living conditions for the animals, so as to ensure their wellbeing with the attendant success of their farming venture. Hence, the animals should not be overcrowded. Clean water should always be made available to them. In addition, the animal owners should develop proper handling techniques; where necessary, go for training on specific handling/ skill acquisition and behavioral knowledge of the animals. They should also develop capacity to work for long hours, follow up routines, and be pragmatic in dealing with unexpected situations, while maintaining balance between work and life by taking care of their health and wellbeing. Their alliance with veterinary service providers cannot be overemphasized. Proper record keeping must be ensured. Money must be well managed and the capital guarded. They should target to grow volume and sales. Lastly, they should be dynamic in strategy proactivity.
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