Mercy Oso is a graduate of Animal Health and Production from Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso. She had her Master’s Degree in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan. She is curently a research fellow at Kent State University in the United States of America, studying Molecular Biology and Genetics. In this interview, she talks about some of her research findings and what relevance they have for food security in Nigeria:
Can you share your interest in genetics and how it has motivated you to pursue studies in Animal breeding and genetics and now proceeding to biomedical research using genetic approach in animal models?
My interest in genetics arose in my early teenage years. This came by through my natural observations and physical appraisals of things around me like differences in species, shapes, colour and sizes of plants and animals. By the time I would have opportunity to delve deeper through learning, I got my sound footing in the introductory class in genetics via my lecturers in Nigeria. The fire and desire to know more has fueled my passion to continue my research in this aspect.
Just as I have stated before, genetics plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ unique traits and characteristics, whether they are humans, or animals. The variations you observe among individuals, even within the same family, result from the combination of inherited genetic material. Understanding this variation is very crucial in developing new breeds or finding solutions to existing problems such as diseases. This is a course I intend to continue to lend my voice and efforts to, now and in the foreseeable future.
How do you see the importance of genetics and its effect on food security in the context of animal breeding?
In this wise, animal breeding has a huge role in ensuring and enhancing food security in the country. From what I know and knowledge available at our disposal, understanding genetics is vital to making informed decisions about breeding programmes, selecting desirable traits and improving the overall quality of animal production. Through conscious and intentional studying of genetic makeup of our local breeds, we can identify specific traits that are advantageous for certain purposes, such as increased milk production, disease resistance, or adaptability to specific environments.
Genetics also allows selective breeding to enhance desirable traits while minimising undesirable ones. This knowledge is crucial for sustainable agriculture. Moreover, advances in genetic technologies, such as genetic engineering and genomics, provide powerful tools for researchers and practitioners in animal science to make more precise and efficient improvements in breeding programmes. We will continue to leverage on advanced technology improvement as this is the game changer in the industry.
What progress has been made so far, to your knowledge, in the deployment of molecular genetic techniques into research in Africa?
As noted earlier, technology is making things considered arduous say, 20 years ago easier to do and more information accessible especially in our clime. In recent years, significant strides have been made in integrating molecular genetic techniques into research across Africa especially Nigeria. While notable progress has been achieved, it is known that certain challenges persist, placing us behind our global counterparts in various aspects of this field. However, in order to bridge the knowledge and hands-on experience deficit, advancement in molecular genetics have been supported by capacity-building initiatives involving training programmes, workshops and collaborative efforts with local and international institutions. These have helped to enhance the skills of researchers and technicians, fostering a knowledgeable and skilled workforce in Africa.
With prevalent cultural biases in Africa, do you see the continent catching up with the rest of the world in the deployment of this area of research towards ensuring food security in the continent?
The truth is that cultural biases is a universal phenomenon hence, it is not peculiar or particular to Africa continent alone. However, rise in accessibility to information and deployment of such are helping in overcoming this barrier coupled with consistency and committed effort about these issues across board. Things are changing bit by bit and due to this, we need to tell our story and celebrate our advancements as well. For instance, in the context of my research, the focal point was identifying the optimal strain for the turkey production industry. However, we have identified a major challenge to achieving that is environmental differences (a significant challenge in the poultry and meat production sector) which makes it impracticable to exploit the option of importing breeds for rearing in Nigeria. This made us to focus on the realistic option which is to make do with local breeds and optimise result needed.
However, determining the most suitable breeds for crossbreeding is a time-consuming process. This is where the molecular approach became indispensable – employing techniques to detect genes responsible for traits such as growth rate, body weight and reproduction. Doing this helped streamline the breeding process, saving time and energy compared to a trial-and-error system. To expedite this progress, a consistent and committed effort is required and hence, deployed. Taking the example of Noilier chicken, which success is attributed to employing genetic methods and a breeding programme, it has become evident that this strategy will enhance the quality of breeds provided to farmers, ultimately leading to increased production. Embracing molecular genetic techniques in breeding systems will yield faster and more reliable results. This approach is particularly beneficial for both animal and crop production.
In conclusion, overcoming cultural biases is essential for Africa to fully harness the potential of genetic approaches in advancing food security. By embracing genomic techniques in breeding systems, the continent especially Nigeria can advance to progress, offer farmers superior breeds, and, in turn, contribute significantly to addressing global food security challenges. The key lies in initiating and sustaining these efforts with dedication and consistency.
What result are you coming up within your area of research that you think can be useful for the country?
This sentiment extends beyond my endeavours and is a collective effort of individuals dedicated to enhancing our understanding of local breeds and utilising genetic tools for improved production.
For instance, just within the scope of my research, several growth traits were discovered in our indigenous turkey breeds but the significance in the potential to enhance body weight lies in incorporating these findings into the breeding process for a local breed that embodies desirable and robust growth.
While my research has yielded promising results, it represents a step in the journey. There remains a considerable need for further exploration and refinement of these discoveries. Translating this knowledge to practical applications in the field is the next critical phase.
Personally, the ultimate goal is to actively contribute to developing an improved local turkey breed that meets the criteria of hardiness and substantial body weight and is primed for commercialisation.
Finally, by bridging the gap between research findings and on-the-ground implementation, we have the potential to make substantial progress. The envisioned outcome is a locally improved turkey breed that can significantly impact the poultry industry, thereby addressing concerns related to food security. This concerted effort to transform genetic insights into tangible outcomes, underscores our commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and contributes to the broader discourse on securing our food resources.
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