By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Noiler bird of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited (AFSH) is witnessing a spike in demand from consumers, considering its protein and essential nutrients that help in body-building, the latest information reaching us disclosed.
Noiler’s popularity and preference stem from the over 1.3 million smallholder rural farmers initiative and its characteristic as a dual-purpose bird (for meat and eggs) that is similar in appearance and taste to the native chicken.
As a product of several years of research and development, the Noiler chicken is more resistant to field diseases and produces four times more eggs and three times more meat than native chicken, which makes it a wise choice for poultry farmers.
It was observed that as Nigerians are preparing for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the chicken brand is selling fast at various markets across the country.
The distinctiveness of the Noiler breed, as gathered, prompted the recent partnership between the Bauchi State Government with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) where 300 women were empowered with 20 pieces of five-week-old Noiler chicks to enhance their business enterprise.
The company which is headed by the Group Managing Director, Dr Ayoola Oduntan, produces over a million chicks a week and plans to increase the figure by over 30 per cent on a year-on-year basis.
Commenting on why the chicken brand may be catching the fancy of consumers, an Oyo State-based agriculturalist, and a consumer of the chicken brand, Mr Olawale Ahmed, said the Noiler bird stands out as it is more nutritious with a unique taste and satisfactory appeal.
Another consumer from Ondo State, Mr Babatunde Adebola, said it surpasses other breeds with its size, coupled with its healthy condition that makes it more delicious.
Other consumers of poultry farming affirmed that it helps boost the human immune system with its nutrients that are essential for body-building, while also applauding Amo Farm’s innovation in chicken production.
Adedapo Adesanya