A Professor of Animal Science in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Ahmed Amin Njidda, has highlighted the importance of tiger nut and advocated for its adoption in feeding sheep and other ruminant animals.
Njidda disclosed this at the university headquarters in Abuja while presenting NOUN’s 26th Inaugural Lecture. 
He presented on the topic: “Marvels in Ruminant Nutrition: The Quest for Animal Protein.”
Njidda emphasised the vital role of animal protein in a balanced diet and the importance of understanding ruminant nutrition for optimising livestock production and ensuring food security.
He emphasised that as Nigeria’s population grows, so does the demand for sustainable food sources.
He presented findings from numerous studies demonstrating the correlation between nutrition and productive performance in animals.
These studies, according to him, underscored how feeding patterns, along with the quality and quantity of feed, directly affect animal health and reproduction.
The Professor of Animal Science also touched on the socio-economic importance of ruminants for millions of poor farmers, highlighting their role in providing economic stability, cash buffers, and essential commodities such as traction, manure for fertilizers, and fiber.
The don detailed how ruminants contribute to food security, noting that they account for 51 per cent of all protein from the livestock sector, with 57 per cent coming from milk and 30 per cent from meat.
His research further delved into the utilisation of marginal land and water resources, converting them into valuable, high-quality products.
He emphasised the necessity of optimising available materials to enhance production efficiency in both intensive and extensive production systems.
He underpinned the importance of continued research and innovation in ruminant nutrition to boost food production without causing environmental harm, thus contributing to food security and economic development in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters expressed his pleasure and anticipation, highlighting the significance of the Inaugural Lecture Series as a platform for scholars to share groundbreaking research with the academic community and the public.
Prof. Peters lauded Njidda for what he described as illuminating and insightful lecture.
He emphasised that the lecture was not merely an academic exercise but a beacon illuminating the path to a healthier, more sustainable future.
The VC highlighted the critical role of research and innovation in addressing global challenges and thanked Professor Njidda for his invaluable contribution to the academic community.
