SURVEY OF KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT, PERCEPTION AND OPPORTUNITIES OF AVIANS PRIMORDIAL GERM CELL (PGCS) TECHNOLOGY AMONG SELECTED LIVESTOCK STAKEHOLDERS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify the current level of awareness, knowledge, perceptions and opportunities of Avians Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs) among livestock stakeholders in Oyo State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to 195 stakeholders including poultry farmers, veterinarians, animal scientists, cell biologists, extension workers, and hatchery, selected through purposive sampling methodology. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed 54.9% of respondents were male and 45.1% female. Awareness of PGCs among respondents was 57.9%, while 42.1% indicated no prior knowledge. Knowledge scores average 42.5%, with male respondents (48.2%) scoring higher than female (37.1%). Positive perceptions of PGCs technology were expressed by 68.7% of stakeholders, and 72.3% indicated willingness to adopt the technology if it became accessible. Opportunities identified included conservation of indigenous poultry breeds (61.0%), development of disease-resistant lines (58.4%), and enhanced productivity (56.9%). The study concluded that while awareness of PGCs technology existed, significant knowledge gaps remained, particularly among farmers and female stakeholders. Stakeholder’s positive perceptions and willingness to adopt PGCs highlight strong potential for uptake, provided that training, infrastructure, and enabling policies are in place. The findings emphasize the need for targeted capacity-buildings initiatives and supportive policies to enhance adoption of advanced biotechnology in Nigeria’s poultry industry. Keywords: Avians conservation, Primordial Germ Cells, Stakeholders' awareness, Technology adoption, Opportunity.