Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

About Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Animal Science is an applied science discipline dealing with the conservation, improvement, production, processing, distribution, and utilization of animal products.

This Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills in the fields of Physiology, Nutrition, Breeding, Animal Health, Ecology, and Management of various species of domestic animals. Supporting courses in Crop Production (e.g. Pastures and Fodders crops), Agricultural Economics, and Extension are also offered.

Animal production plays a major role in the economy of Kenya economy by providing food, shelter, employment, and cash income, in addition to several socio-cultural functions. As food, animal protein is essential, especially for proper physical as well as mental development. The fast population growth in the country puts a high demand for increased productivity in agriculture. With Kenya?s advance to industrialization under Vision 2030 and beyond, the need to increase agricultural production in order to avail adequate food for the population as well as providing raw materials for industrial processing has become even greater. Kenya?s agriculture is largely based on smallholder farming systems. Consequently, mixed crop-livestock systems are the most appropriate production systems for sustainable farming within the smallholder-farming sub-sector in the country. The course program will equip its graduates to face the challenges of national, regional, and global animal production.

Career Opportunities

The graduates of this course are well equipped for both employment and self-employment as animal scientists. Animal scientists research new technologies and approaches to managing animal production and welfare, develop and run breeding programs, regulate animal feed and products, and work to decrease the environmental impact of agriculture.

Entry requirements for Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

To be eligible for admission into the BSc in Animal Health degree programme, the candidate must meet the following minimum entry requirements:

• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. Mean grade C+ with at least C grade or above in Biology, Chemistry, and C- grade in Physics or Mathematics.
• Have two principal passes in biology and chemistry in KACE and at least a credit in Mathematics at Ordinary level.
• Holders of diploma in agricultural or related subjects from a recognized college.
• Holders of a related degree from a recognized University.

Objectives of Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

The Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills in the fields of Physiology, Nutrition, Breeding, Animal Health, Ecology and Management of various species of domestic animals. During this 4year university programme you will: 

• learn how to positively influence the productivity and welfare of livestock, as well as the health of pets, zoo animals and wildlife
  
• build practical skills with internship opportunities
• work with a variety of species, including livestock, horses, wildlife, companion animals and laboratory animals
• join a close-knit, animal-focused community at our Roseworthy campus
• study the fundamentals of animal physiology, as you explore areas like wildlife management, nutrition and on-farm management
• draw on the University?s internationally recognised expertise in animal and veterinary sciences.
• There are also optional work placement opportunities in relevant industries.

Bachelor of Science in Animal Science - Programme

The course program has been designed to provide students with basic knowledge and skills in the fields of animal physiology, breeding, nutrition, health, ecology, and management of various species of domestic animals. Supporting courses in crop production, agricultural economics and extension will also be offered.

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1 UNITS

• Physical Chemistry 
• Organic Chemistry
• Zoology
• Mathematics I
• Agricultural Botany
• Communication Skills 
• HIV and AIDS
• Computer Organization and Applications

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2 UNITS

• Principles of Agricultural Microeconomics
• Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Agricultural Microbiology
• Ecology and Climate Change
• Mathematics II
• Introduction to Soil Science
• Social Ethics and Integrity
• Development Studies

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 1 UNITS

• Introduction to Statistics
• Climate Change and Food Security
• General Parasitology
• Animal Physiology
• Animal Growth and Development
• Principles of Animal Genetics
• Principles of Crop Production
• Animal Housing, Farm Structures and Bioclimatology

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 2 UNITS

• Principles of Animal Production
• Utilization and Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources and
• Principles of Animal Nutrition
• Production and Utilization of Pastures and Fodders
• Remote Sensing
• Population Genetics
• Soil and Water Conservation

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 1 UNITS

• Crop Residues and Agroindustrial by-Products
• Analytical Methods in Animal Nutrition
• Farm Power and Machinery
• Design and Analysis of Animal Experiments
• Livestock Production Systems
• Animal Reproduction and Technology
• Concentrates, Supplements, and Additives
• Quantitative Genetics
• Entrepreneurship

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 2 UNITS

• Biotechnology in Animal Production
• Principles of Molecular
• Genetics
• General Range Management
• Ration Formulation
• Aetiology of Disease
• Agricultural Extension and Technology Transfer
• Apiculture and Sericulture
• Fish Farming and Production
• Fish Farming and Production

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 3 UNITS

• Industrial Attachment

YEAR 4 SEMESTER 1 UNITS

• Dairy Cattle Production
• Poultry Production
• Animal Feed Manufacturing Technology
• Pig Production
• Animal Breeding
• Research Project I
• Animal Health Management
• Rabbit Production

YEAR 4 SEMESTER 2 UNITS

• Beef Cattle and Camel Production
• Sheep and Goat Production
• Non-Conventional Farm Animals
• Research Project II
• Agricultural Policy and Laws
• Genetically Modified Organisms, Bio-safety and Bioethics
• Intellectual Property Rights and Patents
• Farm Management