CORE OBJECTIVES

1. Develop a Strong Understanding of Animal Production Sciences

• – Animal Husbandry : Teach students the fundamental principles of animal care, including animal breeding, health management, nutrition, and welfare practices.
• – Animal Breeding and Genetics : Equip students with knowledge of breeding techniques, genetic selection, and reproductive technologies to improve livestock productivity and quality.
• – Livestock Nutrition : Provide in-depth understanding of animal nutrition, including formulating balanced diets for various livestock species, ensuring optimal growth and production.
• – Animal Health Management : Introduce students to disease prevention, control strategies, and veterinary practices essential for maintaining healthy livestock and preventing zoonotic diseases.

2. Promote Sustainable Animal Production Practices

• – Sustainable Livestock Systems : Teach students methods to reduce environmental impacts, including strategies for efficient water use, waste management, and improving feed conversion rates.
• – Ethical Animal Husbandry : Equip students with the principles of animal welfare, focusing on humane practices, housing, and the ethical treatment of animals in agricultural systems.
• – Climate-Smart Agriculture : Introduce students to climate change adaptation strategies, such as breeding for resilience and improving livestock management practices in changing environmental conditions.

3. Enhance Livestock Management and Production Skills

• – Production Systems : Provide students with knowledge of various livestock production systems, including intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive systems, and their impact on productivity and sustainability.
• – Livestock Performance Monitoring : Teach students how to measure and monitor livestock growth, reproduction, and health to optimize production efficiency and economic viability.
• – Feed Production and Management : Equip students with the skills to manage forage production, animal feed, and fodder crops to support sustainable and cost-effective animal production.

4. Integrate Agricultural Technology and Innovation in Animal Production

• – Animal Production Technology : Introduce students to emerging technologies in animal production, including automation, precision livestock farming (PLF), and the use of data analytics in monitoring and managing animal health.
• – Biotechnology in Animal Production : Teach students the role of genetic engineering, reproductive technologies like artificial insemination (AI), and genomic selection in improving livestock productivity.
• – Automation and Smart Farming : Equip students with practical knowledge of using sensors, GPS, and drones to monitor animal behavior, optimize feeding, and track livestock health in real-time.

5. Focus on Animal Welfare and Ethics

• – Animal Welfare and Behavior : Teach students how to monitor and promote animal well-being through understanding behavior patterns and providing optimal living conditions.
• – Ethical Issues in Animal Production : Introduce students to ethical considerations in animal production, including animal rights, humane slaughter practices, and the social and economic implications of animal farming.
• – Regulations and Standards : Equip students with knowledge of local and international regulations related to animal welfare, food safety, and sustainable livestock management.

6. Develop Expertise in Animal Reproduction and Genetics

• – Reproductive Technologies : Teach students the latest reproductive techniques, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and hormone treatments, to enhance reproductive success and genetic improvement.
• – Genetic Selection : Provide knowledge of genetic selection strategies to improve desirable traits in livestock, including growth rate, disease resistance, and reproductive performance.
• – Herd Management : Equip students with the skills to manage breeding programs, select animals for specific traits, and track pedigrees to enhance herd productivity.

7. Strengthen Business and Management Skills in Animal Production

• – Farm Management : Teach students the principles of effective farm management, including financial planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and staff management in livestock operations.
• – Agribusiness and Marketing : Equip students with knowledge in agribusiness management, marketing strategies, and the economics of animal production to enhance profitability and growth.
• – Supply Chain and Value Chain Management : Teach students the logistics involved in animal production, from the farm to the consumer, including transportation, processing, and distribution of animal products.

8. Prepare Students for Policy and Rural Development in Animal Production

• – Agricultural Policy : Provide students with an understanding of the role of government policies in shaping livestock practices, including land use, subsidies, animal health regulations, and trade policies.
• – Rural Development : Teach students how animal production can contribute to rural economic development, focusing on employment creation, rural infrastructure, and sustainable farming practices.
• – Global Trade and Animal Products : Educate students on the international trade of animal products, including livestock exports, food safety standards, and the impact of globalization on local production systems.

9. Encourage Collaboration, Leadership, and Communication Skills

• – Effective Communication : Equip students with the ability to communicate complex animal production concepts to a range of stakeholders, from farmers to policymakers, through reports, presentations, and public speaking.
• – Leadership and Teamwork : Develop leadership and team management skills to effectively manage livestock farms, research projects, and agricultural initiatives.
• – Collaboration and Networking : Encourage collaboration with industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers to build professional networks and enhance career opportunities.

10. Prepare Students for Career Readiness and Professional Development

• – Internships and Practical Experience : Provide students with opportunities for hands-on experience in animal production through internships, field studies, and partnerships with farms, research centers, and agricultural organizations.
• – Professional Certifications : Guide students in preparing for relevant certifications in animal production, such as Certified Animal Scientist (CAS) or Certified Livestock Manager (CLM), to enhance career prospects.
• – Career Services and Networking : Provide career counseling, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities with professionals in the agriculture and animal production sectors to facilitate successful career transitions.