EDUCATION: Animal science

MEANING/CAREERS

 According to University of Nigeria Nsukka, Animal science (also referred to as Animal Agriculture) is a branch of agriculture that provides basic training in the science and art of raising certain species of domesticated and non-domesticated animals for human consumption; it involves the application of many aspects of biological Science, behavioral science, physical science, environmental science and agricultural engineering to produce food and companion animals that meet man nutritional, social, companionship and to some extent labor requirements. According to Wikipedia, Animal science (also referred to as Animal Bioscience) is described as "studying the biology of animals that are under the control of humankind". However, Animal science entails the application of scientific principles or laws in domestication of animals for the ultimate goal of meeting or satisfying human needs. Its knowledge encompasses animal breeding, feeding, care and management, and the processing of animals and their by products as gained through practical experience and research methods. Animal science also plays a significant role in food security of a nation.

ANIMAL SCIENCE AS A DISCIPLINE

Historically, the degree was called animal husbandry and the animals studied were livestock species, like cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and horses. Today, courses available now look at a far broader area to include companion animals like dogs and cats, and many exotic species. Degrees in Animal Science are offered at a number of colleges and universities. In the United States, the universities offering such a program were Land Grant Universities and include University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Cornell University, UC Davis, Michigan State University, Purdue University, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota. Typically, the Animal Science curriculum not only provides a strong science background, but also hands-on experience working with animals on campus-based farms. Generally, the philosophy/mission is to admit, train and produce individuals who are well equipped and balanced to take up the challenge of ensuring adequate animal protein supply and food security for the teaming population. According to University Of Nigeria Nsukka(as in most Universities in Nigeria), "the broad objective of this elaborate training programme is to equip our Graduates with the required knowledge and skills that will enable them to face the challenging task of making more animal protein available to Nigerians on a sustainable basis". Specifically, at the end of the B. Agric. Programme,

(i) Young, dedicated, innovative professionals are prepared for careers in Animal Science.

(ii) Animal Science graduates would have been exposed to all areas of agriculture hence they are adequately equipped to play a vital role in the development of not only animal agriculture but all aspects of agricultural production.
(iii) They will be equipped to become successful entrepreneurs in any areas of the livestock industry.
(iv) Graduates would be able to engage in basic and applied research in Animal Science and by so doing proffer solution to the challenges of food security.
(v) Graduates will be soundly engaged in formulation and implementation of viable policies for the development of livestock industry in Nigeria.

Professional education in animal science prepares students for career opportunities in areas such as animal breeding, food and fiber production, nutrition, animal agribusiness, animal behavior and welfare. Courses in a typical Animal Science program may include genetics, microbiology, animal behavior, nutrition, physiology, and reproduction. Courses in support areas, such as genetics, soils, agricultural economics and marketing, legal aspects, and the environment also are offered. All of these courses are essential to entering an animal science profession.

At many universities, a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Animal Science allows emphasis in certain areas. Typical areas are species-specific or career-specific. Species-specific areas of emphasis prepare students for a career in dairy management, beef management, swine management, sheep or small ruminant management, poultry production, or the horse industry. Other career-specific areas of study include pre-veterinary medicine studies, livestock business and marketing, animal welfare and behavior, animal nutrition science, animal reproduction science, or genetics. Youth programs are also an important part of animal science programs. 

Many schools that offer a degree option in Animal Science also offer a pre-veterinary emphasis such as Iowa State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Minnesota, for example. This option provides an in-depth knowledge base of the biological and physical sciences including nutrition, reproduction, physiology, and genetics. This can prepare students for graduate studies in animal science, veterinary school, and pharmaceutical or animal science industries.

In a Master of Science degree option, students take required courses in areas that support their main interest. These courses are above courses normally required for a Bachelor of Science degree in the Animal Science major. For example, in a Ph.D. degree program students take courses related to their major that are more in depth than those for the Master of Science degree, with an emphasis on research or teaching.

Graduate studies in animal sciences are considered preparation for upper level positions in production, management, education, research, or agriservices. Professional study in veterinary medicine, law, and business administration are among the most commonly chosen programs by graduates. Other areas of study include growth biology, physiology, nutrition, and production systems.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Animal Science is a recognized profession (see The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science Act 2007, No.26) and graduates of Animal Science are Professionals with many job opportunities available to them. Such graduates find employment in academic institutions, industries, immigration services, customs department, meat processing industries, aggro-based industries, prison services, Federal and State Ministries of Agriculture and parastatals such as Federal Department of Livestock and Pest Control Services, Animal Production Research Institutes, Agric. Department Agencies, Banks and related Institutions, Universities and other tertiary Institutions. Job opportunities also exist in the private sectors as managers of Animal Production farms, Feed/Mills, Hatcheries and other agric-businesses. Graduates can be self-employed as Management Production Consultants and Specialized livestock farm

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR MOST NIGERIA UNIVERSITIES, AND UNN IN PARTICULAR

The department has two (2) modes of entry:
(I) University Matriculation Examination conducted by joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) mode.
Candidates for entry under this mode must satisfy the university entry requirements and in doing so must have obtained credits in English, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, Mathematics in the Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or GCE O/level 

(ii) Direct Entry For Direct Entry, candidates are required to obtain passes at the HSE or GCE Level in chemistry and biology. Candidates with Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Certificate in Education (NCE) and has good passes in the relevant subjects at ordinary level are also considered for Direct Entry.

STRESS AREAS 

	The stress areas in the programme are as follows:

Stress Area	Code
General	0
Nutrition and Feeds	1
Agricultural Biochemistry	2
Genetics and Breeding	3
Animal Physiology	4
Animal Products	5
Pasture Management	6
Animal Production	7
Techniques in Animal Experimentation	8
Project and Seminar	9

STUDENTS WELFARE

a. Handling Academic Grievances

This would normally be handled by the Head, where the student is still aggrieved, he can petition to the Dean and even to the Senate through the Head and the Dean.

b. Student Academic Advising

Academic advisers from among academic staff are appointed for the various categories of students by the Head at the beginning of every session. For Postgraduate students, the Departmental Postgraduate Committee assigns supervisors based on areas of specialization. Undergraduates are also assigned to academic staff for final year project supervision.