info@fecolartow.ng, fecolartow@gmail.com 0803 931 2367‬ 07063428813 09034083370 ‭0806 097 6397‬ 08163202060 ‭

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Home > DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Animal Production Technology is one of the Departments in FECOLART Owerri

It was set up primarily to train students in the area of Domesticated Livestock  Production which include:

(a)          Poultry

(b)          Goats

(c)           Sheep

(d)          Swine

(e)          Cattle

(f)           Grasscutters

 

WHAT IS ANIMAL SCIENCE?

Animal Science is a branch of Agriculture that is concerned with rearing and production of livestock. Animal Science is therefore the art and science of rearing domestic livestock and poultry species for human consumption and the by-products for animal consumption and for agro based industries.

 An animal scientist applies principles of the biological, physical, and social sciences to the problems associated with livestock production and management. It is also concerned with foods of animal origin: meat, dairy foods, and eggs for human use. Animal scientists must have formal training and appropriate experience to learn and apply the complex principles involved in animal production, care and use.

 

AN OVERVIEW OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

Animal Production is the technology applied to the keeping of animals for profit. This includes; feeding, breeding, housing and marketing. The most important aspect is making of the financial arrangements necessary for the successful carrying out of each enterprise in the light of the market conditions for the sale of the end products.

Knowledge of such basic subjects as animal behavior and management, genetics, microbiology, nutrition, physiology, reproduction, and meat science is essential to persons entering most animal science professions.

The study of Animal Production include farm animals in the following categories; Macro-livestock(Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Sheep, Horses, Donkeys, Pigs, Camels etc,), micro-livestock (Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Snails api-culture, Grass cutter etc.), Poultry (Chickens, Guinea fowls, Ostriches, Quails, Turkeys, Ducks, Geese, Pigeons etc) and Pets (Dogs, Cats etc.). Graduates of Animal Production who wish to further their education at the Postgraduate level may specialize in any of the following areas; Animal Breeding and Genetics, Reproductive and Environmental Physiology, Animal Nutrition, Agricultural Biochemistry, Animal Production and Management, Animal Products, Processing and Handling, Pasture/forage Production and Rangeland Management, and Micro-livestock Production.

 

WHY STUDY ANIMAL PRODUCTION?

Humans rely on animals for food, fiber, labor and companionship. So it makes sense that we need animal scientists to keep these animals healthy and productive.

Animal scientists help put food on our tables. Animal scientists work with farmers to improve animal breeding, diseases and nutrition. When animals grow well and stay healthy, farmers can produce more meat, milk or eggs for our consumption. Animal scientists also work with farmers to decrease the environmental impact of animal agriculture.

Some animal scientists study animal products after harvest. They check meat quality or screen milk for pathogens. Advances in food safety keep humans healthy and increase the world’s supply of nutritious food.

Animal scientists also keep us clothed. In cold climates, people rely on wool to stay warm. Animal scientists work to keep animals like sheep and alpacas healthy.

In many parts of the world, people need animals for labor. Animal scientists work to learn more about oxen and other draft animals.

Animal scientists can protect human health. It is important for scientists to study how diseases spread between humans and animals. Scientists can also use animals as models for humans. Studying fetal development in sheep, for example, can help us understand fetal development in humans.

Animal scientists also keep our pets healthy. They tackle issues like pet obesity and breeding. And zoos rely on animal scientists to establish breeding programs, nutrition programs and help preserve exotic wildlife.

 

OBJECTIVES

The programme has as its goal, the production of graduates who possess sufficient competence to:-

1. Own and drive profitable projects in animal production and related fields.

2. Function as high level technical workforce in various aspects of animal industry.

3. Extend the technology of animal production to rural communities.

4. Develop innovative practices in animal agriculture through sound understanding of the principles and practices of animal husbandry.

5. Continue to learn and acquire additional skills

6. Undertake advanced studies in Animal Science.

 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates of the programme may find employment in the following Areas:

1. Federal or State Civil Services as Agric or Livestock Officers .

2. Research Institutes with preference for livestock as Research Officer.

3. State Agricultural Development Programmes.

4. Agricultural teachers in post primary and tertiary institutions or as Instructors in the Colleges of Agriculture or Polytechnics.

5. Private livestock farms established individually or jointly with others.

 

DURATION OF PROGRAMME

(1)          National Diploma

The programme shall normally last for two academic sessions (4 semesters)  comprising classroom lectures.  The candidates shall follow the prescribed courses and shall be required to complete a project before graduation.

Practical and Supervised Industrial Work Experience Scheme for one year (SIWES)

(2)          Higher National Diploma

The programme shall  last for two academic sessions (4 semesters)  comprising classroom lectures.  The candidates shall follow the prescribed courses and shall be required to complete a thesis and oral presentation before graduation.

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For direct entry admission into the ND, a candidate must have any of the following qualifications:

(1)          UTME Entry Requirement to ND 1.

WASC/GCE ‘O’ Level/SSSC with credit passes in 5 appropriate subjects including English Language and Mathematics obtained in not more than two (2) sittings.

In addition the above qualification(s), a candidate must pass the Universal Tertiary and Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the College Screening Test organized by the College.

For direct entry admission into the HND, a candidate must have  the following qualifications:

(1)Minimum of lower credit in ND from  NBTE recognized institution.

(i)HSC/GCE ‘A’ Level passes in a minimum of two (2) relevant subjects and at least  credit level passes in NABTEB/WASC/GCE ‘O’ Level/SSSC in a minimum of three (3) subjects including English Language, Mathematics, in not more than two (2) sittings.

 

SUMMARY

It’s never too early to plan to become an Animal Scientist. You will need a passion for working with animals, a passion for science and a willingness to work hard in school!

Animal Scientists are needed all over the world because everyone must eat. Sequel to this we have deemed it fit to produce world class Animal Scientists that can compete with their counterparts all over the world. World class lecturers are domiciled in this department that have gone to make local and international presentations in Animal Science field.

The course being a professional course and having Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), Nigerian Society of Animal Production (NSAP) as the parent bodies regulate the field of Animal Production to bring the best of the products to the market.