DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

POST GRADUATE PROGRAMMES OF

THE

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

LIST OF APPROVED SUPERVISORS

PROFESSORS

*C.C. Nwosu, B.Sc.                                             Animal Breeding and Genetics (Calif.) M.Sc (Calif.)

Dr. Landwirt (Giessen)

 

*G.C. Okeke, B.Sc. (Nig), M.Sc.                          Nutrition and Biochemistry

Ph.D. (Guelph)

 

A.G. Ezekwe, B. Agric.                                        Reproductive Physiology

(Animal Sci.), M.Sc. Ph.D (Nig).

 

S.O.C. Ugwu, B. Agric.                                                 Reproductive Physiology

(Animal Sci.) M.Sc. Ph.D. (Nig).
READER

A.E. Onyimonyi , B. Agric. (Animal Sci.),           Nutrition and Biochemistry

M.Sc, Ph.D. (Nig)

 

 

SENIOR LECTURERS

A.O.Ani; B.Sc.(Hons) Zoology(Maiduguri),                  Nutrition and Biochemistry

M.Sc. Ph.D (Nig).

 

H.N. Ndofor-Foleng(Mrs), B.Sc.(Hons)               Animal Breeding and Genetics

Zoology, M.Sc. Ph.D. (Nig).

 

N.S.Machebe, B. Agric. (Animal Sci.),                 Reproductive Physiology

M.Sc, Ph.D (Nig.)

 

*Contract Staff

 

 

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

Postgraduate studies and research in the Department of Animal Science lead to the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Production, while M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees are awarded in the areas of breeding and genetics, nutrition and biochemistry, animal production, reproductive physiology and feed formulation and feedmill management.

 

GENERAL PHILOSOPHY

The animal industry in Nigeria has many challenges which must be addressed comprehensively if Nigeria is to assume her rightful position in the global livestock industry. The postgraduate programmes of the Department of Animal Science are therefore designed to address these challenges which are militating against increased and sustainable animal production. Thus, the postgraduate programmes of the Department are carefully structured to provide rich theoretical and practical training required to be able to operate nationally and internationally in all aspects of animal production. The programmes have considerable flexibility that allows the enrolment of candidates with varying educational backgrounds and job expectations.

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

PHILOSOPHY

The postgraduate diploma programme is designed to upgrade the theoretical and practical knowledge of animal science graduates with third class honours degree to enable them enroll for the master’s degree programme in the areas of animal breeding and genetics, nutrition and biochemistry, production, reproductive physiology and feed formulation and feedmill management. This will help them to be better equipped and balanced to take up the challenge of ensuring adequate animal protein supply and food security for the teaming Nigerian population. Postgraduate diploma candidates will run the programme by coursework and project.

OBJECTIVE

The broad objective of the programme is to prepare third class Graduates of Animal Science and equip them with the requisite knowledge to be able to undertake higher academic pursuits in Animal Science. Graduates will also be trained to sharpen their skills and competencies in practical aspects of animal husbandry and production.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Graduates of the University of Nigeria or other recognized universities who have obtained B. Agric degree with a third class honours (Animal Science) only of the University of Nigeria or of other recognized Universities and who have GPA not less than 2.00 on a 5-point scale or its equivalent. Candidates with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka or other recognized universities may also be considered.

DURATION OF STUDY

Regular (Full-time): A minimum of 2 semesters

A maximum of 4 semesters

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE- COURSE OUTLINE

First Semester

Course No.      Title                                                                                                                 Units

ANS   0641

ANS   0643

ANS   0645

 

General principles of Animal Production

Commercial Pig and Rabbit Production

Intensive Sheep and Goat Production

Total

3

3

3

9

Second Semester

ANS  0642

ANS  0644

ANS  0646

ANS 0690

 

Beef and Dairy Cattle Management Decisions

Poultry Industry

Field Work and Technology Application

Project Report

Total

3

3

4

8

18

 


COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA (PGD) COURSES

ANS 0641       General principle of Animal Production

Principles of genetics, nutrition and physiology in the breeding and production of livestock and poultry; farm records. (3 Units)

ANS 0642       Beef and Dairy Cattle Management Decisions

Status and characteristics of the beef and dairy industries; integration of principles of nutrition, lactation, breeding, herd health. Etc. into a total management programme to meet the needs of the beef and dairy industries. (2 Units)

ANS 0643       Commercial Pig and Rabbit Production

Status and characteristics of the pig and rabbit industries; application of principles of animal breeding, nutrition, application of principles of animal breeding, nutrition, physiology and economics to pig and rabbit production; considerations in developing a successful swine enterprise.                                                                                                               (2 Units)

ANS 0644 Poultry Industry

Current practices and production systems with emphasis on management aspects egg, broiler and turkey production; integration of principles of genetics, nutrition, physiology, economics and health care into a total management package to meet the needs of the poultry industry. (2 Units)

ANS 0645       Intensive Sheep and Goat Production

Status and characteristics of the sheep and goats industries; application of principles of animal breeding, nutrition, physiology, management of sheep and goat breeding flocks; management and marketing of feedlot lambs and kids.                                                 (2 Units)

ANS 0646       Field work and Technology Applications

Field technology (practical) training along the following options: feeding, nutrition, breeding, physiology, husbandry (any two species) and project evaluation and management, to be supervised by staff.                                                                                                         (4 Units)


ANS 0690       Project Report

Each postgraduate diploma student is required to submit a project report in one of the five option areas.                                                                                                                           (8 Units)

M.SC. PROGRAMME

 

PHILOSOPHY

Our philosophy is to train graduates with enhanced knowledge, skills and competence to operate with confidence in the national livestock industry. This will help boost production capacity of the nation thereby guaranteeing availability of livestock and poultry products to Nigerians on a sustainable basis.

 

OBJECTIVE

The broad objective of the programme is to equip graduates of animal science 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.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Graduates of the University of Nigeria or other recognized universities who have obtained the degree of bachelor – B. Agric. (Animal Science) only with at least a second class honours (lower division ) with GPA not less than 2.50 on a 5-point scale, or its equivalent. Also, candidates with third class honours in B. Agric. (Animal Science) and had successfully completed and obtained Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Science of the University of Nigeria or of other recognized Universities with at least a 3.50 GPA on a 5-point scale.

 

 

DURATION OF STUDY

Regular (Full-time): A minimum of 3 semesters

A maximum of 6 semesters

Part-time:                    A minimum of 5 semesters

A maximum of 7 semesters

 

 

 

 

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE- COURSE OUTLINE

Each student shall be required to take three compulsory courses in addition to those chosen in his/her area of specialization and in other relevant areas

 

  • Compulsory Courses

First Semester

Course No. Title Units
PGC 601 Research methodology and application of ICT in research 3
ANS     601 National Policy and Problems of the Livestock and Poultry Industry 1

Second Semester

Course No. Title Units
ANS     690 Project Report/Dissertation 8/18
     

Core Courses

Breeding and Genetics

First Semester

ANS   611   Evolution and Heredity 2
ANS   613   Biochemical genetics 2
ANS   615   Population genetics I 2
ANS   617   Applied animal breeding 3

Second Semester

ANS   612   Avian and animal genetics 2
ANS   616   Population genetics II 2
ANS   618   Methodology in quantitative genetics and animal breeding research 3
     

 

Nutrition and Biochemistry

First Semester

ANS   621   Advanced Nutritional biochemistry   2
ANS   623   Mineral and vitamin nutrition   2
ANS   625   Energy and bioenergetics   2
ANS 627   Feeds and feeding   2
       

Second Semester

ANS   622   Rumen physiology and metabolism   2
ANS   624   Protein and amino acid nutrition   2
ANS   626   Forage management and nutrition   2

 

Feed formulation and feedmill management

First Semester

ANS   631 Feed resources   2
       

Second Semester

ANS   632 Feedmill Technology and Management 2
 
 

Animal Production

First Semester

ANS   641   Managing Livestock Farms   2
ANS 643   Advanced Farm Management   2
     

Second Semester

ANS   644   Animal Behaviour   2

 

Reproductive Physiology

First Semester

ANS   651   Endocrinology of Reproduction   3
ANS   653   Physiology of Reproduction in Female Animals   2
ANS   655   Semen Technology   3
       
ANS 657 Environmental Physiology 2  
       
ANS 659 Special Topics in Animal Reproduction 1  

Second Semester

ANS   650   General Endocrinology   3
ANS   652   Physiology of Reproduction in Male Animals   2
ANS   654   Avian Reproduction   2
ANS 656   Physiology of Lactation   2
ANS 658   Physiology of Growth   3

 

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PGC 601        Research methodology and application of ICT in research (3Units)

In-depth research work aimed at acquiring full knowledge and presentation in scholarly writing of the concepts, issues, trends in the definition and development of the study area from African and western perspectives. Major steps in research: selection of problem, literature review, design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, conclusions. Study of various research designs, historical, case studies, survey, descriptive, cross sectional, experimental etc. Analysis surveys and synthesis of conceptual and philosophical foundations of different disciplines. Identification of research problems and development of research questions and or hypotheses. Detailed treatment of methods of collecting relevant research data and the format for presenting research results (from designing the table of contents to referencing, bibliography and appendix). Data analysis and result presentation in different disciplines using appropriate analytical tools. Methods of project/ dissertation writing. Application of appropriate advanced ICT tools relevant in every discipline for data gathering, analysis and result presentation. Essentials of spread sheet, internet technology, internet search engines, statistical packages, precision and accuracy of estimates, principles of scientific research, concepts of hypothesis formulation and testing, organization of research and report writing ( 3 Units).

 

ANS 601         National Policy and Problems of the Livestock and Poultry Industry

Overview of the livestock and poultry industries in Nigeria; characteristics of the industries; government policies as they affect the livestock sub-sector of the economy (1 Unit).

 

ANS 611         Evolution and Heredity

Evolutionary theories; hereditary mechanisms that are bases for variation; biological communication between generations (2 Units).

 

ANS 612         Avian and Animal Genetics

Mode of inheritance of common traits in farm animals and their utilization in development of economically, aesthetically valuable individuals; development of a framework of theory for the study of the genetics of populations; recombination DNA and genetic engineering. (2 Units)

 

ANS 613         Biochemical genetics

Biochemical basis of gene action, mutation and protein synthesis; genetic control of metabolism (2 Units).

 

615      Population Genetics I

Genetic structure of populations and nature of differences; forces which change genetic composition, mean and variability; small populations and random drifts in breeding; rates of change in mean and variability; kinds of genetic variance. (2 Units)

 

ANS 616         Population Genetics II

Assortative mating based on phenotypic resemblance; inbreeding; heritability and genetic correlation; selection indexes; path coefficients; biometric relationships and mating systems. (2 Units)

 

ANS    617      Applied Animal Breeding (prereq.: ANS 531, ANS 612)

Application of quantitative genetic principles to animal breeding; breeding parameters, testing of animal performance, selection methods and breeding values; systems of breeding different farm animal species. (3 Units)

 

ANS    618      Methodology in Quantitative Genetics and Animal Breeding Research (Prereq.: ANS 531)

Linear models; statistical principles behind use of mixed models – least squares, maximum likelihood, breeding value prediction, BLUP, REML: variance components estimation; introduction to computers and computer programming. (3 Units)

 

ANS    621      Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry

Advanced treatment of biological processes; enzyme, vitamin, mineral, protein, amino acid, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism; integration of metabolic pathways; coenzyme, nucleic acids; control of cells and organisms; biochemical genetics, disorders of carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, nucleic acid and porphyrin metabolism. (2 Units)

 

ANS    622      Rumen Physiology and Metabolism

Anatomy, phyloge\ly and biology of the rumen. Ruminant advantage – features, peculiarities and functions. Energy and protein metabolism and utilization in the ruminant. Feeding standards; rumen fistulation and in vitro techniques; rumen dysfunctions. (2 Units)

 

ANS    623      Mineral and Vitamin Nutrition

Classification, natural sources, functions, deficiency of the major and trace elements; physiological and nutritional aspects of mineral balance. Mineral requirements of farm animals; mineral inter- relationships, balance, ratios, complementarity, antagonism. Classification, sources, roles and deficiency symptoms of vitamins; vitamin requirements; vitamin-mineral interrelationships, premixes in livestock feeds. (2 Units)

 

ANS    624      Protein and Amino Acid Nutrition

Classification, properties, purification, hydrolysis and composition of proteins. Classification, identification, properties and separation of amino acids. The primary structure of proteins and nucleic acids. Protein quality (2 Units)

 

ANS    625      Energy and Bioenergetics

Basic principles of bioenergetics and thermodynamics; the free energy system. Energy terms and units; energy balance sheet of metabolism; energy cost of biosynthesis – lactation, lipogenesis and protein synthesis. High energy compounds. Energy partition and measures in livestock feeding. Energy content of feeds and energy requirements by farm animals. (2 Units)

 

ANS    626      Forage Management and Nutrition

Forage classification and production systems. Ruminant features and ruminant advantage. Dry season feeding programmes; forage preservation. Forage quality and utilization by ruminants. Animal and plant factors affecting preference. Ecological basis of range management. Range management methods and measures. The national herd, grazing calender and national feed security of grazing animals. Range degradation and regeneration. Forage analytical methods and metabolism studies (2 Units)

 

ANS   627      Feeds and Feeding

Voluntary feed intake and factors affecting it in ruminants and non-ruminants; livestock feed sources, processing and storage. Feeding systems, feeding standards, nutrient requirements and ration formulation for all farm animals; metabolic disorders and control in livestock; quality evaluation and control in livestock diets; selected topics in animal nutrition. (2 Units)

 

ANS   631      Feed Resources

The exploitation of new feed resources – forest produce, residues, wastes, industrial effluent and by-products, animal manure; processing, detoxification, pelleting, brisquetting and extrusion of feed resources; waste recycling; feedstuff substitution (2 Units).

 

ANS    632      Feedmill Technology and Management

Feedmill machinery, layout, installation capacities and logistics; storage and stored products technology; mixing techniques, particle size, heat and humidity controls; moisture considerations; feedmill hygiene and maintenance; packaging and distribution (2 Units).

 

ANS   641      Managing Livestock Farms

Aspects of farm design and layout; housing, breeding, feeding and disease control; economics of production. (2 Units)

 

ANS    643      Advanced Farm Management

(Prereq.: ACE 502 – Production Economics and Farm Management) Principles and concepts of farm management, enterprise combination, and budgeting. Analysis of risks and uncertainties in agriculture, management tools for planning (2 Units).

 

ANS    644      Animal Behaviour

‘Principles of etiology; genetic, social, physiological bases of animal behaviour; systems of behaviour; physical environment and behaviour; behavioral patterns of farm animals and their practical applications; technique of measurement and evaluation of behaviour (2 Units).

 


ANS    650      General Endocrinology

The concept of homeostasis and its control; a general survey of the endocrine glands and their secretions. Biological, physiological and pharmacological effects of hormones. Methods ‘study of endocrine organs, unresolved problems and future trends. (3 Units)

 

ANS 651         Endocrinology of Reproduction

The hypothalamus, the pituitary and the pineal as endocrine organs of reproduction. The endocrinology of the ovary, the testes, the placenta and of pregnancy. Assay techniques and applications. (3 Units)

 

 

ANS 652        Physiology of Reproduction in Male Animals

Spermatogenesis and its control. Cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, the stages and the wave of spermato-genesis. Daily sperm production, and sperm output. Puberty in male animals; the epididymis and its functions; ejaculation and ejaculation control; libido; semen and semen composition. Spenn structure; capacitation and changes in spermatozoa in the male and female
reproductive tracts. Infertility in males. (2 Units)

 

 

ANS 653 Physiology of Reproduction in Female Animals

The ovary and the process of oogenesis. Puberty: the ovum and the Graafian follicle; the oestrous cycle and its control. Ovulation; ova transport in the female tract; fertilization; implantation, and pregnancy; pregnancy diagnosis; the structure and functions of the placenta. Signs of approaching parturition; parturition and its management. Measure of reproductive efficiency; infertility and its control. (2 Units)

 

ANS         654      Avian Reproduction

Semen of birds, their composition and fertility; male: female ratios, flock fertility and its maintenance. Oviposition and laying habits of birds; laying cycles. Circadian rhythms and laying cycles, the egg and its structure. Hormonal control of egg laying; hatching, hatchability and embryogenesis; comparative aspects of reproduction in birds.                             (2 Units)

 

ANS         655      Semen Technology

Screening of male animals for breeding; semen collection and evaluation techniques; semen diluents and their additives; processing liquid and frozen semen; insemination techniques; comparative aspects. (3 Units)

 

ANS         656      Physiology of Lactation

Biology of lactation; mammary gland structure and its development; hormonal and neural control of lactation. Mammary gland involution, milking rate and frequency; milk composition. Biochemistry of milk synthesis. Milk yield. Udder abnormalities – mastitis, etiology, control and management (2 Units).

 

ANS         657      Environmental Physiology

The tropical environment and animal production. Bioenergetics and thermoregulation. Adaptive mechanisms and animals in the tropics. Endocrinological basis of adaptation. Environmental control and environmental simulation. Stress and productivity (2 Units).

 

ANS   658      Physiology of Growth

Concept of growth.     Foetal and postnatal growth, linear growth; measurement

Endocrine control of growth. Physiological time and equivalence of age; energy
muscle growth in different classes of stock. Aging (2 Units).

 

ANS 659         Special Topics in Animal Reproduction

Special topics and modem trends in animal reproduction. Selected topics on current trends in animal reproduction are discussed (1 Unit).

 

ANS 690 Project Report

Field research to be embodied in a report (8 Units).

 

 

 

Ph.D. PROGRAMME

 

PHILOSOPHY

Our philosophy for the PhD programme is to create a large pool of intellectuals that have been carefully trained and equipped with research skills and competencies to critically analyze issues as they affect animal agriculture nationally and internationally and be able to proffer solutions to current and emerging challenges in the livestock and poultry industry. Graduates of this programme are adequately mentored to provide research and academic leadership in all areas of animal production.

OBJECTIVE

The broad objective of the PhD programme is to train personnel that are fit to provide academic and research leadership in tertiary institutions nationally and internationally. Specifically, graduates of this programme are required to contribute significantly through research solving critical issues affecting animal production generally.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates for Ph.D programme must have academic Master’s degree in relevant areas in Animal Science   of the University of Nigeria or of other recognized Universities with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 or 60% and Project score not lower than 60% (B).

 

DURATION OF STUDY

  • Duration of Doctoral programme( after Master’s degree)

Full-time:              A minimum of 4 semesters

A maximum of 10 semesters

Part-time:                          A minimum of 6 semesters

A maximum of 12 semesters

  • Duration of Master’s/Doctoral programme

Full-time:                           A minimum of 8 semesters

A maximum of 12 semesters

Part-time:                         A minimum of 10 semesters

A maximum of 14 semesters

The first two semesters of the Doctoral programme shall be devoted to course work and written examinations, the remaining sessions will be devoted to periodic seminars, and field research to be embodied in a Thesis.

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE- COURSE OUTLINE

 

  1. ANIMAL NUTRITION AND BIOCHEMISTRY
Course No. Title   Units
       
ANS   721   Nigerian Animal Feed Industry   3
ANS   724   Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition   3

 

  1. ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS
Course No. Title   Units
         
ANS     730   Advanced Statistics and Computer   3
ANS     731   Elements of Animal Bioinformatics   2

 

  1. REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY
Course No. Title Units  
ANS     741 Application of Biotechnology in Animal Reproduction   3
       
ANS     742 Hatchery Operations   3

 

 

 

  1. ANIMAL PRODUCTION
  Course No. Title   Units  
           
  ANS     750 Animal Waste Management 3  
  ANS     751 Climate Change and Animal Production 3  
 
 

 

  1. GENERAL
Course No. Title Units  
         
PGC     701

ANS     780

 

 

Synopsis and Research grant writing

Special Seminar

 

 

3

2

ANS     790   Thesis   18

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ANIMAL NUTRITION AND BIOCHEMISTRY

ANS 721         NIGERIAN ANIMAL FEED INDUSTRY

History of Nigerian feed industry, Elements of a standard feed mill, Biosecurity in the feed industry, field tests for feed ingredients. Control of pests in the feed mill environment (3 Units)

ANS 724         RECENT ADVANCES IN ANIMAL NUTRITION

Concept of probiotics and prebiotics, place of antibiotics in the livestock industry.

Green meat production, Hazard Analysis and critical control points (HACCP) (3 Units).

ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS

ANS 730         APPLIED STATISTICS

Statistical packages in animal breeding – Harvey, DEREML, MTDFRML, SAS (3 Units).

ANS 731         ELEMENTS OF ANIMAL BIOINFORMATICS

Definition of bioinformatics. Introduction to biological database. Sequencing alignment, molecular phylogenetics (3 Units).

REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY

ANS 741         APPLICATIONOF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN ANIMAL REPRODUCTION

Assessment of gamete quality, sexing of gametes, processing of gametes (ova and spermatozoa); superovulation and embryo recovery, in vitro fertilization (3 Units).

ANS 742         HATCHERY OPERATIONS

Handling of eggs, Grading of eggs, incubation and hatchery environment buildings and equipment, Biosafety, Handling of day old chicks (3 Units).

ANIMAL PRODUCTION

ANS 750         ANIMAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

Waste from production houses; abattoir waste; Hazards from animal waste, Waste management value chain, biogas production, gas emissions from animal waste, and their control (3 Units).

ANS 751         CLIMATE CHANGE AND ANIMAL PRODUCTION

Effect of climate change on agriculture, impact of climate change on performance of farm animals in Africa, Effect of climate change on animal production, Impact of Climate Change on Animal Health, mitigation strategies for reducing the impact of climate change on farm animals (3 Units).

 

GENERAL

 

PGC 701: SYNOPSIS AND RESEARCH GRANT WRITING

Identification of types and nature of grant and grant writing; mining of grant application calls on the internet. Determining appropriate strategy for each grant application. Study various grant application structure and contents and writing of concept notes, detailed project description, budgeting and budget defence. Project justification, review of critical problems, principles of scientific research, concepts of hypothesis formulation and testing, aims and objectives, essentials of literature review, methodology, experimental design, SWOT analysis, work plan, budgeting, expected outcome, beneficiary, cost benefit analysis, overall contribution to society. Study of sample grant writings in various forms and writing of mock research and other grants. Identification of University of Nigeria synopsis structure and requirements (introduction , methodology and results). Determining the content of each subunit of the synopsis. Steps in the writing of the synopsis from project report/dissertation/thesis. Structural and language issues. Common errors in synopsis writing and how to avoid them. The role of the student and the supervisor in the production of the synopsis. Writing of mock synopsis (3 Units).

ANS 780:        SPECIAL SEMINAR

Candidates are required to present a special seminar on any topic in their areas of specialization (2 Units).

ANS 790         THESIS

In addition to a comprehensive research leading to a thesis, the student shall give seminars on his research project proposal, on a special topic in his/her area of specialization, and on the finished research (18 Units).