Department of Animal Production and Health
School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) • Federal University of Technology, Akure
About the Department
The Department of Animal Production and Health at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is a leading center for livestock education, research, and innovation within the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT). Our department emphasizes modern techniques in animal production and health management, preparing graduates to meet Nigeria's growing demand for quality animal protein and sustainable livestock systems.
Animal Production and Health combines the science and art of efficient livestock production through careful breeding and selection, proper feeding and nutrition, sound management practices, health management and disease control, and intelligent processing and marketing. Our comprehensive curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on practical training at the university teaching and research farm, giving students real-world experience with various animal species.
The department focuses on both monogastric animals (poultry, pigs, rabbits) and ruminant animals (cattle, sheep, goats), covering all aspects from breeding and genetics to nutrition, health management, and product processing. We train animal scientists who bridge the gap between scientific research and practical farm management to enhance livestock productivity and contribute to national food security.
Our graduates work with agricultural agencies, livestock farms, feed mills, food processing companies, research institutions, and international organizations. They play crucial roles in Nigeria's livestock industry, contributing to improved animal production, food security, rural development, and agricultural entrepreneurship.
What We Offer
Academic Programs
- B.Tech in Animal Production and Health - 5-year undergraduate program
- M.Tech in Animal Production and Health - Postgraduate studies
- Ph.D in Animal Production and Health - Doctoral research program
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) - Professional development
Specialized Areas
- Poultry Production and Management
- Ruminant Production (Cattle, Sheep, Goats)
- Swine (Pig) Production
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology
- Animal Breeding and Genetics
- Animal Health and Disease Management
- Animal Products Processing
- Pasture and Range Management
Laboratory & Farm Facilities
Feed Analysis Laboratory
Equipment for feedstuff analysis, proximate analysis, and nutritional evaluation
Meat Processing Unit
Facilities for slaughtering, meat processing, and product development
Hatchery Unit
Electric and fabricated incubators for small-scale hatchery operations
Research Focus Areas
Our department conducts cutting-edge research to advance livestock production and animal science:
Poultry Production and Management
Broiler and layer production; poultry nutrition; egg quality and production; hatchery management; poultry housing systems; disease prevention and control; indigenous poultry improvement.
Ruminant Production Systems
Beef and dairy cattle production; small ruminant (sheep and goat) management; feeding systems; breeding and selection; pasture management; milk production and quality.
Swine Production and Management
Pig breeding and genetics; farrowing management; grower and finisher production; pig nutrition; housing systems; pork processing and value addition.
Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology
Feed formulation and manufacturing; alternative feed resources; feed evaluation techniques; nutritional requirements of livestock; feed biotechnology; value addition to agricultural by-products.
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Genetic improvement programs; selection and breeding methods; indigenous animal breed characterization; crossbreeding strategies; reproductive biotechnology; molecular genetics.
Animal Health and Disease Management
Livestock disease prevention and control; biosecurity practices; parasitology; vaccination programs; traditional and modern treatment methods; zoonotic disease management.
Animal Products and Processing
Meat science and technology; egg processing and storage; milk and dairy products; quality control; value addition; food safety and preservation methods.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Animal Production and Health enjoy diverse career paths across multiple sectors:
Livestock Farms
Farm managers, production supervisors, livestock specialists in poultry, cattle, pig, and sheep farms
Feed Mills & Companies
Nutritionists, feed mill managers, quality control officers, technical sales representatives
Research Institutions
NAPRI, IITA, universities, agricultural research councils, livestock research centers
Academia & Teaching
University lecturers, college instructors, agricultural extension educators, researchers
Government Agencies
Ministry of Agriculture, ADPs, veterinary services, livestock development agencies
Food Processing Companies
Meat processors, dairy companies, egg processing plants, quality assurance managers
Veterinary & Pharmaceutical
Animal health companies, vaccine producers, pharmaceutical sales, veterinary assistants
International Organizations
FAO, World Bank, USAID, NGOs in agricultural development, livestock projects
Entrepreneurship
Own livestock farms, feed production business, hatcheries, consulting services
Course Materials & Resources
Find Your Materials in the General Library
All lecture notes, past questions, textbooks, and study packs for every level of Animal Production and Health now live in one place — the LEGACY General Library.
Go to General LibraryAdmission Requirements
UTME Requirements
- Minimum UTME score of 180+
- Subject combination: English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry
- Five O'Level credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and any other science subject
- Credits obtainable in maximum of two sittings
Direct Entry Requirements
- Two A'Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, and/or Agricultural Science
- Upper Credit at ND level in Animal Health/Production or related field
- JUPEB, IJMB, or Cambridge A'Level accepted
- Plus O'Level requirements as stated above