Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Animal Science

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a specialisation in Animal Science is a degree programme that focuses on animal production, health and management within the broader agricultural science framework. The programme is offered at Egerton University, Kisii University, University of Eldoret, Chuka University, Maseno University, Karatina University, Moi University and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, preparing graduates for careers in animal production, livestock management and agricultural advisory services.

The curriculum covers animal science, animal production, animal nutrition, animal breeding, animal health, livestock management, pasture management, animal genetics, reproductive physiology, meat science, dairy science, poultry science, aquaculture, agricultural economics, research methods and farm management. Students develop competencies in animal production and livestock enterprise management.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, laboratory practicals, field visits to livestock farms, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can manage livestock enterprises, design breeding programmes, formulate animal diets and implement animal health management strategies.

The programme emphasises the critical role of animal science in Kenya's agricultural sector, where livestock contributes significantly to food security, rural livelihoods and economic development. Students learn about animal genetics, nutrition, health management and the commercial aspects of livestock production.

Graduates are equipped to work in livestock farming companies, dairy processing firms, poultry enterprises, agricultural research institutions, county agricultural departments, non-governmental organisations and agricultural consulting firms. They play a critical role in improving livestock productivity and management.

Career opportunities exist in livestock farming companies, dairy and meat processing firms, poultry enterprises, research institutions, county governments, NGOs and consulting firms. Graduates work as animal production officers, farm managers, livestock extension officers, breeding specialists and animal nutrition consultants across the agricultural sector.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 371,000
Private, up to: Ksh 119,100
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 8 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects

Animal Science
Animal Production
Animal Nutrition
Animal Breeding
Animal Health
Livestock Management

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Animal Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of animal science, livestock production systems, and their importance in agriculture.
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Structure and function of animal body systems, including digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems.
Animal Nutrition
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Animal Nutrition: Nutritional requirements of animals, feed formulation, and feeding strategies. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Animal Breeding and Genetics: Principles of animal breeding, genetic improvement, and selection methods. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Animal Health Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Animal Health Management: Preventive health measures, disease management, and animal welfare. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Livestock Production
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Livestock Production: Production systems for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Forage and Pasture Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Forage production, pasture management, and grazing systems. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment te...
Animal Reproduction
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Animal Reproduction: Reproductive physiology, breeding management, and reproductive technologies. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Animal Products Technology
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Processing and quality control of animal products including meat, milk, and eggs.
Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Animal Behaviour and Welfare: Animal behaviour patterns, welfare principles, and ethical considerations. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Poultry Science
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Poultry Science: Specialized production systems for poultry, including broilers and layers. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Animal Research Methods
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Research design and methods for animal science, including experimental design and data analysis.

Specialisations

Poultry Science
Focus on poultry production systems, management, and health. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Animal Nutrition
Focus on feed formulation, animal nutrition, and feeding strategies. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Animal Breeding
Specialization in genetic improvement, breeding programmes, and selection methods. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

Students attend lectures, conduct laboratory analysis, participate in livestock management, and engage in animal research.

The trade offs

In its favour

Critical role in ensuring food security through improved livestock production.
Hands-on experience with livestock provides practical skills in animal management.
Growing demand for animal scientists due to increasing livestock production needs.

Against it

Livestock work can be physically demanding and requires early morning work.
Animal production faces challenges from diseases, feed costs, and climate variability.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 303 agriculture courses

Public275k to 371k

275k at Kenyatta University371k at University of Nairobi

Private119k to 119k

119k at Mount Kenya University119k at Mount Kenya University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN 371,000/yr; KU 275,400/yr (KUCCPS). MKU 119,100/yr (MKU prospectus).

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship at Egerton University
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to agriculture, natural resources and food science programmes at Egerton University

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders in Animal Science, Animal Production, Agriculture, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

How you are assessed

4 components

Field Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of practical skills in livestock management, animal handling, and production.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on animal science topic, including experiments and written report.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and practical reports throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.

Accreditation

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Animal Scientist
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Conduct animal research, develop improved breeds, and advise on animal production.
Breeding Specialist
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Develop breeding programmes, implement genetic improvement, and manage breeding operations.
Livestock Officer
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Provide extension services to livestock farmers, advise on animal production, and implement programmes.
Animal Nutritionist
Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Formulate animal feeds, advise on nutrition, and optimize feeding programmes.
Farm Manager
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Manage livestock farms, oversee animal production, and ensure operational efficiency.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in animal science, livestock production, and animal health across Kenya's livestock sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for livestock data management, feed formulation and farm budgeting.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for animal science research and production data analysis.
R
Software
Programming language for genetic analysis and statistical modelling in animal breeding.
FeedFormulator
Software
Feed formulation tools for balancing animal diets and nutrition planning.
Power BI
Software
Business analytics tool for livestock production data visualisation and dashboards.