Master of Science in Animal Nutrition & Feed Science
The Master of Science in Animal Nutrition & Feed Science is a master's programme offered at Kenyan universities. This postgraduate degree prepares professionals for advanced practice and research careers in health sciences.
- Duration
- 1-2 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 428,000
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time, Part-time
- Attachment
- 0 months
- Average class
- 15 students
- Award
- Masters
What you study
10 subjects- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Health Systems Management
- Public Health Research Methods
- Health Policy and Planning
- Clinical Research Methods
- Health Economics
- Disease Control
- Nutrition Assessment
- Healthcare Ethics
Modules
12 in the programmeAdvanced Animal Nutrition
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles of animal nutrition including nutrient metabolism, energy and protein systems, and nutritional requirements for various livestock species
Feed Resources and Processing
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Identification, evaluation, and processing of feed resources available in Kenya including conventional concentrates, forages, and novel feed ingredients
Ruminant Nutrition
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Specialised study of digestive physiology and nutritional management of cattle, sheep, and goats in Kenyan production systems
Non-Ruminant Nutrition
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Nutrition and feeding of monogastric animals including poultry, pigs, and rabbits with emphasis on commercial production systems
Feed Formulation and Manufacturing
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles and practices of least-cost feed formulation, feed manufacturing technology, and quality management in commercial feed mills
Nutritional Biochemistry
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Biochemical basis of nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism in animals including enzyme systems and metabolic pathways
Forage Science and Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Production, conservation, and utilisation of forages including pasture establishment, hay and silage making, and grazing management
Feed Quality Control and Safety
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Laboratory methods for feed analysis, quality assurance systems, and feed safety regulations including mycotoxin management and KEBS standards
Animal Metabolism and Growth
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Metabolic processes regulating growth, lactation, and reproduction, and their nutritional manipulation for improved productivity
Biostatistics and Experimental Design
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods for designing and analysing animal nutrition experiments including feeding trials and laboratory studies
Livestock Production Systems
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of livestock production systems in Kenya including pastoral, agro-pastoral, and intensive systems and their nutritional constraints
Thesis
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Original research on an animal nutrition or feed science topic relevant to Kenyan livestock production
Specialisations
Forage and Pasture Science
Specialisation in forage production, conservation, and grazing management for ruminant systems
Monogastric Nutrition
Specialisation in poultry, pig, and rabbit nutrition for commercial and smallholder production systems
Ruminant Nutrition
Focus on nutritional management of dairy and beef cattle, sheep, and goats in Kenyan production systems
Feed Safety and Quality Assurance
Focus on feed analysis, mycotoxin management, and regulatory compliance in the feed industry
Feed Manufacturing Technology
Focus on feed mill operations, feed processing technology, and quality management systems
A day as a student
A typical day involves attending public health lectures, analysing epidemiological data, participating in field visits, reviewing medical literature, presenting at journal clubs, and meeting with supervisors to discuss research projects.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Kenya's rapidly growing animal feed industry, valued at over KES 50 billion, creates strong demand for qualified nutritionists across manufacturing, quality, and advisory roles
- ILRI's global headquarters in Nairobi provides unique opportunities for research collaboration and career advancement in livestock science
- Practical laboratory and field skills developed in the programme are directly applicable in industry settings
Against it
- Feed manufacturing facilities are often located in industrial areas outside major urban centres, which may affect residential preferences
- The programme requires strong aptitude in biochemistry and quantitative analysis, which can be academically demanding
- Animal nutrition research involving feeding trials requires long hours of animal care and data collection that can be physically demanding
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 303 agriculture coursesAnnual 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 ~428K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke), KU 295.8K/yr (mawese). Private unverified.
WHO, KEMRI, and AMREF offer research grants. HELB provides postgraduate loans. CDC, NIH, and Fogarty International support health research in Kenya.
Funding options
HELB Postgraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited postgraduate programmes
WHO Research Grant
Grant
Public health researchers in WHO priority areas
KEMRI Research Grant
Grant
Health researchers affiliated with KEMRI
Scholarships
4 recordedDAAD In-Country Scholarship
FellowshipKsh 500,000
Strong academic record in agricultural or animal sciences
University of Nairobi CAVS Scholarship
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
High academic achievement in undergraduate animal science or veterinary studies
HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizen enrolled in accredited Masters programme
ILRI Graduate Fellowship
FellowshipKsh 500,000
Research proposal aligned with ILRI research programmes in animal nutrition or livestock systems
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- Upper Second Class Honours or equivalent in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, or related biological science
- Alternative entry
- Candidates with Lower Second Class Honours may be admitted with at least two years of professional experience in animal production, feed manufacturing, or a related field
Animal Science
Upper Second Class
Veterinary Medicine
Upper Second Class
Agriculture
Upper Second Class
How you are assessed
5 componentsEnd of Semester Examinations
Exam25% of the mark
Formal written examinations at the end of each taught semester
Thesis
Research25% of the mark
Original research on an animal nutrition topic involving feeding trials or laboratory studies, examined by oral defence
Industry Attachment
Practicum10% of the mark
Supervised practical experience at a commercial feed mill, livestock farm, or research institution
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat20% of the mark
Regular tests covering nutrition theory, biochemistry, and feed formulation principles
Laboratory Practicals and Reports
Project20% of the mark
Hands-on laboratory work in feed analysis, with detailed practical reports and feed formulation exercises
Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Health programmes are also regulated by KMPDC, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Nursing Council of Kenya, or Clinical Officers Council as applicable.
Accredited by
Animal Production Society of Kenya
Professional
Professional society for animal production scientists and practitioners in Kenya, offering registration and networking
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
All university degree programmes in Kenya must be accredited by CUE
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesQuality Control Manager
Medium demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages feed quality assurance programmes including laboratory analysis, ingredient inspection, and compliance with Kenya Bureau of Standards requirements
Feed Mill Manager
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 200,000
Manages feed manufacturing operations including production planning, quality control, and logistics for commercial feed companies such as Unga Feeds or Pembe Feeds
Livestock Nutrition Consultant
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Provides specialist nutritional advice to dairy, poultry, and pig producers, helping optimise feeding programmes for improved productivity and profitability
Animal Nutritionist
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000
Formulates rations and provides nutritional advisory services for commercial livestock operations, feed manufacturers, or as an independent consultant in Kenya's growing livestock sector
Research Scientist
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 200,000
Conducts animal nutrition research at institutions including KALRO, ILRI, or universities, developing improved feeding strategies for Kenyan livestock systems
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as public health officers, clinical specialists, health programme managers, medical researchers, and health policy advisors in Kenya's health sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Aquaculture TechnologistAgriculture3Low exposure
- Climate-Resilient Seed BreederAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary Public Health OfficerAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary OfficerAgriculture7Low exposure
- Climate Change AnalystEnvironmental Science10Low exposure
- Climate Risk Analyst (Finance)Environmental Science11Low exposure
- Farm Insurance Loss AssessorAgriculture11Low exposure
- Value Chain AnalystAgriculture12Low exposure
Related courses
Fees and entry marks for Master of Science in Animal Nutrition & Feed Science are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.