Agriculture

Master of Science in Animal Science

The Master of Science in Animal Science is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in animal production, nutrition, breeding, and livestock management. The programme combines animal science theory with practical laboratory work, farm management, and research application.

Core areas include animal nutrition, animal breeding and genetics, animal physiology, livestock production systems, feed resources, ruminant and non-ruminant nutrition, biotechnology in animal science, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both animal science theory and practical laboratory and field work through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by Egerton University through the Faculty of Agriculture with specialisations in Animal Production, Animal Nutrition, Animal Breeding and Genomics, and Animal Physiology. Kenyatta University offers MSc in Animal Nutrition and Management through the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. JKUAT offers MSc in Animal Nutrition through the Faculty of Agriculture. All are public universities offering programmes over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in animal nutrition, breeding, physiology, feed evaluation, livestock management, and biotechnology. The programme includes coursework, examinations, laboratory work, farm practicals, and a supervised research thesis.

Egerton University charges approximately KES 188,650/year (KES 377,300 total) for animal science masters programmes. Kenyatta University charges approximately KES 326,400/year for MSc in Animal Nutrition and Management. JKUAT charges approximately KES 178,500/year (KES 357,000 total) for MSc in Animal Nutrition. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in animal science, agriculture, veterinary medicine, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as animal nutritionists, animal breeders, livestock production managers, research scientists, extension officers, and lecturers in animal science across agricultural companies, research institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and universities.

Skills Required

Animal Nutrition and Metabolism
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Animal Physiology and Health
Livestock Production Systems Management
Feed Resource Evaluation and Processing
Ruminant and Non-Ruminant Nutrition
Biotechnology in Animal Science
Animal Welfare and Husbandry
Research Methods in Animal Science
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Animal Nutrition and Metabolism
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Animal Physiology and Health
Livestock Production Systems Management
Feed Resource Evaluation and Processing
Ruminant and Non-Ruminant Nutrition
Biotechnology in Animal Science
Animal Welfare and Husbandry
Research Methods in Animal Science
Thesis Research

Certifications

KALRO Animal Science Certification
Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) Certification

Specializations

Animal Nutrition

Focuses on animal nutrition, covering metabolism, feed evaluation, ration formulation, and managing animal nutrition programmes.

Animal Breeding and Genetics

Examines animal breeding and genetics, covering selection, breeding programmes, genomics, and managing animal breeding.

Animal Physiology

Covers animal physiology, covering reproduction, digestion, growth, health, and managing animal physiology research.

Livestock Production Systems

Focuses on livestock production systems, covering dairy, beef, poultry, piggery, and managing livestock production.

Animal Biotechnology

Examines biotechnology in animal science, covering reproductive tech, genomics, transgenics, and managing animal biotechnology.

Feed Technology

Covers feed technology, covering feed processing, formulation, quality, preservation, and managing feed technology.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 326,400
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

Animal Nutrition and Metabolism
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Animal Physiology and Health
Livestock Production Systems Management
Feed Resource Evaluation and Processing
Ruminant and Non-Ruminant Nutrition
Biotechnology in Animal Science
Animal Welfare and Husbandry
Research Methods in Animal Science
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Animal Nutrition and Metabolism
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines metabolism, feed evaluation, ration formulation, nutritional biochemistry, and managing animal nutrition.
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers selection, breeding programmes, genetics, genomics, and managing animal breeding.
Research Methods in Animal Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, biostatistics, and conducting animal science research, preparing students for their thesis.
Animal Physiology and Health
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines reproduction, digestion, growth, health, and managing animal physiology research.
Livestock Production Systems and Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers dairy, beef, poultry, piggery, production systems, and managing livestock production.
Feed Resources, Evaluation and Processing
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines feed evaluation, processing, formulation, quality, preservation, and managing feed resources.
Ruminant Nutrition and Feeding
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers rumen function, digestion, pasture, fodder, and managing ruminant nutrition.
Non-Ruminant Nutrition and Feeding
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines poultry, pig, and companion animal nutrition, feed formulation, and managing non-ruminant nutrition.
Biotechnology in Animal Science
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers reproductive tech, genomics, transgenics, molecular biology, and managing animal biotechnology.
Animal Welfare and Husbandry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines animal welfare, husbandry, ethics, behaviour, and managing animal welfare.
Nutritional Biochemistry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biochemical pathways, metabolism, vitamins, minerals, and managing nutritional biochemistry research.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original supervised research thesis on an animal science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and animal science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Animal Nutrition
Focuses on animal nutrition, covering metabolism, feed evaluation, ration formulation, and managing animal nutrition programmes.
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Examines animal breeding and genetics, covering selection, breeding programmes, genomics, and managing animal breeding.
Animal Physiology
Covers animal physiology, covering reproduction, digestion, growth, health, and managing animal physiology research.
Livestock Production Systems
Focuses on livestock production systems, covering dairy, beef, poultry, piggery, and managing livestock production.
Animal Biotechnology
Examines biotechnology in animal science, covering reproductive tech, genomics, transgenics, and managing animal biotechnology.
Feed Technology
Covers feed technology, covering feed processing, formulation, quality, preservation, and managing feed technology.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Animal Science programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, farm practicals, field visits, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover animal nutrition, breeding, physiology, and livestock production. Animal nutrition sessions examine metabolism, feed evaluation, ration formulation, and managing animal nutrition. Animal breeding sessions cover selection, breeding programmes, genetics, genomics, and managing animal breeding. Animal physiology sessions cover reproduction, digestion, growth, health, and managing animal physiology research. Livestock production sessions cover dairy, beef, poultry, piggery, and managing livestock production systems. Feed resource sessions cover evaluation, processing, formulation, quality, and managing feed resources. Ruminant nutrition sessions cover rumen function, digestion, pasture, and managing ruminant nutrition. Non-ruminant nutrition sessions cover poultry, pig, and companion animal nutrition. Biotechnology sessions cover reproductive tech, genomics, transgenics, and managing animal biotechnology. Animal welfare sessions cover husbandry, welfare, ethics, and managing animal welfare. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with feed analysis, blood analysis, microbiology, and analytical instruments. Farm practicals provide hands-on experience with animal handling, feeding trials, breeding management, and farm operations. Field visits provide hands-on experience with commercial farms, research stations, and feed mills. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in animal science and presenting research findings. Guest lectures from experienced animal scientists, nutritionists, and industry professionals provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis on an animal science topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme offered by three public universities (Egerton, KU, JKUAT) with strong agriculture departments, providing institutional choice.
JKUAT offers competitive fees at approximately KES 178,500/year (KES 357,000 total) for MSc in Animal Nutrition.
Egerton offers four animal science specialisations including Animal Production, Nutrition, Breeding and Genomics, and Physiology.
Graduates are eligible for KALRO and KVB certifications, enhancing career prospects.

Against it

KU charges significantly higher fees at approximately KES 326,400/year.
No private university confirmed offering this programme.
Career opportunities may be concentrated in research institutions and agricultural companies, with limited broader industry demand.
Programme requires agriculture, veterinary, or related background, limiting access for non-related graduates.

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

Public179k to 326k

179k at JKUAT326k at Kenyatta 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

KU 326.4K/yr (mawese), JKUAT 178.5K/yr (kenyaeducationguide). Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. Egerton and JKUAT may offer postgraduate bursaries. KALRO and some agricultural research organisations may sponsor staff for postgraduate study. International organisations like FAO may offer research grants and fellowships.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
Egerton University Bursary
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
Egerton University Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Egerton University offers bursaries for eligible postgraduate students.
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
JKUAT offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Egerton requires Upper Second in a related first degree, or Lower Second with two years experience. KU requires Upper Second in Animal Production, Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, or related fields, or Lower Second with two years experience. JKUAT requires Upper Second in relevant field, or Lower Second with two years experience. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, farm practical reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering animal nutrition, breeding, physiology, and livestock production.
Practical and Laboratory Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, farm practicals, feed analysis, and demonstrating animal science skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research thesis on an animal science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and animal science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Egerton University, Kenyatta University, and JKUAT (all public) offer MSc programmes in animal science and related fields. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in animal science. Graduates are eligible for KALRO animal science certification and Kenya Veterinary Board certification where applicable.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Egerton University, Kenyatta University, and JKUAT (all public) offer MSc programmes in animal science and related fields. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in animal science. Graduates are eligible for KALRO animal science certification and Kenya Veterinary Board certification where applicable.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Animal Nutritionist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 500,000
Formulates animal diets, overseeing nutrition, feed evaluation, and managing animal nutrition programmes.
Animal Breeder
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages breeding programmes, overseeing selection, genetics, and managing animal breeding.
Livestock Production Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages livestock operations, overseeing dairy, beef, poultry, and managing livestock production.
Research Scientist
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 600,000
Conducts animal science research, overseeing experiments, analysis, publications, and managing research projects.
Agricultural Extension Officer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Provides extension services, overseeing farmer training, advisory, and managing extension programmes.
Animal Science Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches animal science at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
SPSS for statistical analysis, covering experimental data, breeding data, research data, and managing statistical analysis.
R Studio
Software
R Studio for data analysis, covering animal science data, statistical computing, and managing biological data analysis.
SAS
Software
SAS for statistical analysis, covering breeding data, genetics, and managing statistical analysis for animal science.
FeedForm
Software
FeedForm for ration formulation, covering feed formulation, optimisation, and managing animal nutrition.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Animal science is just about farming.
Animal science covers comprehensive nutrition, breeding, physiology, biotechnology, and welfare beyond just farming.
This programme is only for agriculture graduates.
Animal science skills are valuable for veterinary, biological sciences, zoology, and food science graduates beyond just agriculture graduates.
Animal nutrition is just about feeding animals.
Animal nutrition covers comprehensive metabolism, feed evaluation, ration formulation, and nutritional biochemistry.
Animal breeding is just about selecting animals.
Animal breeding covers comprehensive genetics, genomics, breeding programmes, and biotechnology.
Livestock production is just about keeping animals.
Livestock production covers comprehensive dairy, beef, poultry, piggery systems, management, and economics.
Animal biotechnology is just about artificial insemination.
Animal biotechnology covers comprehensive reproductive tech, genomics, transgenics, and molecular biology.