Agriculture

Master of Science in Dairy Production

The Master of Science in Dairy Production is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in dairy science, focusing on dairy cattle production, milk processing, and dairy technology. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in dairy farming, processing, research, and the dairy industry.

Core areas include dairy cattle nutrition, dairy cattle breeding, milk production, dairy processing, dairy technology, milk quality, dairy farm management, lactation physiology, dairy product development, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical dairy production applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with University of Eldoret as a college. UoE offers the programme through its agriculture and animal production departments. Egerton University, a leading agricultural university, offers related programmes including BSc Dairy Technology and Management and MSc Animal Production.

Students develop competencies in dairy cattle management, milk processing, dairy product development, quality control, farm management, breeding, nutrition, research, and industry regulation. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, farm attachments, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time study mode at UoE. UoE requires Second Class Honours Upper Division or Lower Division with two years experience. Application fee is KES 2,000 at Egerton.

Graduates pursue careers as dairy production managers, dairy technologists, quality assurance officers, dairy researchers, farm managers, and lecturers in dairy companies, processing plants, research institutions, government agencies, and universities.

Skills Required

Dairy Cattle Nutrition and Feeding
Dairy Cattle Breeding and Genetics
Milk Production and Lactation Management
Dairy Processing and Technology
Milk Quality Assurance and Testing
Dairy Farm Management
Dairy Product Development
Dairy Industry Regulation and Standards
Dairy Waste Management
Dairy Production Research Methods

Key Subjects

Dairy Cattle Nutrition
Dairy Cattle Breeding
Milk Production
Dairy Processing
Dairy Technology
Milk Quality Assurance
Dairy Farm Management
Lactation Physiology
Dairy Product Development
Dairy Production Research Methods

Certifications

KDB Professional Certification
IDF Professional Membership

Specializations

Dairy Cattle Production

Focuses on dairy cattle production, nutrition, breeding, health management, and managing dairy cattle for optimal milk production.

Dairy Processing and Technology

Examines dairy processing, milk processing technologies, dairy product manufacturing, and processing milk into various dairy products.

Milk Quality and Safety

Covers milk quality, quality assurance, milk testing, food safety, and ensuring milk and dairy product quality and safety.

Dairy Farm Management

Focuses on dairy farm management, farm business management, herd management, and managing dairy farms as business enterprises.

Dairy Product Development

Examines dairy product development, new product development, product formulation, and developing new dairy products and formulations.

Dairy Breeding and Genetics

Covers dairy cattle breeding, genetic improvement, reproductive technologies, and improving dairy cattle through breeding and genetics.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 163,000
Private, up to: Ksh 300,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Dairy Cattle Nutrition
Dairy Cattle Breeding
Milk Production
Dairy Processing
Dairy Technology
Milk Quality Assurance
Dairy Farm Management
Lactation Physiology
Dairy Product Development
Dairy Production Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Dairy Cattle Nutrition and Feeding
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines dairy cattle nutrition, feed formulation, nutritional requirements, pasture management, and optimising nutrition for milk production.
Dairy Cattle Breeding and Genetics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers dairy cattle breeding, genetic improvement, breeding strategies, reproductive technologies, and improving dairy cattle through breeding and genetics.
Lactation Physiology and Milk Production
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines lactation physiology, mammary gland physiology, milk synthesis, lactation cycles, milking systems, and managing milk production.
Dairy Processing and Technology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers dairy processing, milk processing technologies, pasteurisation, sterilisation, dairy equipment, processing lines, and processing milk into various products.
Milk Quality Assurance and Safety
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines milk quality, quality testing, milk composition analysis, hygiene, food safety, and ensuring milk and dairy product quality and safety.
Dairy Farm Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers dairy farm management, farm business management, herd management, record keeping, and managing dairy farms as business enterprises.
Dairy Product Development
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines dairy product development, new product development, product formulation, yoghurt, cheese, butter, and creating new dairy products and formulations.
Dairy Industry Regulation and Standards
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers dairy industry regulation, KDB standards, dairy regulations, milk marketing regulations, and regulatory frameworks for the dairy industry.
Dairy Waste Management and Sustainability
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines dairy waste management, environmental management, sustainable dairy farming, and managing dairy farm waste and environmental impact.
Dairy Production Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for dairy science, experimental design, data analysis, and conducting dairy research, preparing students for their thesis.
Dairy Value Chain and Marketing
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines dairy value chain, milk marketing, dairy supply chain, dairy economics, and understanding and managing the dairy value chain.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a dairy production topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and dairy science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Dairy Cattle Production
Focuses on dairy cattle production, nutrition, breeding, health management, and managing dairy cattle for optimal milk production.
Dairy Processing and Technology
Examines dairy processing, milk processing technologies, dairy product manufacturing, and processing milk into various dairy products.
Milk Quality and Safety
Covers milk quality, quality assurance, milk testing, food safety, and ensuring milk and dairy product quality and safety.
Dairy Farm Management
Focuses on dairy farm management, farm business management, herd management, and managing dairy farms as business enterprises.
Dairy Product Development
Examines dairy product development, new product development, product formulation, and developing new dairy products and formulations.
Dairy Breeding and Genetics
Covers dairy cattle breeding, genetic improvement, reproductive technologies, and improving dairy cattle through breeding and genetics.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Dairy Production programme begins with morning lectures on dairy cattle nutrition, breeding, or milk processing. Students engage in theoretical discussions on dairy science, milk production, and dairy technology. Dairy cattle nutrition sessions cover feed formulation, nutritional requirements, pasture management, and optimising nutrition for milk production. Dairy cattle breeding sessions examine genetic improvement, breeding strategies, reproductive technologies, and improving dairy cattle through breeding. Milk production sessions cover lactation physiology, milking systems, milk yield, and managing milk production. Dairy processing sessions involve milk processing technologies, pasteurisation, sterilisation, and processing milk into various products. Dairy technology sessions cover dairy equipment, processing lines, packaging, and dairy processing technology. Milk quality sessions examine quality testing, milk composition analysis, hygiene, food safety, and ensuring milk and dairy product quality. Dairy farm management sessions cover farm business management, herd management, record keeping, and managing dairy farms as enterprises. Dairy product development sessions involve developing new dairy products, product formulation, yoghurt, cheese, butter, and creating new dairy formulations. Lactation physiology sessions cover mammary gland physiology, milk synthesis, lactation cycles, and understanding milk production biology. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with milk testing, quality analysis, dairy processing, and product development. Farm visits and attachments provide practical experience with dairy cattle management and farm operations. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering dairy research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from KDB officials, KALRO researchers, dairy industry professionals, and FAO consultants provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's dairy industry is the largest in East Africa, with growing processing capacity, quality demands, and industry development creating moderate demand for qualified professionals.
UoE is located in Kenya's dairy region with access to dairy farms and processing facilities for practical training.
Egerton University, a leading agricultural university, offers related dairy programmes with established research facilities.
Career opportunities with dairy companies, processing plants, KDB, KALRO, research institutions, and international dairy organisations.

Against it

Programme is full-time only at UoE, which may not accommodate working professionals.
Programme requires agriculture, animal science, or food science background, which may exclude some graduates.
Specific fee structures could not be independently verified from all official websites.
Limited number of institutions offering the programme may restrict geographic access for prospective students.

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

Public120k to 163k

120k at Kirinyaga University163k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

Private100k to 300k

100k at Kenya Methodist University300k at Strathmore 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

MMUST 163K/yr (mmust.ac.ke). Kirinyaga & private unverified, kept existing.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KALRO supports dairy research through its dairy research programme. FAO promotes dairy development and capacity building. The programme's dairy industry focus attracts government and industry funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KALRO Dairy Research Grants
FAO Dairy Development Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate dairy production studies at recognised universities.
KALRO Dairy Research Grants
GrantKsh 400,000Kenyan
KALRO provides research grants for dairy research, supporting postgraduate research in dairy cattle, milk production, and dairy technology.
FAO Dairy Development Funding
GrantKsh 400,000
FAO supports dairy development and capacity building, providing funding for dairy training and research in developing countries.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme is designed for animal science, agriculture, food science, dairy technology, and veterinary graduates. Two-year full-time programme at UoE. UoE requires Second Class Honours Upper Division or Lower Division with 2 years experience. Egerton application fee KES 2,000 payable to KCB Account No. 1101906812.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, farm management projects, case studies, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering dairy nutrition, breeding, processing, quality assurance, and farm management, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory and practical skills including milk testing, quality analysis, dairy processing, product development, and farm practical work.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a dairy production topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and dairy science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). UoE offers MSc in Dairy Production through its agriculture and animal production departments. Egerton University offers related dairy programmes. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate dairy production training. KDB regulates the dairy industry in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. UoE offers MSc in Dairy Production through its agriculture and animal production departments. Egerton offers related dairy programmes. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate dairy production training.
Kenya Dairy Board (KDB)
Professional accreditation
KDB regulates the dairy industry in Kenya, setting standards for milk production, processing, and quality. Graduates working in the dairy industry may require KDB certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Dairy Production Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages dairy production operations, overseeing cattle management, milk production, and farm operations in dairy companies and large farms.
Dairy Technologist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages dairy processing operations, overseeing milk processing, product manufacturing, and ensuring processing quality and efficiency.
Quality Assurance Officer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Ensures milk and dairy product quality, conducting quality testing, implementing quality systems, and ensuring food safety compliance.
Dairy Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts dairy science research, studying dairy cattle, milk production, processing technologies, and contributing to dairy science knowledge.
Dairy Farm Manager
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages dairy farm operations, overseeing cattle, feeding, breeding, milking, and managing the farm as a business enterprise.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches dairy science and production in universities, conducting research and training future dairy industry professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as dairy production managers, dairy technologists, and quality assurance officers in dairy companies, processing plants, and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

LactoScan Milk Analyser
EquipmentPrimary
Milk analyser for milk composition analysis, testing fat, protein, lactose, solids, and ensuring milk quality and composition.
Dairy Herd Management Software
SoftwarePrimary
Dairy herd management software for tracking cattle health, milk production, breeding, nutrition, and managing dairy herd data.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for dairy research data analysis, production data analysis, and statistical modelling in dairy science.
HACCP System
Tools
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system for dairy food safety management, ensuring milk and dairy product safety.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Dairy production is just about milking cows.
The programme involves nutrition science, breeding genetics, processing technology, quality assurance, and farm business management, far beyond milking cows.
Dairy science is only for farmers.
Dairy science graduates work in processing companies, research institutions, regulatory bodies, quality assurance, product development, and academia, not just farming.
There is limited demand for dairy production specialists in Kenya.
Kenya's dairy industry is the largest in East Africa, with growing processing capacity, quality demands, and industry development creating moderate demand for qualified professionals.
This programme is only for agriculture graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from animal science, food science, agriculture, veterinary science, and related fields with dairy or animal production background.
Dairy production is old-fashioned with no innovation.
Dairy science involves modern technologies including genetic improvement, precision farming, automated processing, novel product development, and sustainability innovations.
A master's in dairy production is redundant after a bachelor's in animal science.
The master's provides specialised dairy knowledge, research capability, and career progression to senior dairy industry, research, and management positions.