Agriculture

Master of Science in Livestock Production Systems

The Master of Science in Livestock Production Systems is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in livestock management, animal production, and agricultural systems analysis. The programme combines animal science theory with practical livestock production and systems management application.

Core areas include livestock production systems, animal nutrition, animal breeding and genetics, pasture management, animal health, livestock economics, range management, poultry production, dairy production, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both livestock theory and practical farm and field work through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi through the Department of Animal Production, Egerton University through the Faculty of Agriculture, and JKUAT. All are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time, part-time, and open distance and e-learning modes of study.

Students develop competencies in livestock production systems, animal nutrition, animal breeding and genetics, pasture management, animal health, livestock economics, range management, poultry production, and dairy production. The programme includes coursework, examinations, farm practicals, field visits, and a supervised research thesis.

UoN charges approximately KES 434,750/year (KES 869,500 total) for livestock production systems. Egerton charges approximately KES 200,000/year for agriculture masters. JKUAT charges approximately KES 178,500/year (KES 357,000 total) for similar programmes. 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 livestock production specialists, animal nutritionists, breeding managers, farm managers, agricultural consultants, and lecturers in livestock production across agricultural companies, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and universities.

Skills Required

Livestock Production Systems Analysis and Design
Animal Nutrition and Feed Formulation
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Pasture and Range Management
Animal Health and Disease Prevention
Livestock Economics and Farm Management
Poultry and Dairy Production Management
Sustainable Livestock Systems and Climate Adaptation
Research Methods in Animal Science
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Livestock Production Systems Analysis and Design
Animal Nutrition and Feed Formulation
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Pasture and Range Management
Animal Health and Disease Prevention
Livestock Economics and Farm Management
Poultry and Dairy Production Management
Sustainable Livestock Systems and Climate Adaptation
Research Methods in Animal Science
Thesis Research

Certifications

KALRO Research Certification
FAO Animal Production Professional Membership

Specializations

Dairy Production

Focuses on dairy production, covering dairy cattle management, milk production, breeding, nutrition, and managing dairy systems.

Poultry Production

Examines poultry production, covering broiler production, layer production, breeding, nutrition, health, and managing poultry systems.

Animal Nutrition

Covers animal nutrition, covering feed formulation, ration balancing, feed analysis, supplements, and managing animal nutrition.

Animal Breeding and Genetics

Focuses on animal breeding, covering breeding programmes, genetic selection, quantitative genetics, biotechnology, and managing animal breeding.

Range and Pasture Management

Examines range management, covering pasture establishment, forage management, grazing systems, rangeland ecology, and managing range resources.

Livestock Economics

Covers livestock economics, covering farm management, enterprise analysis, marketing, policy, and managing livestock economics.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 434,750
Private, up to: Ksh 195,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Livestock Production Systems Analysis and Design
Animal Nutrition and Feed Formulation
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Pasture and Range Management
Animal Health and Disease Prevention
Livestock Economics and Farm Management
Poultry and Dairy Production Management
Sustainable Livestock Systems and Climate Adaptation
Research Methods in Animal Science
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Livestock Production Systems Analysis and Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines system design, analysis, optimisation, sustainability, farming systems, and managing livestock systems.
Animal Nutrition and Feed Formulation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers feed formulation, ration balancing, feed analysis, supplements, nutrient requirements, and managing animal nutrition.
Research Methods in Animal Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, experimental design, and conducting animal science research, preparing students for their thesis.
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines breeding programmes, genetic selection, quantitative genetics, biotechnology, and managing animal breeding.
Pasture and Range Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers pasture establishment, forage management, grazing systems, rangeland ecology, and managing range resources.
Animal Health and Disease Prevention
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines disease prevention, vaccination, parasite control, biosecurity, herd health, and managing animal health.
Livestock Economics and Farm Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers farm management, enterprise analysis, marketing, policy, investment analysis, and managing livestock economics.
Dairy Production and Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines dairy cattle management, milk production, breeding, nutrition, milking technology, and managing dairy systems.
Poultry Production and Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers broiler production, layer production, breeding, nutrition, health, housing, and managing poultry systems.
Sustainable Livestock Systems and Climate Adaptation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines climate adaptation, environmental impact, sustainable intensification, greenhouse gas, and managing sustainable livestock.
Livestock Product Processing and Quality
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers meat processing, milk processing, quality assurance, food safety, value addition, and managing livestock product processing.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original supervised research thesis on a livestock production systems topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and animal science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Dairy Production
Focuses on dairy production, covering dairy cattle management, milk production, breeding, nutrition, and managing dairy systems.
Poultry Production
Examines poultry production, covering broiler production, layer production, breeding, nutrition, health, and managing poultry systems.
Animal Nutrition
Covers animal nutrition, covering feed formulation, ration balancing, feed analysis, supplements, and managing animal nutrition.
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Focuses on animal breeding, covering breeding programmes, genetic selection, quantitative genetics, biotechnology, and managing animal breeding.
Range and Pasture Management
Examines range management, covering pasture establishment, forage management, grazing systems, rangeland ecology, and managing range resources.
Livestock Economics
Covers livestock economics, covering farm management, enterprise analysis, marketing, policy, and managing livestock economics.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Livestock Production Systems programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, farm practicals, field visits, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover livestock systems, animal nutrition, breeding, pasture management, and livestock economics. Livestock production systems sessions examine system design, analysis, optimisation, sustainability, and managing livestock systems. Animal nutrition sessions cover feed formulation, ration balancing, feed analysis, supplements, nutrient requirements, and managing animal nutrition. Animal breeding sessions cover breeding programmes, genetic selection, quantitative genetics, biotechnology, and managing animal breeding. Pasture management sessions cover pasture establishment, forage management, grazing systems, fodder conservation, and managing pasture. Range management sessions cover rangeland ecology, grazing systems, carrying capacity, rehabilitation, and managing range resources. Animal health sessions cover disease prevention, vaccination, parasite control, biosecurity, and managing animal health. Livestock economics sessions cover farm management, enterprise analysis, marketing, policy, and managing livestock economics. Poultry production sessions cover broiler production, layer production, breeding, nutrition, health, and managing poultry systems. Dairy production sessions cover dairy cattle management, milk production, breeding, nutrition, milking, and managing dairy systems. Sustainable livestock sessions cover climate adaptation, environmental impact, sustainable intensification, and managing sustainable livestock. 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, semen evaluation, and milk testing. Farm practicals at university farms provide hands-on experience with animal handling, feeding, breeding, and health management. Field visits to commercial farms, ranches, and dairy operations provide real-world exposure. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in livestock production. Guest lectures from experienced animal scientists, farm managers, and KALRO researchers provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis on a livestock production systems topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Steady demand for livestock professionals with Kenya's growing demand for animal protein, dairy expansion, poultry industry growth, and food security initiatives.
Programme offered by three public universities (UoN, Egerton, JKUAT), providing institutional choice.
UoN offers open distance and e-learning mode, providing flexibility for working professionals.
JKUAT offers competitive fees at approximately KES 178,500/year for similar programmes.

Against it

UoN fees are significantly higher at approximately KES 434,750/year (KES 869,500 total) for livestock production systems.
JKUAT and Egerton specific livestock production fees not independently verified.
No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
Programme requires animal science, agriculture, veterinary medicine, or related background, which limits 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 435k

179k at JKUAT435k at University of Nairobi

Private119k to 195k

119k at Mount Kenya University195k at Kabarak 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 ~434K/yr, JKUAT 178.5K/yr verified. MKU ~119K/yr. Kabarak unverified

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KALRO and agricultural research organisations may provide research support. JKUAT may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. Some agricultural companies and NGOs may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KALRO Research Support
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KALRO Research Support
GrantKsh 250,000Kenyan
KALRO and partner organisations may provide research support for livestock and animal science professionals.
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: Most universities require Upper Second Class Honours in animal science, agriculture, veterinary medicine, or related fields. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience are considered. 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, field visit reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering livestock systems, animal nutrition, breeding, pasture management, and livestock economics.
Practical and Farm Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through farm practicals, laboratory exercises, animal handling, feed formulation, and demonstrating livestock production skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research thesis on a livestock production systems 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). University of Nairobi, Egerton University, and JKUAT (all public) offer MSc in Livestock Production Systems. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in livestock production systems. Graduates are eligible for KALRO research certification and FAO Animal Production professional membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Nairobi, Egerton University, and JKUAT (all public) offer MSc in Livestock Production Systems. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in livestock production systems. Graduates are eligible for KALRO research certification and FAO Animal Production professional membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Livestock Production Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages livestock production, overseeing systems, nutrition, breeding, health, and managing livestock operations.
Animal Nutritionist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Formulates animal nutrition programmes, overseeing feed formulation, ration balancing, and managing animal nutrition.
Breeding Manager
Moderate demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages breeding programmes, overseeing genetic selection, breeding plans, and managing animal breeding.
Farm Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages farm operations, overseeing production, staff, finances, and managing farm enterprises.
Agricultural Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Provides agricultural consulting, overseeing advisory, assessment, planning, and managing agricultural consulting.
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, nutrition trials, and managing research data.
R
Software
R for statistical computing, covering genetic analysis, breeding models, nutrition modelling, and managing animal science data.
Excel
Software
Excel for farm management, covering feed formulation, enterprise analysis, budgeting, and managing farm data.
GIS
Software
GIS for spatial analysis, covering rangeland mapping, farm mapping, grazing planning, and managing spatial data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Livestock production is just about keeping animals.
Livestock production covers comprehensive systems analysis, nutrition, breeding, health, economics, sustainability, and technology beyond just keeping animals.
This programme is only for farmers.
Livestock production skills are valuable for researchers, consultants, policy makers, nutritionists, breeders, and academics beyond just farmers.
Livestock production has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With Kenya's growing demand for animal protein, dairy expansion, poultry industry growth, and food security initiatives, demand for livestock professionals is steady in Kenya.
Animal nutrition is just about feeding animals.
Animal nutrition covers comprehensive feed formulation, ration balancing, nutrient analysis, supplements, and metabolic modelling.
Animal breeding is just about mating animals.
Animal breeding covers comprehensive genetic selection, quantitative genetics, breeding programmes, biotechnology, and genomic selection.
Range management is just about grazing.
Range management covers comprehensive rangeland ecology, carrying capacity, rehabilitation, biodiversity, and sustainable grazing systems.