B.Agric. Animal Production

Colleges and Faculties > College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) > Faculty of Agricultural Production and Renewable Resources (FAPRER) > Department of Animal Production > B.Agric. Animal Production

Our Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Animal Production course is for students who are passionate about animals and want to learn how to improve their production for food, income, and industry. If you are curious about livestock such as cattle, poultry, sheep, goats, pigs, and other farm animals, this programme gives you the knowledge and practical skills to manage and improve animal production systems.

Course Overview

The B.Sc. Animal Production runs for four years (or three years for Direct Entry students). It blends agricultural sciences with biology, nutrition, breeding, and farm management. You will learn how to raise, feed, and breed animals for efficiency, study the science behind animal physiology and genetics, and understand how to manage animal farms sustainably. The programme also covers animal health, product processing, and the role of livestock in food security and the economy.

By the time you graduate, you will have the skills to work in livestock production, agribusiness, animal research, or government agricultural agencies. The course also prepares you for advanced studies in animal science or veterinary-related disciplines.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum follows the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) of the National Universities Commission (NUC). It combines core sciences, agricultural studies, and practical experience.

In your first year, you build a strong science foundation:

  1. General Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
  2. Mathematics and Statistics for Agriculture
  3. Principles of Agriculture
  4. Communication in English
  5. Nigerian Peoples and Culture

Here, you are introduced to the basics of animal production:

  1. Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals
  2. Principles of Animal Production
  3. General Biochemistry
  4. Soil Science and Forage Production
  5. Principles of Genetics
  6. Computer Applications in Agriculture

At this stage, you deepen your skills in animal management:

  1. Animal Nutrition and Feed Formulation
  2. Breeding and Reproduction of Farm Animals
  3. Poultry Production
  4. Ruminant Animal Production (Sheep, Goats, Cattle)
  5. Non-Ruminant Animal Production (Pigs, Rabbits)
  6. Research Methods in Animal Production

In your final year, you apply your training to real-life systems:

  1. Advanced Animal Nutrition
  2. Animal Breeding and Genetics
  3. Livestock Farm Management
  4. Dairy and Meat Production Technology
  5. Animal Products Processing and Utilisation
  6. Research Project in Animal Production

Practical training is central to this programme. You will participate in the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), along with farm practice, giving you valuable hands-on exposure to livestock farms, research stations, and agribusiness ventures.

Entry Requirements

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme):

  1. You must have five credit passes in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, obtained at not more than two sittings. These must include English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and one other relevant subject such as Physics, Geography, or Economics.
  2. You must sit for the UTME with the correct subject combination: English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and one of Mathematics, Physics, or Economics.
  3. You must also pass the University’s Post-UTME screening exercise.

4. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme):

  1. You may be admitted into 200 Level with GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) passes in at least two subjects chosen from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or Agricultural Science.
  2. Holders of National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or equivalent qualifications in Agriculture or related disciplines may also be considered, provided they meet the O’Level requirements.

Why study at OOU?

Animal production is a vital part of food security and the economy, and this course prepares you to contribute meaningfully to both. You will learn directly from lecturers and researchers who specialise in livestock production, nutrition, and breeding.

In addition to classroom teaching, you will gain extensive hands-on experience through farm practice and the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). These opportunities expose you to modern animal farms, research institutions, and agribusiness ventures.

The programme is carefully designed to help you develop problem-solving, leadership, and technical skills. By the time you graduate, you will have the confidence to manage farms, design feed rations, improve animal breeds, and even run your own agribusiness.

Research Project

In your final year, you will carry out a supervised research project in Animal Production. This project may focus on areas such as animal nutrition, breeding and genetics, reproductive management, livestock health, or product utilisation.

The research project trains you in independent study, critical thinking, and scientific communication. It also gives you the opportunity to explore topics that match your interests or career goals, while contributing solutions to real challenges in animal production.

Graduation Requirements

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete at least four academic sessions (or three for Direct Entry students).
  2. Pass all compulsory and elective courses in animal production, agricultural sciences, and related fields.
  3. Accumulate the minimum credit units prescribed in the curriculum, including general studies, farm practice, and the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
  4. Complete and successfully defend a supervised final year research project.
  5. Uphold good academic standing, conduct, and compliance with university regulations.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final degree classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as outlined in the university’s approved grading system:

Upon fulfilling all academic and procedural requirements, you will be awarded the B.Agric. Animal Production, a degree recognised for its strong emphasis on livestock production, sustainable farm management, and the scientific principles that drive modern animal agriculture.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Animal Production are prepared for diverse careers in agriculture and beyond. Possible career paths include:

  1. Livestock Farm Manager
  2. Animal Nutritionist or Feed Formulation Specialist
  3. Breeding and Genetics Consultant
  4. Meat, Dairy, and Poultry Production Specialist
  5. Animal Products Processing and Quality Control Officer
  6. Researcher or Lecturer in Animal Science
  7. Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Officer
  8. Entrepreneur in livestock farming or agribusiness

This course also provides a strong foundation for professional development in animal science, agribusiness consultancy, or postgraduate studies.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme):

  1. Register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
  2. Select Animal Production as your course of study and choose the University as your first choice.
  3. Sit for the UTME with the subject combination: English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and one of Mathematics, Physics, or Economics.
  4. Apply for and pass the University’s Post-UTME screening exercise.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme):

  1. Apply through JAMB Direct Entry, selecting Animal Production.
  2. Provide evidence of A-Level passes, National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or equivalent qualifications in Agriculture or related disciplines.
  3. Participate in the University’s screening process and upload all required documents.

Course Coordinator

The programme is coordinated by academic staff in the Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Production and Renewable Resources.

Contact Information:

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric.)
  6. Department = Agricultural Production and Renewable Resources
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus
  9. Location = Faculty of Agricultural Production and Renewable Resources, Ayetoro Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities