Animal Health and Production Technology

AKANU IBIAM FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, UNWANA

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY                                                            

1. Brief History of the Department

The Department of Animal Health and Production Technology was established in the month of April, 2022. Hitherto, Animal Production Technology Program was an option in the Department of Agricultural Technology (AGT). Upon its establishment, Dr. J. N. Ikpemnias,mnsap was redeployed from AGT to the new Department, as the pioneer head. Subsequently six more staff that majored in Animal Production-related areas were deployed from AGT to the new Department. Presently, the Department has staff strength of 18 staff comprising of 12 academic and 6 non academic staff. The Department as designed by National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is to offer Animal Health and Production Technology, at ND level and, to branch off to offer Animal Production Technology and Animal Health Technology programs, respectively, at HND level. Presently, only Higher National Diploma in Animal Production Technology is offered in the Department which has National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) approval. The other two programs,  hopefully will come up in the near future.

The Department  has three major operational areas namely:

1. Academic and Research;
2. Livestock Farm, comprising of the Poultry unit, the Ruminant unit, the Rabbitary, the Snailery, as well as, the pasture/rangeland, and

• Ancillary Services, comprising of the Feed mill, the Hatchery, the Meat shop, the Slaughter house, Milking parlor and Veterinary clinic.

2. Benefits of studying the course

After studying the course, our graduates are expected to attain the following specific objectives:

(i) Plan, establish and manage livestock farms of their own and for others and carry out associated processes including dairy production, egg production, meat production, fertile egg production, hatchery processes, e.t.c.

(ii) Identify early signs of animal disease processes, apply necessary first aid measures and follow up prescribed veterinary instructions.

(iii) Process, package and market animal products and by-products.

(iv) Produce feeds for all types of livestock.

(v) Serve as an extension worker, able to impart to livestock farmers the modern techniques of animal production aimed at increasing their production levels and standard of living.

(vi) Carry out routine maintenance of farm structures and equipment.

(vii) Manage the influence of the environment e.g. temperature, relative humidity e.t.c. on the livestock and the effect of the livestock on the environment e.g. manure disposal, abattoir waste, etc.

The study of Animal Health and Production Technology in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, is therefore benefitial to both the graduates and the society because our graduates are well-blended and well-rounded. They help both rural and urban families put food on their tables. They become entrepreneurial and can, as well, help other farmers to improve animal breeding, animal product processing, diseases control and nutrition. They equally ensure that animals grow well and stay healthy. They also ensure that more meat, milk, eggs and other farm products are produced for human and industrial consumptions. Graduates of APT can also work as Staff of academic Institutions and in Research centers.

3. Qualifications for admission into the ND and HND programs

The admission requirement for ND Animal Health and Production Technology program include the following:

• The admission into the ND program is through the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) by the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
• The subject combinations for the program for UTME are English language, Biology/Agric. Sci, Chemistry and any other Science subject.
• Obtaining the minimum cut off mark as stipulated by JAMB for Polytechnics.
• The candidate is required to undergo a screening by the polytechnics.
• Candidate should also have a minimum of five credit level passes in WAEC or NECO or NABTEB in not more than two sittings. The subjects must include biology or agricultural science, chemistry and any three of the following: Geography, Mathematics, Economics, Technical drawing, Physics and English language. At least, credit in English language and Mathematics is compulsory.

Admission into HND in Animal Production Technology program requires the following:

(a) All the requirements for admission into the ND program in Agricultural Technology/Animal Health and Production Technology as listed above.

(b)       A minimum of lower credit pass (CGPA 2.50 and above) in the cognate ND examination in Agricultural Technology, or Animal Health and Production Technology, and

(c) A minimum of one year cognate work experience;

Or, in exceptional cases, ND diplomats with a Pass (CGPA of 2.00 – 2.49) in the ND examination that have two or more years of cognate work experience in the specific field may be considered for admission into the HND program.

4. Heads of Department from inception till date

The pioneer head of the Department Dr. J. N. Ikpe is still the current head of the Department.