Egerton University Diploma In Animal Health

Egerton University Diploma In Animal Health

Egerton University Diploma In Animal Health, below is the information on the Egerton University Diploma In Animal Health.

INTRODUCTION 

Mankind has for many centuries depended substantially on animals, not only for food, but also for a wide variety of animal by-products and services. Livestock provide all the milk and meat consumed worldwide. In Kenya, as in many
developing countries, the share of agriculture in GDP is important, with the average for all countries in Tropical Africa being 29%. The contribution of the livestock sector to the total GDP however, is only 5%. Although a number of
production systems aim at increasing meat and milk production, they are confronted by a number of constraints, notably animal diseases and poor reproductive efficiency. The Government of Kenya, and a few non-governmental
organizations have in recent times initiated projects and programmes aimed at improving livestock health and productivity. As a result of increasing human population and diminishing farm sizes, there is a need for manpower with
current and specialized knowledge, skills, and attitudes in practically oriented extension services.

JUSTIFICATION

Kenya’s economy is mainly based on agriculture in general and substantially depended on livestock and its products. For instance, there is need to control animal diseases so as to enhance food security. There is therefore a need to train
middle level diplomats who are at the forefront in animal disease control programme.

OBJECTIVES

The training programme is aimed at producing a diplomate, equipped with adequate, basic theoretical, and practical knowledge in farm animal health and disease control. In order to achieve this objective, the course extends over a
period of three years, of two semesters each. The early part of the programme covers the basic courses which include Chemistry, Biological and Physical Sciences. Anatomy, Physiology, Animal nutrition, Genetics, and Introduction to
General Pathology. These subjects form the basis for the study of animal diseases and their control in later stages. The student?s outlook on agricultural and livestock industries, is broadened by the inclusion of support courses in other
disciplines like Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Production, Agricultural Economics, and Extension Education. The teaching facilities include a demonstration and commercial farm, an abattoir, diagnostic and research
laboratories, as well as an extension service. On completion of the course the diplomate should be able to identify and effect control measures on important diseases of food producing animals, as well as participate in other aspects of
livestock production and related enterprises.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The minimum entry requirements for the diploma course are:-
An aggregate score in KCSE of grade C or KCE/EACE Division II or equivalent
Individual score of grade C (KCSE) or credit in each of the following subjects: English/Kiswahili, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or, Physical Sciences, Biology or Biological Sciences
A certificate with at least a credit pass in Animal Health from a recognized middle level institute or equivalent
Loading and Duration of Study
The Diploma in Animal Health takes three years, two semesters per year.
Course Coding
Course codes have four letters indicating the name of the department, followed by three or four digits classifying the course. Diploma programme courses start with 0, followed by three digits.
The first digit denotes the level of training
The second digit denotes the year of study
The third digit denotes the level of the subject offered
The fourth digit denotes the serial number of the courses in the same level
Department of Animal Science 112
The course coding for the third digit is as follows:
0 = Foundation subject areas
1 = The Basic Subject Areas
2 = Disease Courses
3 = Principles of Disease Control
4 = Herd Health and Management
5 = Public Health & Animal Industry
6 = Student Projects
7 = Field Attachment
7.0 Examination
All examinations for this program will be conducted in
accordance with the regulations as stipulated in Statute of
Egerton University.