Courses

Course Description

The Livestock Improvement Programme (LIP) was created in 1976 as one of the six research programmes of the institute. The main purpose for the creation of the programme was to improve the indigenous livestock breeds and to develop the livestock components of the Agricultural Development Programme of Southwestern States. The programme has not deviated from this mandate and has been contributing to the practice of animal production in the country through research and training. The programme is also entrusted with improvement of livestock productivity for sustainable food security through research and training of farmers and other stakeholders in the livestock production industry. The improvement in livestock production is carried out through:

(1) Genetic improvement of the indigenous breeds of livestock in the country.

(2) Feeding and housing management for improved productivity and

(3) Ethno-veterinary medicine for healthy livestock production.

The programme conducts applied research on livestock production, nutrition, genetic improvement, housing and management and ethno-veterinary care for livestock. The Livestock Improvement Programme has facilities for livestock research, production and training of farmers. The various units in the programme are engaged in research on and production of poultry species (broiler chickens, layers, cockerels and Muscovy ducks), improved pigs (Landrace, Large white and Duroc), ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats), micro-livestock (rabbits, grasscutters and snails), livestock feed and pasture legume seed production. All the units in the programme play major roles in the delivery of proven livestock production technologies that help in the production of affordable quality protein by Nigerians.

The scientists in the programme have practical and theoretical knowledge in livestock production. Their disciplines are in animal breeding and genetics, animal nutrition with specialisation in ruminant, monogastric and micro-livestock nutrition, animal physiology, veterinary medicine, wildlife production, pasture production/ conservation and agricultural economics.