The Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics undertakes broad‑based, research‑led activities centered on genetic improvement, reproductive biology and biotechnology, and sustainable livestock production. Its faculty address key challenges such as climate resilience, methane mitigation, feed efficiency, fertility, artificial insemination, and assisted reproductive technologies in indigenous and improved livestock and poultry breeds. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating quantitative and molecular genetics with reproductive endocrinology and advanced reproductive biotechnologies to develop sustainable breeding strategies, especially for local chickens and ducks, while responding to national priorities in food security and climate change adaptation. Current thematic priorities include free radical and antioxidant mechanisms in mammalian gonads, sperm biology, ovarian and testicular cell signaling, the development of semen extenders and artificial insemination protocols in poultry and ducks, methane mitigation and climate resilience in livestock, and the characterization, conservation and genetic improvement of local animal genetic resources. Collectively, these research activities support postgraduate training, lead to peer‑reviewed publications, and generate evidence to inform policy and technology development in the livestock sector.
Departmental research activities include (not limited to)
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Free radicals and antioxidant mechanisms in mammalian gonads and their impact on reproductive function.
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Reproductive endocrinology, ageing and reproductive physiology in farm animals.
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Reproductive biotechnology, including in vitro maturation, assisted reproductive technologies and sperm biology.
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Mechanisms and cell signaling in ovary and testis related to fertility and follicular development.
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Animal breeding and genetics, with emphasis on quantitative genetics, selection and breeding program design in cattle, goats, sheep, poultry and ducks.
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Development of semen extenders and liquid semen technologies to improve fertility and hatchability in indigenous chickens and ducks.
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Characterization, conservation and genetic improvement of local chicken and duck genetic resources, including development of heat‑tolerant and meat‑type varieties.
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Nutritional and management interventions (e.g., probiotics, moringa, seaweed) to improve productive and reproductive performance and support genetic potential.
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Climate change impact on livestock and poultry, particularly heat stress and methane emission, and development of adaptation and mitigation strategies.