Animal Science relates to the science and business of producing domestic livestock species, including but not limited to beef cattle, dairy cattle, poultry, pigs, sheep and horses.

Research and technology is revolutionizing animal production.  Animal scientists constantly strive to improve and increase the efficiency of livestock production and management techniques through research into areas such as animal behavior and welfare, genetics/breeding, microbiology, nutrition, physiology and reproduction.

They also play a key role in maintaining and improving the quality and quantity of the world’s food supply.

In recent years, Animal Science has expanded into a far broader area to include companion animals, wildlife and zoo animals to help improve their health, nutrition, care, and welfare.

Livestock

Securing world food supplies is more important than ever before.

Global populations are expected to hit 8bn by 2050, meaning food production has to be looked at seriously if people are going to have healthy, nutritious diets.

Productive farmland is coming under threat due to climate change and the need to house more people, while the planet’s resources are diminishing, meaning farmers have to find new ways to produce food.

At the same time, livestock are becoming an increasingly important source of nutrition around the world, with demand for meat products predicted to double in the first half of this century.

The Society has a vital role in advising policy-makers on meeting the challenge of securing food supplies while impacting less on the environment.

As one of the world’s fastest growing food sectors, approximately 50% of all seafood produced for human consumption comes from Aquaculture – the controlled process of cultivating aquatic organisms (shellfish, molluscs, finfish) and plants.

Aquaculture not only produces food and other commercial products, it also restores habitats and replenishes wild stocks, and rebuild populations of threatened and endangered species.

Harvesting wild sources of fish, crustaceans and other aquatic species cannot keep up with the demand presented by a growing human population.

We need alternate sources for seafood to feed the planet’s ever-growing population in a responsible and sustainable way to provide future generations with access to healthy and environmentally friendly protein options.

Sustainable aquaculture helps meet this demand while relieving the strain on wild species to allow them to continue to be a significant source.

The Animal Science of Nigeria is open to people with an interest in any aspect of animal science.

Current ASAN members include those working in animal genetics, nutrition, breeding, welfare, the environment, meat quality and animal products.

Members are drawn from research institutes, universities, colleges, advisors, consultants, farmers and the food production industry.

Membership of the ASAN gives you access to the latest livestock science from across the world.

Membership also entitles you to discounts at leading industry conferences, including ASAN’ annual conference.

The Society also brings you news of the latest job and research opportunities, while its team of industry experts and academics offers support and advice to members where it is needed.