WAEC Animal Husbandry Syllabus 2026/2027 - MYDPORT

WAEC Syllabus for Animal Husbandry Questions and answers 2026/2207. Below is the WAEC syllabus for Animal Husbandry (ALT A) for this year. Please note that this syllabus applies to both internal and external candidates

WAEC Animal Husbandry Syllabus 2026

Aim and Objectives

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Animal Husbandry syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge, understanding, and practical skills in the rearing and management of farm animals. It equips students with the necessary skills that can help them either pursue further studies in agriculture or engage in self-employment within the livestock industry.

The main objectives are:

1. Knowledge and Understanding: To test candidates’ understanding of the principles of animal production, management, and health.

2. Skill Development: To develop practical skills in the handling, care, and management of farm animals, their products, and by-products.

3. Problem Solving: To encourage students to apply scientific principles to solve challenges in animal husbandry.

4. Self-Reliance: To prepare candidates for careers in farming and agribusiness, reducing dependence on white-collar jobs.

5. Technology Appreciation: To expose learners to modern techniques, tools, and practices in animal rearing, thereby boosting productivity.

Scope and Structure of the Syllabus

The syllabus covers both theory and practical aspects of animal husbandry. It is divided into four broad areas:

1. Animal Nutrition and Feeding

2. Animal Breeding and Genetics

3. Animal Health and Diseases

4. Animal Production and Management

Each area is expected to be taught with emphasis on local relevance, real-life applications, and hands-on practice.

Detailed Content

1. Animal Nutrition and Feeding

• Classes of Feed: Candidates must know the types of feed such as concentrates, roughages, and supplements.

• Nutrients: Study the role of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water in animal growth and production.

• Feed Formulation: Understanding how to balance rations for different classes of livestock such as poultry, cattle, sheep, and goats.

• Pasture Management: Types of pasture, establishment, and maintenance of grazing fields.

• Conservation of Feed: Silage and hay making, importance of feed storage and preservation.

Objective: Students should be able to identify feed materials, classify them, and explain their importance in animal growth and reproduction.

2. Animal Breeding and Genetics

• Breeding Methods: Natural breeding, artificial insemination, crossbreeding, inbreeding, and line breeding.

• Selection of Stock: Principles of choosing animals for production purposes based on traits like milk yield, growth rate, and disease resistance.

• Genetics: Basic knowledge of inheritance, dominant and recessive traits, and their significance in animal production.

• Reproductive Systems: Male and female reproductive organs in common livestock species.

• Breeding Records: Importance of keeping accurate records to improve productivity.

Objective: Candidates should be able to describe breeding systems, explain inheritance, and apply breeding principles to improve animal performance.

3. Animal Health and Diseases

• Common Diseases: Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic diseases affecting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, and rabbits. Examples include foot-and-mouth disease, Newcastle disease, anthrax, and coccidiosis.

• Parasites: Internal parasites like tapeworms and roundworms; external parasites like ticks, lice, and mites.

• Disease Prevention and Control: Importance of hygiene, quarantine, vaccination, and use of veterinary services.

• Symptoms of Ill-Health: Candidates should identify abnormal behavior in animals such as loss of appetite, weakness, rough hair coat, and reduced production.

• Veterinary Tools and Drugs: Familiarity with syringes, drenching guns, vaccines, and antibiotics.

Objective: Students must be able to diagnose common diseases, suggest preventive measures, and administer basic treatment under supervision.

4. Animal Production and Management

• General Principles: Housing, feeding, sanitation, and handling of livestock.

• Poultry Production: Management of broilers, layers, and breeders. Knowledge of incubation, hatching, brooding, and egg handling.

• Cattle Production: Beef and dairy management practices, including milking methods and milk preservation.

• Sheep and Goat Production: Systems of management (extensive, intensive, semi-intensive), wool and meat production.

• Pig Production: Breeding, feeding, and housing of pigs. Management of piglets and fatteners.

• Rabbit Production: Housing, feeding, and breeding of rabbits.

• Record Keeping: Importance of farm records such as production records, health records, breeding records, and financial records.

Objective: Candidates should be able to outline and demonstrate the correct management practices for major farm animals, from birth to market stage.

Practical Component

The practical part of the syllabus tests candidates’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge. Areas of focus include:

• Identification of feedstuffs, drugs, tools, and equipment.

• Recognizing common livestock breeds and body parts.

• Performing simple farm operations such as weighing, drenching, and record keeping.

• Observing animals and identifying signs of health or ill-health.

Examination Scheme

The WAEC Animal Husbandry examination usually consists of three papers:

1. Paper 1 (Objective Test): Multiple-choice questions covering the entire syllabus.

2. Paper 2 (Theory): Essay questions requiring detailed written answers.

3. Paper 3 (Practical): Hands-on tasks, specimen identification, and farm records.

Conclusion

The WAEC Animal Husbandry syllabus is designed to blend classroom learning with practical farm experience. It prepares students not only for academic achievement but also for productive ventures in livestock farming. By focusing on nutrition, breeding, health, and production, the syllabus provides a strong foundation for further studies in agriculture and equips candidates with skills for self-reliance.

Through this syllabus, WAEC emphasizes the importance of agriculture as a tool for national development, food security, and youth empowerment.