The Animal Nutrition Laboratory is a fundamental facility within the Department of Animal Science, dedicated to the chemical analysis and evaluation of feed materials. It provides the essential data required to formulate balanced diets that optimize livestock growth, reproduction, and health.

Core Capabilities: Proximate Analysis
The laboratory specializes in Proximate Analysis, a series of analytical procedures used to determine the nutritional components of feed samples. This includes:

Dry Matter (DM): Determining the moisture content to calculate the actual nutrient density.

Crude Protein (CP): Measuring nitrogen content to estimate the protein available for muscle development and milk production.

Ether Extract (EE): Assessing the crude fat content, which serves as a concentrated energy source.

Crude Fiber (CF): Measuring the structural carbohydrates, essential for ruminant digestion and gut health.

Ash Content: Determining the total mineral content by burning off organic matter.

Research and Industry Services
Beyond student training, the lab plays a critical role in Ghana's agricultural economy:

Feed Quality Control: Assisting local farmers and commercial feed millers in verifying the quality of their ingredients (such as maize, soy meal, or fishmeal).

Alternative Feed Resources: Researching the nutritional value of non-conventional feedstuffs, such as agro-industrial by-products, to reduce production costs for smallholder farmers.

Metabolizable Energy Estimation: Calculating the energy value of diets to ensure animals meet their physiological requirements without waste.

Supporting Academic Advancement
For MPhil and PhD candidates, the Animal Nutrition Laboratory is where theoretical formulas are tested. Students gain hands-on experience with specialized equipment like Kjeldahl distillers for protein analysis and Soxhlet extractors for fat determination. This practical expertise is vital for those moving into roles as nutritionists, farm managers, or research scientists.