Our Mandate
To conduct research that improves livestock health, enhances animal breeding programs, and develops sustainable animal production systems for Zambia's food security and economic growth.
Our Mission
To innovate and deliver science-based solutions for animal health, nutrition, and genetics through cutting-edge research, capacity building, and partnerships with farmers and industry stakeholders.
Our Vision
To be a center of excellence in animal science research in Africa, driving innovation and contributing to a food-secure nation with healthy, productive livestock and quality animal products.
About the Department
The Animal Science Department at NISIR is Zambia's premier research hub for livestock health, breeding, and animal products development. Established in 1998, we have been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to improve animal productivity, enhance disease resistance, and support the growth of the livestock industry. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and research farms, along with our expert team, collaborate with local and international partners to ensure that Zambian livestock and animal products meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
Department in Action
Livestock Research Facility
See our state-of-the-art animal research facilities
Animal Breeding Innovations
Research on genetic improvement of local livestock
Research Activities
Cattle Breeding
Genetic improvement for milk production
Poultry Science
Disease resistance in local chickens
Vaccine Development
Foot-and-mouth disease research
Field Research
Veterinary team at work
Past Projects
Indigenous Cattle Genomics (2021-2025)
Mapped genome of local cattle breeds to identify heat tolerance and disease resistance genes.
Vaccine Development (2020-2024)
Developed cost-effective vaccine for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP).
Poultry Feed Optimization (2019-2023)
Formulated low-cost feed using local ingredients, improving egg production by 25%.
Current Research Projects
Genomic Selection for Dairy Cattle
Lead: Dr. Chisanga · Started Jan 2026 · Expected completion: Dec 2028
Using genomic markers to select for improved milk yield and heat tolerance in Zambian dairy cattle.
Trypanosomiasis Control in Cattle
Lead: Dr. Mwila · Started Mar 2025 · Expected completion: Aug 2027
Developing integrated vector control strategies and trypanotolerant breeding programs.
Small Ruminant Improvement Program
Lead: Dr. Banda · Started Feb 2026 · Expected completion: Mar 2029
Selective breeding program for meat and milk production in local goats and sheep.
Recent Publications
Chisanga M., Mwila K., et al. (2026). "Genomic characterization of indigenous Zambian cattle breeds reveals adaptation genes." Journal of Animal Science, 94(3), 245-258.
Mwila K., Banda F. (2025). "Efficacy of a novel trypanosomiasis vaccine candidate in cattle." Veterinary Parasitology, 328, 110-119.
Banda F., Chisanga M. (2025). "Growth performance and carcass characteristics of local goats supplemented with Moringa oleifera." Small Ruminant Research, 225, 107-115.