Department of Animal Science
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
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Since ancient, the relationships between people and animals have been an integral part of our society, economy, and culture. Animals provide us with food, clothing, recreation, and companionship. Animal science, the study of the biological function of domestic and captive animals and their utilization by people, focuses on modern, efficient, and humane ways to care for and make the best use of the animals who share our lives.
The Department of Animal Science is offering courses with the primary objective of diverse livestock production. The courses cover a broad spectrum of farm animals' production, studies on their anatomy and physiology, animal breeding and animal nutrition, agrostology, and management aspects of the farm animals, including aquatic animals. On-farm training is also provided with the help of established livestock farms. In addition, students and the staff are visiting the farmers' fields to assist them in livestock management.
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Important Update
The Department of Animal Science has transitioned to a digital equipment booking platform. If you plan to use any equipment in the JICA building of the Department of Animal Science, please submit your request at least three working days in advance, along with the Head’s approval letter (which is a prerequisite for successful booking).
Early booking is strongly recommended.
To book the equipment, please use one of the following options:
🔗Click the link: https://forms.gle/FtoLjArGwDT2Ai1b9
📲 Scan the QR code:
Agriculture Exhibition 2026 in Oddusuddan is organized by the Department of Agriculture.
The Provincial Agriculture Exhibition was successfully conducted at the District Agriculture Training Centre, Oddusuddan, on 26th and 27th January 2026, commencing at 9.30 a.m., under the theme “Moving Towards Sustainable Agriculture While Confronting Climate Challenges.”
The Department of Animal Science played a significant role in the exhibition by displaying animal models of rabbit, fish, pig, and hen, and by presenting exhibits on the Integrated Farming System and Livestock Management System. These were effectively explained by temporary staff and final-year specialized students. The exhibition attracted a wide range of participants, including farmers, school students, and the general public, and served as an important platform for disseminating knowledge, building awareness, and promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices in the Northern Province.
Patti Pongal Vizha 2026 is a vibrant celebration of tradition and gratitude, organized by the dedicated staff of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna. The event will take place on Wednesday, 16 January 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Livestock and Poultry Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Ariviyal Nagar, Kilinochchi.
This auspicious occasion brings together faculty members and students to honor the spirit of Pongal—a festival symbolizing thanksgiving, prosperity, and reverence for farm animals and the agricultural community. The celebration will be graced by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Heads of Departments, faculty staff, invited guests, and students from Kilinochchi. Patti Pongal Vizha serves as a meaningful platform to celebrate the cultural and agricultural heritage of livestock farming, fostering unity, appreciation, and enduring traditional values.
As per the request of the Deputy Director, Department of Animal Production and Health, Kilinochchi District, and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, the Department of Animal Science conducted a hands-on training session on dairy product development. The workshop aimed to enhance the skills of community-based organizations in developing dairy products, viz. Yoghurt and paneer, at the household and small-scale level. Approximately 20 participants from various community-based organizations attended and benefited from the training session. The participants gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in dairy product development techniques such as Yoghurt and Paneer. The training successfully equipped them with the essential skills to process and develop dairy-based products at the household level, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the local dairy industry.
Sessions Conducted
The training comprised both theoretical and practical sessions:
- Theoretical Session: Conducted at the Regional Training Center, Ariviyal Nagar, Kilinochchi; theoretical aspects of yoghurt, paneer, and ice-cream making were discussed.
- Practical Session: Held at the Dairy Processing Unit (JICA), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture; Yoghurt and paneer were made.
Resource Persons
The training sessions were conducted by: Professor (Miss) J. Sinniah, Professor in Animal Science, Department of Animal Science (Theory & Practical Sessions)
Additionally, the following staff members from the Department of Animal Science assisted in the practical session:
- Miss. S. Stellamary – Temporary Demonstrator
- Mr. N. Arun – Temporary Demonstrator
- Mr. T. Kemakanth – Technical Officer
- Mr. T. Jenthiran – Lab Attendant
Special appreciation for Dr. (Mrs.) S. Kirijakala, Deputy Director Animal Production and Health, Kilinochchi, and Dr. S. Kajaranjan, Veterinary Surgeon, for organizing the training session well.
The Anitibiotic Resitance practical session was collaboratively organized by the Regional Livestock Training Centre, Department of Animal Production and Health - Kilinochchi, and the University of Peradeniya, this practical session was successfully conducted at the Livestock and Poultry Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Ariviyal Nagar, Kilinochchi, on 6th of February, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
With the participation of nearly 60 farmers, the session provided valuable insights into antibiotic resistance and essential farm management practices. Participants had the opportunity to visit the cattle unit, goat unit, poultry unit, and fodder field, gaining hands-on knowledge under the guidance of resource persons from the University of Peradeniya and the Department of Animal Production and Health.
The Patti Pongal Vizha 2025 is a vibrant and traditional celebration organized by the dedicated staff of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna. This special event will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Livestock and Poultry Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Ariviyal Nagar, Kilinochchi.
This auspicious occasion brings together the faculty and students to honor the Pongal festival, a time of gratitude and prosperity, especially for farm Animals and the agricultural community. The event will be graced by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Heads of Departments, faculty staff, and esteemed guests, alongside the participation of faculty members and students from Kilinochchi premises. The Patti Pongal Vizha is a unique platform to celebrate the significance of livestock and agriculture in our culture, fostering unity, appreciation, and traditional values.
A workshop for farmers was held in the Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna on 07th of March 2022 at 8.00 am. The participants' registration started at 8.30 am, and there were fifty farmers confirmed their participation. Then workshop was inaugurated by the Project Coordinator/ AHEAD operation, Dr.K.Pakeerathan, Head & Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna. After that fruitful introduction was given by Dr.(Mrs).Piratheepan, Head & Senior Lecturer, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna.
A brief presentation about the introduction of feeds to milking cows was given by the resource person Dr.S. Gowrythilakan Deputy Director/Department of Animal Production and Health. Followed by efficient feeding management technologies for milking cows was addressed by Dr.M.Sasikaran, Veterinary Surgeon/Kilinochchi. Then refreshment was given from 11.30 to 11.45 am. Thereafter, techniques & technologies for formulating ration was explained by Mr.S.Sritharan, Farm manager, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna. The morning session ended with the awarding ceremony for resource persons. Then lunch break was given from 12.15 to 12.30 noon.
Followed by field demonstration at Poultry & Livestock farm was held. The participants visited the cattle unit. The procedure to making silage was demonstrated, and the participants were actively participated in preparing the silage. After that, they visited pasture and fodder units. Finally, the certificates for participants were distributed by Dr.(Mrs).S.Piratheepan Head & Senior Lecturer, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna. The workshop was ended with a fine refreshment.
The Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna (UOJ), Sri Lanka has achieved a milestone in the signing of the license agreement for commercialization of a novel Bael fruit syrup incorporated drinking yoghurt with the Mullai Milk Processing Companies, Mullaitivu with the assistance of University Business Linkages (UBL), UOJ on 08th October 2021 at the Board room, UOJ.
The ultimate intention of the research was to develop a bael fruit syrup incorporated drinking yoghurt with medicinal and therapeutic properties. Currently, consumers are concerned about their health benefits and looking for food products produced without artificial preservatives, colorants, and flavourants. Accordingly, the product was developed using natural bael fruit while satisfying those requirements.
The research team is Mr. S. Anand Kumar (Principal Investigator/ Lecturer, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture), Mr. S. Sivatharshan (Research student), Mrs. S. Thiruchchenthuran (Lecturer, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture), Dr. (Mrs) S. Piratheepan (Head/ Senior Lecturer, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture) and the collaborators are Prof. D.D. Jayasena (Professor, Department of Animal Science, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka) and Dr. D.C. Mudannayake (Head, Department of Animal Science, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka).
Visit of Dr. Shaik Abdul Hussain, Scientist, ICAR, Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
Dr. Shaik Abdul Hussain, Scientist, ICAR, Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India visited the faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, from 26th January to 2nd February 2020. During his visit, he supported revising the curriculum of Animal Products Processing and Technology and Dairy Production and Technology. Further, he conducted incredible lectures to all batches of students regarding advanced technologies applied in the dairy industry. Additionally, he gave constructive suggestions to improve our dairy processing lab.
Agriculture exhibition 2020 in Kilinochchi organized by the Department of Agriculture
Department of Animal Science exhibited the animal models, silage, and value-added products and services at the Agriculture Exhibition that was organized by the Department of Agriculture beneath the theme of "Self Reliant Agricultural Economic Production" held on 1st and 2nd October 2020. School students, farmers, and the general public visited the stall. Faculty of Agriculture has disseminated their skills and knowledge with a sub-theme of "Agriculture economic development through research advancement and technological invention".
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