Department of Animal Science
Highlights of the Department
Established in 1960, the Department of Animal Sciences was created to train leaders for Ethiopia’s livestock sector and to deliver research that strengthens national food security.
Academic Achievements
From its founding through 1985, the department produced 316 B.Sc. graduates—304 Ethiopians and 12 students from across Africa and the Middle East. Graduate studies launched in 1979 and, by 1983/84, had awarded 15 M.Sc. degrees in General Animal Production. Plans for a second M.Sc. program in Food and Nutrition reflected the department’s forward-looking vision.
Research Impact
Faculty and graduate students completed more than 60 major research projects between 1960 and 1985, addressing practical challenges in livestock production, breeding, nutrition, and animal health. Proposals in the early 1980s sought additional laboratory capacity, staff development, and updated scientific literature to fuel continued innovation.
Legacy of Service
Alumni from the Class of 1985 remain active in veterinary medicine, research institutions, development agencies, and agribusiness ventures worldwide. Their dedication exemplifies the department’s enduring commitment to excellence and national service.
Table of Students and Their Current Positions
Department Course Catalog
Students – Photos and Profiles
20 Students - Animal Science Class of 1985
Abeba Belay
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Aberash W.
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Aregawi G.S
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Asheber Sewalem
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Berhanu Ayalew
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Ferdawek Tesfaye
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Gashaw Tadesse
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Gizaw Kebede
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Gosa T.
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Habtemariam Kassa
Dr Habtemariam Kassa is a principal scientist at CIFOR-ICRAF, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He joined CIFOR in January 2005 and brings extensive expertise in forest policy, rural development and sustainable livelihoods.
Link to H. Kassa biography at cifor-icraf
Kidane Gebremeskel
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Lemma Gizachew
Presently, livestock development specialist in FAO in the Republic of South SudanThe first position was as from Junior Research Officer to Head of Animal Feeds and Nutrition Research Divisionat Bako Research Centre; Director of Livestock and Fisheries Research Directorate of Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Addis Ababa; Joined FAO-Ethiopia in 2007; Member of the executive committee of Ethiopian Society of Animal Production and many technical networks, and a founder and chairperson of Pasture and Rangeland Forum in Ethiopia
Mulugeta Bekele
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Sisay Lemma
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Solomon Abegaz
Junior Research Officer at Bako Researh Center (IAR 1985-2004 and 2015-2019); Assistant Professor at Ambo College (2004-2007); Coordinator of the Research, Extension, and Publication Office and as Head of the Department of Animal Sciences; Senior Researcher at the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute 2007-2015; Taught at Haramaya, Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Ambo, Jimma, Bahir Dar, and Mizan-Tepi Universities; Consultancy with CGN-Wageningen University, ILRI, FAO, IGAD, and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
Tamirat Tadesse
After five years of service at the Ministry of Agriculture, obtained two MS degrees in Ag Econ and data comm. in the UK and worked as Education Quality Manager; Returning to Ethiopia, led the creation of Ethiopia’s first Basic Digital Skills training resources, and delivered specialized instruction to over 200 ICT instructors from 10 Polytechnic Colleges.
Tekalign R.
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Temam Ababulgu
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Tigabu Araya
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Wondiwoson B.
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Iconic Moments
Alem85 group pics
A memorable group photo capturing the spirit and unity of the Class of 1985.
Alem85 in Cafeteria
Sharing meals and conversations in the cafeteria, building lifelong friendships.
Alem85 in the library
Dedicated study sessions in the library, pursuing knowledge and excellence.
Alem85 games
Competitive spirit and camaraderie on display during athletic events.
The Soccer Champions 1985
Victory and celebration as champions of the 1985 soccer tournament.
Alem85 field
Memories made on the field, where teamwork and determination were forged.