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Animal Sciences Department |
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class="mceVisualAid"  The Animal Sciences Department comprises of three
inter-related sections, namely Primate Medicine and Surgery, Colony Management and
Diagnostics & Pathology laboratories.The primary responsibility of the department is the
acquisition and availing of laboratory animals, especially non- human primates
(NHPs), for research activities carried out at the Institute. This inevitably encompasses
the health care, provision of veterinary and related technical services during
the carrying out of scientific procedures and investigations utilizing these
animals.
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 is field oriented with a link to the laboratory-based studies. We conduct research on the ecology and conservation of non-human primates with particular emphasis on threatened and endangered species. In addition, endangered keystone species in the primates’ habitats, such as, Elephants, Grevy Zebras, Hirolas and Wild dogs are targeted in our conservation efforts, as well as diseases that threaten the survival of the species.
Mission statement:
A commitment to conservation of biodiversity through scientific research on flora and fauna.
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Reproductive Health and Biology |
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 Human Embyro -2 days after insemination This department conducts basic and applied research on aspects of reproductive health, reproductive biology, physiology and immunology that are relevant to the understanding of both human and non-human primate’s reproduction and fertility/infertility. In our research efforts, we have developed non-human primate models (especially baboon) to study specific aspects of reproductive health. This is as a result of our establishment that the baboon is a suitable model for testing the efficacy, safety and mechanism of action of fertility-regulating agents including immunocontraceptive vaccines. Conservation and management of primate species (both wild and captive) are also of major concern in the department and are being addressed in several ways. Studies on habitat ecology, housing designs and reproductive technologies (i.e. semen cryopreservation, artificial insemination, IVF and embryo cryopreservation/transfer) are envisaged. Assisted reproductive techniques that target endangered primates are urgently required to facilitate captive breeding and as an aid to genetic management since some colonies may not breed well in captivity.
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Tropical and Infectious Diseases |
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 Tropical and Infectious Diseases mostly affect poor countries in Africa and are one of the major challenges of medical research. In Addition new, emerging and re-emerging infections are occurring all the time. Hence it seems that devastating infections will always be with us. This department was formed with an aim of using primates in developing diagnostics, prophylactics and therapeutics against tropical diseases.The strengths of the department are: first, a team of highly trained and committed scientists and technologists who are applying modern research approaches; secondly, the availability of African Green monkeys and Baboons that have been developed as animal models for studying tropical and infectious diseases. These animals are ideal disease models since they are infected with most of the human infections and their response to the infections is similar to humans. Finally, the department bosats unique technologies that have been developed over the years. These include perfusion techniques for schistosome worm recovery in rodents and baboons, DNA vaccination by electroporation in baboons, transfection of P. knowlesi and long term in vitro culture of P. knowlesi.
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