Professor Olusiji Sunday Sowande is a Professor of Ruminant Animal Production at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria, with a distinguished career in teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, university administration, and professional service. He is a Registered Animal Scientist of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS/RAS/00508). He obtained his Bachelor of Agriculture in 1994, Master of Agriculture in 1999, and Doctor of Philosophy in 2005 from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, now FUNAAB. He joined the University as an academic in 1999 and has since made significant contributions to Animal Science education and research.
His teaching covers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in ruminant and livestock production, including comparative anatomy and physiology, animal agriculture, ruminant husbandry, livestock diseases and control, organic livestock production, dairy and beef production, sheep and goat production, small-ruminant fattening, and beef cattle production systems. He has also contributed to advanced training in animal science research, farm-animal housing, and livestock management.
Professor Sowande’s research focuses on sustainable livestock production, particularly the nutrition, growth, health, reproduction, and management of small ruminants. His work has extensively examined West African Dwarf goats and sheep, with interests in alternative feed resources, dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, algae biomass supplementation, oxidative stress, mineral nutrition, reproductive performance, medicinal plants for controlling gastrointestinal nematodes, and sustainable on-farm production systems. His current research includes selenium and vitamin supplementation and copper sources for improving productivity and reproduction in West African Dwarf goats.
He has published widely in national and international journals and conference proceedings and has supervised many undergraduate projects, postgraduate dissertations, and doctoral theses. His scholarship reflects a sustained commitment to improving livestock productivity while addressing nutritional, environmental, and management challenges in tropical small-ruminant production systems.
Within FUNAAB, Professor Sowande has held several leadership positions, including Dean, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production; Deputy Dean; Acting Head, Department of Animal Production and Health; Coordinator of the Postgraduate Programme; Member of Senate; and Member of the University Governing Council. He has chaired various university committees and, in August 2023, was appointed Chairman of the University’s Committee of Deans and Directors, following earlier service as Chairman of the Committee of Deans of Agriculture. He is also active in professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society for Animal Production, Animal Science Association of Nigeria, International Goat Association, and Nigerian Institute of Animal Science.
Through his teaching, research, mentoring, leadership, and professional engagement, Professor Sowande remains committed to advancing sustainable animal agriculture, strengthening agricultural higher education, and translating research into practical solutions for livestock producers and the wider agricultural sector.
– Ph.D. 2005
– M. Agric. 1999
– B. Agric. 1994
– Medicinal plants against gastrointestinal nematodes and methane production in WAD goats
– Algae biomass supplementation in WAD goats
– Selenium, Vitamin C and E in growth and reproduction
– Copper source effects (conventional, organic, nano-Cu) on WAD goats
– Dietary Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) in WAD does and kids
– Management/season/nutrient density effects on oxidative stress
– WAD goats responses to raw and fermented malted sorghum sprout
– On-farm goat management systems: performance and blood profile
– AG. Leventis (Egba) scholarship award for postgraduate students: 1999.
– AG. Leventis (Egba) scholarship for postgraduate students: 2001 — 2003
– Nigerian Society for Animal Production (2002007D)
– Animal Science Association of Nigeria (1994/092)
– International Goat Association
– Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS/RAS/00508)
– National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners (Charter Number 896)
– Association of Cybersecurity Practitioners (Charter Number 636)
i.50th annual conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP) held the at Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State on “Exploring transformation in Animal Agriculture for food security, wealth creation and economic growth.” March 16 to 20, 2025.
ii.49th annual conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP) held the at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State on “Improving Animal Agriculture for sustainable economic development in Nigeria.” March 24 to 27, 2024.
iii.67th annual general meeting/8th conference of the Association of Deans of Agriculture in Nigeria Universities held at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State on Climate change: Agricultural innovations and bio–entrepreneurship for sustainable development, food sufficiency and economic transformation. July 7 to 11, 2024.
iv.29th annual conference of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Lagos State on “Animal Agriculture: Panacea for food and nutrition security.” September 8 to 12, 2024.
v.South–West regional awareness and sensitization workshop on bio-economy, employment, and inclusive growth using cassava-bioethanol value chain development programme pilot held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State. Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National planning & Ree Engineering Limited. July 25 to 26, 2023.
vi.65th and 66th annual general meeting/6th and 7th conference of the Association of Deans of Agriculture in Nigeria Universities held at the University of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. July 10 to 14, 2023.
vii.48th annual conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP) held the at the Federal University, Dutsin–Ma, Katsina State on “Animal Agriculture: A sustainable path to Nigeria’s economic recovery and food security.” June 18 to 22, 2023.
viii.47th annual conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP) held the at the University of Jos, Plateau State on “Securing Animal Agriculture amidst global challenges.” March 13 to 17, 2022.
ix.26th annual conference of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) held at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on “Livestock resilience in the post–COVID era.” September 5 to 9, 2021.
x.24th annual conference of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State on “Animal Agriculture: Anchor for sustainable economic and human development in Nigeria.” September 8 to 12, 2019.
xi.11TH African Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) I and 2nd ACE impact workshops held at King Fahd and Radisson Blu Hotels, Senegal. September 22 to 28, 2019.
i.Ikyume, T. T., Sowande, O. S., Yusuf, A. O., Oni, A. O., Dele, P. A, and Ibrahim, O. T. 2020. In vitro gas production, methane production and fermentation kinetics of concentrate diet containing incremental levels of sodium humate. Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus 85(2): 183 – 189. Published by Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
ii.Ikyume, T. T., Oni, A. O., Yusuf, A. O., Sowande, O. S. and Adegbehin, S. 2020. Rumen metabolites and microbiome of semi-intensively managed West African dwarf goats supplemented with concentrate diet of varying levels of sodium humate. Egyptian Journal of Veterinary Science. 50(2): 263 – 270. Published by Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, National Information and Documentation Centre, Egypt.
iii.Oni, A.O, Ogagu, B., Yusuf, A. O., Adelusi, O., Sowande, O. S. and Onwuka, C. F. I. 2020. Feed additive effect of Chromolaena odorata on performance of West African dwarf bucks. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 47(3): 262 -272. Published by Nigerian Society for Animal Production. Nigeria.
iv.Omotosho, B. O., Bemji, M. N., Bamisile, K., Ozoje, M. O., Oluwatosin, B. O., Sowande, O. S., Wheto, M., James, I. J., Lawal, A. M. and Osinowo, O. A. 2020. Comparative study of growth patterns of Kalahari Red goats and West African dwarf goats reared in 16 Southwest Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 47(5): 213 -226. Published by Nigerian Society for Animal Production. Nigeria.
v.Okeniyi, F. A., Olawoye, S. O., Adeyonu, A. G., Animashahun, R. A., Onwuka, C. F. I., Aina, A. B. J. and Sowande, O. S. 2020a. Performance, haematology and serum biochemical indices of West African dwarf bucks fed elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) supplemented with urea-maize stover diets. Coast Journal of the School of Science. 2(2): 469 – 481. Published by School of Science, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria.
vi.Okeniyi, F. A., Olawoye, S. O., Animashahun, R. A., Alabi, O. O., Shoyombo, A. J., Falana, M. B., Aina, A. B. J., Onwuka, C. F. I. and Sowande. O. S. 2020b. Mineral balance, nutrient intake and digestibility of West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed urea-mixed milled maize stover diets. ADAN Journal of Agriculture. 1:149 – 159. Published by Association of Deans of Agriculture in Nigeria Universities. Nigeria.
vii.Yusuf, A. O., Fakunle, A., Oni, A. O and Sowande, O. S. 2021. Influence of different forms of copper supplementation on West African dwarf does fed malted sorghum sprout. Tropical Animal Production Investigations 24(1): 1 – 7. Published by Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
viii.Saka, A. A., Sowande, O. S., Yusuf, A. O. and Dele, P. A. 2021. Influence of fermented malted sorghum sprout based diet supplemented with copper glycine on oxidative stability in West African dwarf goats. Tropical Animal Production Investigations 24(1): 16 – 23. Published by Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
ix.Ikyume, T. T., Yusuf, A. O., Oni, A. O., Sowande, O. S., Ikuejamoye‐Omotore, S. and Dansu, S. S. 2021. Performance and oxidative stress biomarkers of West African dwarf goats fed diet containing incremental sodium humate. Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science, 11:123-133. Published by Islamic Azad University, Iran
x.Sowande, O. S., Yusuf, A. O., Owolabi, A. J., Ayankoso, M. T. and Ajayi, T. O. 2021. Climatic Vagary and COVID-19 Pandemic: Influence on Livestock Production and Household Performance in South Western Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 48(4):201-212. Published by Nigerian Society for Animal Production. Nigeria.
xi.Oni, A. O., Ogagu, B., Yusuf, A. O. Adelusi, O., Sowande, O. S. and Onwuka, C. F. I. 2021. In vitro evaluation of siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) additive as a potential rumen modifier in West African Dwarf bucks. Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus 86(2): 165 – 172. Published by Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
xii.Dele, P. A., Akinyemi, B. T., Okukenu, O. A., Anotaenwere, C. C., Enwete, F. E., Kasim, O. B., Amole, T. A., Sowande, O. S., Olanite, J. A., Arigbede, O. M. and Jolaosho, A. O. 2021. Forage elemental concentrations and ratios of two groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) varieties: Effect of fertilizer type. Nigerian Journal of Animal Science, 23 (3): 140-150. Published by Animal Science Association of Nigeria.
xiii.Yusuf, A. O., Owolabi, A. J., Adebayo, K. O., Aina, A. B. J., Sowande, O. S. and Ajayi, T. O. 2021. Growth performance of goats fed diets containing varying levels of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Agricultura Tropica et Subtropica: 54:228–237. Published by Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic.
xiv.Adebayo, T. J., Adebayo, K. O., Aderinboye, R. Y. and Sowande, O. S. 2022. Effects of varying concentrations of Morinda lucida leaf extract on in vitro gas production and fermentation parameters. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 34 (10): Article 91. Published by Fundacion CIPAV, Cali, Colombia.
xv.Dele, P. A., Akinyemi, B. T., Anotaemwere, C. C., Enwete, F. E., Kasim, O. B., Amole, T. A., Kenneth-Obosi, O., Sowande, O. S., Arigbede, O. M. and Jolaosho, A. O. 2022. Effect of fertilizer type on protein and carbohydrate fractions of two varieties of Arachis hypogaea fodder. Thai Journal of Agricultural Science, 55(4):197-210. Published by Agricultural Science Association of Thailand.
xvi.Adebisi, I. A., Ajibike, A. B., Okunlola, O. O., Aina, A. B. J., Sowande, O. S., Aderinboye, R. Y., Oladepo, O., Mustapha, T. B. and Oloko, A. B. 2022. Evaluation of nutritive quality and anti-nutrient contents of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) foliage as influenced by cutting regimes in derived savanna zone of Nigeria. Journal of Animal Production Research. 34(1):70-83. Published by National Animal Production Research Institute Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
xvii.Saka, A. A., Sowande, O. S., Yusuf, A. O. and Ogunleke, F. O. 2022. Importance of dietary copper supplementation in ruminant production: A review. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production. 49(2):235-245. Published by Nigerian Society for Animal Production. Nigeria.
xviii.Yusuf, A. O., Adeyi, T. K., Sowande, O. S., Oni, O. A. and Olowokere, V. O. 2022. Nano zinc oxide supplementation improves growth performance and health of West African dwarf goats. Egyptian Journal of Animal Production. 59(2):69-78. Published by the Egyptian Society of Animal Production. Egypt.
xix.Adebisi, I. A., Okunlola, O. O., Aina, A. B. J., Sowande, O. S., Aderinboye, R. Y. 2022. Nutritional potential of Cajanus cajan foliage hay on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of West African dwarf growing rams fed Panicum maximum. Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 12(3): 269-281. Published by Greener Journals. Nigeria
xx.Ikyume, T. T., Yusuf, A. O., Adeleye, O. O., Dele, P. A., Oni, A. O. and Sowande, O. S. 2023. Maintenance behaviour of West African dwarf goats on concentrate diet containing incremental sodium humate. Asian Science Bulletin, 1: 1 – 7. Published by Science International, United Arab Emirate.
xxi.Adebisi, I. A., Ajibike, A. B., Okunlola, O.O., Aina, A. B. J., Sowande, O. S., Aderinboye, R. Y., Oladepo, O., Amusa, H. O and Mustapha, T. B. 2023. Haematological parameters and serum biochemical constituents of West African dwarf growing rams fed Panicum maximum supplemented with Cajanus cajan foliage hay. Nigerian Journal of Animal Science and Technology. 6 (3) 13 – 28. Published by Department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
xxii.Egbeyale, L. T., Adeleye, O.O., Olapade, D. O., Opowoye, I. O., Onwuka, C. F. I. and Sowande, O. S. 2023. Blood and reproductive indices of rabbit does fed supplemented algal biomass diets. Thai Journal of Agricultural Science, 56(1):26 – 37. Published by Agricultural Science Association of Thailand.
xxiii.Yusuf, A. O., Adeyi, T. K., Oni, A. O., Owolabi, A. J. and Sowande O. S. 2023. Nano zinc supplementation in ruminant’s livestock, influence on physiological, immune functions and oxidative stability of West African dwarf goat bucks. Comparative Clinical Pathology 32, 629–643. Published by Springer Nature. United Kingdom.
xxiv.Adekunle, E. O., Odeyemi, A. J., Majekodunmi, B. C., Akosile, O. A., Akinjute, O. F., Daramola, J. O., Onagbesan, O. M. and Sowande, O. S. (2024). Effect of three different centrifugation on cryosurvival of goat spermatozoa supplemented with vitamin E. Bulletin of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. Animal Science and Biotechnologies 81(2):10-20. Published by Universitatea de Stiinte Agricola si Medicina Veterinary. Romania.
xxv.Saka, A. A., Sowande, O. S., Yusuf, A. O., Adesina, M. A., Ogunleke, F. O., Adedeji, O. Y., Asha, O. E., Adebisi, I. A., Makinwa, B. A. and Odunsi O. O. 2024. Evaluation of dietary malted sorghum sprout treated with polyethylene glycol on the performance of West African dwarf goats. Tropical Animal Production Investigation, 27 (02):1-13. Published by Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Nigeria. https://journals.ui.edu.ng/index.php/tapi
xxvi.Yusuf, A. O., Owolabi, A. J, Sonibare, A. O. and Sowande, O. S. 2025. In vitro anthelmintic efficacy of ethanolic extract of three phenol containing plants against Haemonchus contortus. Nigerian Journal of Parasitology 46(1): 153-160. Published by Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria.
xxvii.Yusuf, A., Akinyemi, B., Surajudeen, M. and Sowande, O. 2025. Influence of nano zinc supplementation on the haematological properties, serum biochemical constituents, rumen microbes and minerals of West African Dwarf sheep. Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science 15(2): 249-255. Published by Islamic Azad University, Rasht Branch, Rasht, Iran. https://doi.org/10.71798/ijas.2025.1214887
xxviii.Ayankoso, M. T., Sowande, O. S., Yusuf, A. O., Adebayo, K. O., Owolabi, A. J., and Ajayi, T. O. 2025. Effect of Allium sativum extract on growth performance, nutrient intake, digestibility, and nitrogen utilization of West African Dwarf goats artificially infected with Haemonchus contortus. Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine 10(4): 325-333. Published by Integrity Research Journals. https://doi.org/10.31248/JASVM2025.546
xxix.Yusuf, A. O., Owolabi, A. J., Sonibare, A. O., Ajayi, T., and Sowande, O. S. 2025. Influence of supplemented levels of Acacia nilotica leaf meal on growth performance, faecal egg count and haematological parameters of West African dwarf bucks. Egyptian Journal of Veterinary Science 56(9): Published by National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Egypt.
xxx.Raouf, T., Kwaghfan, S., Toviesi, D., Yusuf, A. O., Adewumi, O. O., Williams, T. J., and Sowande, O. S. 2025. Comparative effect of feeding selected forages on performance, milk yield and milk composition of West African dwarf goat dams during dry season. Archiva Zootechnica, 28(1): 167-185. Published by Sciendo. DOI:10.2478/azibna-2025-0010
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