Animal Science Research Centre (ASRC)

Our Legacy

1960s: Established as the Agriculture Research Council (crop & livestock research).

Later: Transitioned to Livestock Productivity and Disease Control Programme (LPDCP).

Programmes to Centres: Became Livestock and Pest Research Centre.

Present: Animal Science Research Centre (ASRC).

Our Mission

To advance livestock productivity, animal health, and food safety through cutting-edge research, innovative biotechnology solutions, and sustainable disease control strategies that benefit Zambian farmers and communities.

Key Impact Areas

Biotechnology & GMO Testing: National reference laboratory.
Mycotoxicology & Food Safety: Mycotoxin monitoring & aflatoxin biocontrol.
Vector & Disease Control: IKS based solutions for tick-borne diseases.
Capacity Building: Training next-generation scientists.

Core Research Areas

Three strategic pillars driving animal science innovation

Biotechnology

GMO detection, biosafety, molecular biology, analytical services.

Mycotoxicology

Food safety, aflatoxin biocontrol, nuclear & isotopic techniques.

Vector & Disease

Tephrosia-based pesticides, tick-borne disease control, IKS.

Biotechnology Programme

National Biosafety Framework

The Biosafety Act promotes public awareness and liability mechanisms. The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) follows precautionary principles.

Baseline GMO Study: Maize & soya samples – Zambian-grown seeds GMO-free.

Processed Foods Testing: Supermarket products verified.

GMO Testing Services: Export certification & consumer choice.

Mycotoxicology & Food Safety

Established in 1981 following a serious contamination of relief maize. Mycotoxins are a persistent food safety problem in tropical regions.

Aflatoxin Biocontrol Project

Mitigation in maize & groundnut value chains.

Nuclear Techniques

Monitoring contaminants using isotopic tools.

National Monitoring Programme

Mycotoxin surveillance in maize & groundnuts.

RAF 5084 Project

Prevalence of pesticides, aflatoxins, ochratoxins.

Vector & Disease Control

Utilization of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and sustainable biodiversity use are flagship programmes.

Tephrosia vogelii – IKS-based Pesticide

Scientifically validated against ticks, reducing trypanosomiasis.

Tephrosia Pesticide Development: NISIRTIK & LIBERTICKILL.

Commercialisation: Ecotoxicology dossier for registration.

Training & Attachments

Students from CBU, UNZA, Evelyn Hone College gain practical skills in molecular biology, mycotoxin analysis.

Impact: Skilled graduates & strengthened national capacity.

Collaborative Network

Partners: IAEA, ARC-OVI, CVRI, National Biosafety Authority, CBU/UNZA. Satellite labs in Choma & Kasama.