If you’re planning to study Animal Science in 2026, let’s slow things down and get this right. This is one of those courses where most people think they know the subject combination… until JAMB or the university proves them wrong.
Animal Science sits at the intersection of agriculture, biology, and applied science. Universities expect candidates who already have a solid science background and understand how living systems work—especially animals, nutrition, genetics, and production systems.
So before we jump into listing subjects, let’s break down why certain subjects are required, why others are optional, and how JAMB gives candidates some flexibility.
What Animal Science Is Really About (Why Subject Choice Matters)
Animal Science focuses on:
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Animal breeding and genetics
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Nutrition and feed formulation
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Livestock production and management
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Animal health and physiology
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Sustainable agriculture and food security
Because of this, universities want candidates who already have:
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A strong grounding in biology
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Comfort with scientific thinking
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Basic understanding of chemical and physical processes in living organisms
That expectation directly shapes the JAMB subject combination.
The One Subject You Cannot Escape
No matter the course, JAMB requires four subjects, and one of them is compulsory for everyone.
Compulsory for All Candidates
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Use of English
There is no workaround here. Even if you’re brilliant in science, skipping English is an automatic disqualification.
Now let’s move into the real decision-making part.
Core JAMB Subjects for Animal Science (Non-Negotiable)
These are the subjects that form the backbone of Animal Science. Most universities in Nigeria agree on these.
Core Subjects
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Biology
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Chemistry
Here’s why they are core:
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Biology is essential for understanding animals, reproduction, anatomy, and physiology.
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Chemistry supports nutrition, metabolism, feed formulation, and biochemical processes.
If a candidate misses either of these, admission into Animal Science becomes extremely unlikely.
So at this point, you already have:
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Use of English
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Biology
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Chemistry
That leaves one more subject slot—and this is where options come in.
Optional Subjects (You Choose ONE)
For the fourth subject, JAMB allows candidates to choose one subject from an approved list. This is where flexibility exists, and where many students get confused.
Accepted Optional Subjects for Animal Science
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Physics
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Agricultural Science
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Mathematics
You only need one of the above, not all of them.
Let’s explain how each one fits.
Option 1: Physics
Physics supports areas like:
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Animal housing systems
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Farm machinery and equipment
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Energy, heat, and basic mechanics in production systems
This option is often preferred by universities with a strong science or technology focus.
Option 2: Agricultural Science
This is the most intuitive option.
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Directly linked to farming and livestock
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Familiar territory for many candidates
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Often considered the safest and most practical choice
If you studied Agricultural Science well in secondary school, this option usually feels natural.
Option 3: Mathematics
Mathematics supports:
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Feed formulation calculations
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Data analysis
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Growth and production modeling
Some universities accept it comfortably, but it’s best used by candidates who are confident with numbers.
Recommended JAMB Subject Combinations for Animal Science (2026)
Below are valid combinations, depending on what you choose as your optional subject:
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Use of English
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
OR
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Use of English
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Agricultural Science
OR
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Use of English
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Mathematics
All three are acceptable, but Agricultural Science or Physics are generally safer across more universities.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
These mistakes cost students admission every year:
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Replacing Biology with Agricultural Science
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Choosing subjects like Economics or Geography
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Assuming “science-related” automatically means acceptable
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Not checking university-specific requirements
Remember: JAMB may allow a combination, but universities still make the final call.
Always cross-check with the official brochure from Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board before registration.
Final Advice (Read This Before Registering)
If you want the least stressful path:
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Lock in Biology and Chemistry immediately
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Choose Agricultural Science or Physics as your optional subject
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Avoid experimenting with unrelated subjects
Animal Science is competitive, and subject combination errors are one of the easiest ways to get screened out before your score is even considered.