Frank Idan
The researcher's work focuses on improving animal nutrition and digestion through various dietary interventions, particularly focusing on rice straw-based feed additives. Their research encompasses broiler chickens, sheep, Brachiaria decumbens, and Brachypia variegatrix, applying methods such as feeding starters, feed size optimization (e.g., Mash particle sizes), and supplementation with multi-enzyme compounds to enhance ruminant performance and gut health. Their work also explores the broader applications of animal nutrition in improving agricultural practices in rangeland contexts, particularly in Ethiopia, aiming to advance livestock productivity and national feed security.
Faculty Biography
Dr. Frank Idan is a distinguished Feed Scientist and Animal Nutrition Specialist with expertise in precision nutrition, feed processing technology, and sustainable livestock production. He holds a Ph.D. in Grain Science (with a focus on Feed Processing & Technology) from Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA; an M.Phil. in Animal Science (with a specialization in Animal Nutrition) from the University of Ghana, Legon; and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. As a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), he plays a crucial role in advancing animal nutrition education, mentoring students, and conducting groundbreaking research in feed science and technology.With over a decade of experience in both academia and industry, Dr. Idan has led pioneering methods in feed formulation and processing. His efforts highlight the use of economical, sustainable feed materials, including agricultural by-products such as eggshells, wheat bran, rice bran, corn cobs, and husks. He has played a crucial role in promoting sustainable animal agriculture by refining feed processing methods and incorporating alternative ingredients into animal diets. Dr. Idan's research centers on the strategic inclusion of browse plants in ruminant diets, the use of feed additives, such as exogenous enzymes, and the exploration of unconventional feed sources, all aimed at improving the productivity and efficiency of poultry and livestock systems.Dr. Idan currently leads the HAPPY Broiler Project for AgriImpact and sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation, overseeing sustainable poultry production, processing, and marketing, which has improved feed efficiency and market linkages to boost farmer incomes by over 30% while empowering over 100 youth, especially women. As the lead facilitator for the KNUST-UNIDO TVET training program, Dr. Idan has developed curricula, practical training manuals, and evaluation tools that enhanced students’ skills in animal nutrition and feed formulation, strengthening workforce readiness across borders. Additionally, he has trained over 100 participants in modern poultry husbandry and waste management practices through the Okuofo Pa Poultry Production Model, sponsored by ENI Group, equipping them with resources that inspired nearly half to pursue poultry entrepreneurship and adopt sustainable waste practices.Dr. Idan has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to academic mentorship and excellence, having supervised over 100 undergraduate students, 30 MSc candidates, 5 MPhil scholars, and 3 PhD researchers. He has also served as both internal and external examiner for numerous postgraduate theses. His academic leadership includes significant contributions to curriculum development in animal nutrition, feed processing and technology, poultry production and management, and agricultural waste management. A prolific researcher, Dr. Idan, has published extensively in high-impact scientific journals. Beyond the academic sphere, he actively collaborates with the livestock industry, leads farmer training programmes, and spearheads capacity-building initiatives, empowering stakeholders with evidence-based, science-driven feeding strategies to enhance animal productivity and promote sustainable livestock systems.He also serves as a consultant and trainer for feed mills, livestock farmers, and agribusinesses, advocating best practices in feed quality assurance, biosecurity, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Idan holds membership in several esteemed professional bodies, including the World Poultry Science Association (WPSA, USA & Ghana), All Africa Society for Animal Production (AASAP), Poultry Science Association (PSA, USA), Ghana Society of Animal Production (GSAP), and Ghana Animal Science Association (GASA). His leadership role as Financial Secretary of GSAP further underscores his dedication to the advancement of the livestock sector. Through his multifaceted work, Dr. Idan continues to shape the future of animal nutrition, feed science, and sustainable agribusiness development in Africa and beyond.
Agriculture and Rural Development Research
Animal Nutrition and Physiology
Livestock and Poultry Management
Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging
Rabbits: Nutrition, Reproduction, Health
Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology
Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology
Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics in Pigs and Poultry: A Review of Gut Health, Performance, and Environmental Outcomes
Open AccessEffect of Mash Particle Size and Die Speed on Machine Performance and Pellet Durability for Broiler Chickens
Open AccessNutritional evaluation and supplementation effect of bamboo leaves on intake, growth performance, and blood indices of Djallonké sheep fed <i>Cenchrus purpureus</i> and <i>Brachiaria decumbens</i> as basal diets
Open AccessEffects of concentrate supplement on dry matter and water intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance of N’dama bull calves fed Napier grass basal diet
Open AccessReview for "Valuation of livestock population and national feed security to enhance livestock productivity in Ethiopia"
Review for "Valuation of livestock population and national feed security to enhance livestock productivity in Ethiopia"
Farmers’ perceptions and willingness to adopt egg and snail shells as alternative calcium sources for poultry production in the Western region of Ghana
Open AccessChemical composition and in vitro gas production of Brachiaria decumbens harvested at different stages of growth in the hot humid region
Open AccessEffects of fodder tree leave supplementation for basal rice straw diet on rumen ammonia, pH, and degradation characteristics in sheep
Open AccessGrowth performance, intestinal morphometry, and blood serum parameters of broiler chickens fed diets containing increasing levels of wheat bran with or without exogenous multi-enzyme supplementation during the grower and finisher phases
Application of low molecular weight chitosan in animal nutrition, husbandry, and health: A review
Open AccessEffects of pellet diameter and crumble size on the growth performance and relative gizzard weight of broilers
Open AccessEffects of supplementing rice straw with two fodder tree leaves and their combinations on voluntary feed intake, growth, and nitrogen utilization in sheep
Open AccessGrowth Performance, Intestinal Morphometry, and Blood Serum Parameters of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Increasing Levels of Wheat Bran with or Without Exogenous Multi-Enzyme Supplementation
Open AccessPerformance indicators of sheep fed rice straw supplemented with browse leaves
Open AccessPreference, Voluntary Feed Intake, and Digestibility of Sheep Fed Untreated Rice Straw and Supplemented with Sole or Combined Fodder Tree Leaves
Open AccessEvaluating the effect of feeding starters crumbles on the overall performance of broilers raised for 42 days
Open AccessDepartment of Animal Science
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology