Feed information is a valuable resource for animal production users which should be madernavailable in the appropriate format to meet the user need, This study examined the needrnfor an automated Feed Analysis Information Retrieval System for Sub-Saharan Africa, asrna means for improving the overall animal production in the region.rnTo attain the objectives of the study, the existing feed information systems were reviewedrnand analyzed to identify factors which limit these systems' availability and use . A commonrnphenomena identified was lack of standard formats for documentation and characterizationrnof the animal feed stuffs in the region.Additionally, most of the information on the composition of the indigenous Africanrnfeedstuffs were mainly found at Research Institutions where their availability was limitedrnto researchers of such institutions. Surveys undertaken as pan of this work revealed thatrnthis information is important to individuals and groups involved in animal production andrnshould be made widely available in the region; many institutions and individuals arerncurrently depending on foreign Feed Tables which may not always be appropriate for thernsituation in Sub-Saharan Africa.rnTo enhance the use of, and accessibility to this information. a prototype feed analysisrninformation retrieval system (FAIRS) has been developed using d Base IV.rnFAIRS has two main components: the user interface and the Database. The Databasernstructure has been designed using a relational data model. In the data structure,rnInternational Feed Standards and codes have been incorporated to facilitate standardizationrnof the system, and information exchange at institutional and regional levels. The secondrncomponent viz the interfaces has been designed to facilitate interactive system operationsrnby both the experienced and novice users. The system's function and user interfaces arerndesigned with simple user instructions at all levels.It is recommended that available feed composition information be compiled andrnincorporated in this or similar databases , which can then be produced on CD-ROM andrnmade available to National Agricultural Research Systems. Internet connectivity isrnincreasingly becoming available to countries in Africa, a development which should berntaken advantage. The possibility for providing feed information on the Internet should bernexamined by regional and international institutions like lLRl, with Information Technologyrncapabilities.