Message from the Head of Department

Welcome to the Department of Animal Science

Since the establishment of Animal Science in the Faculty of Agriculture in 1917, the academics over 10 decades have been committed to training and educating high animal scientists as well as performing relevant research to serve the livestock, poultry and pig industries. The agricultural sector is a dynamic industry facing constant challenges for the production of safe and high-quality food in a sustainable and animal welfare-friendly manner. The Department of Animal Science strives to remain up-to-date with the most recent technologies and research to answer to the needs of a fast-growing South African population.

Animal Science is the field of study that includes all the aspects of production (feeding, breeding and selection) of farm animal species as well as the products from these animals (meat, fibres, eggs, dairy products). The BSc Agric four-year degree programme, is therefore focused on the three major disciplines namely, Animal breeding and genetics, Animal nutrition and Animal physiology. The degree program presented in this department is acknowledged for professional registration by the South African Council for Natural Scientists in terms of the Act 27 of 2003. 

The work environment of an Animal Scientist span a continuum from primary farming to the different livestock industries where graduates are employed in the animal feed industry (marketing, feed formulation, technical advisors, research and development, managers) and in the animal breeding and production industry (technical advisors at semen companies and breed societies, managers in private farming operations, international companies, legislation). As an Animal Scientist, you can pursue a career that suits your personality and interest in a fast-moving and exciting environment.

The Department of Animal Sciences is proud of its rich heritage of animal science education and research. We will continue to provide relevant education to our students and to support and develop our postgraduate students to answer to the challenges of the next 100 years.   

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