Prof Carina Visser, Head of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Pretoria, has been elected as the new President of the South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS).

“It is a great privilege and honour to be appointed as the President of SASAS of excellent scientists, who work across the agricultural industry in Southern Africa and beyond,” Prof Visser said.

She was elected president in July at the 55th Annual National Congress held in Polokwane, for a two-year term.

“Prof Visser said, “In this term, I wish to improve collaboration between the various sectors of the animal industry, including the private industry, producers, commercial farmers, and the non-commercial (informal) sector. In this way, the growth of the whole value chain can be supported, and sustainable food security in South Africa could be improved.”

She specialises in animal breeding and genetics and focuses on the genetic improvement of small stock, mainly by applying molecular techniques. “The genetic improvement of efficient, adaptable animals in Africa will become crucial for food security, and I aim to play a part in overcoming the challenges that will face the human population in terms of climate change.”

Prof Visser is currently the Vice-President of the International Goat Association, and associate editor of Small Ruminant Research, Tropical Animal Health and Production, Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia and sub-editor of the South African Journal of Animal Science. She was awarded a bronze medal for an exceptional contribution to the advancement of professionalism and knowledge in animal science by SASAS. Prof Visser has authored and co-authored 68 peer-reviewed articles in national and international journals, and supervised / co-supervised 31 completed MSc and seven PhD studies. She currently has a C1 rating from the NRF.

SASAS aims to advance animal science and promote viable animal production systems, while sustaining natural resources and the environment.