Catch up on the latest news and events in the study of Animal Sciences.
The Department of Animal Sciences commemorated its 100th anniversary in 2021, which makes it one of the oldest established departments of Animal Sciences in the country. We offer undergraduate and post-graduate programs that allow us to train graduates to fulfil the research, extension and development needs of South Africa, contributing to an improved quality of life of all its inhabitants. Training and research focusses on production aspects of domesticated (sheep and goats, dairy and beef cattle, poultry and ostriches, pigs, aquaculture) and non-domesticated (wildlife) species.
To learn more about our academic programs and research activities, please explore our web page. Feel free to contact any of our academics for more detailed information on our role in ensuring sustainable animal production for the generations to come.
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Animal Genomes
Animal Sciences
ARE YOU READY TO
Study Animal Sciences
Where passion for animals meets academic excellence!
UNDERGRADUATE
Animal Science is the scientific study of the nutrition, breeding, physiology and production of animals. The programme covers an integration of knowledge of the fields of animal physiology, monogastric and ruminant nutrition, animal breeding, production and product quality, ecology, biochemistry, as well as the management of animal production systems for increased production and production efficiency in an environmentally friendly, sustainable and cost-efficient manner.
POSTGRADUATE
The Postgraduate Diploma in Aquaculture is designed to expand and improve your knowledge in principles and practices for professional roles in growing Aquaculture Sectors. It is a specialised qualification which provides a theoretical foundation in areas like sustainable production, ecological aquaculture, and nutrition and health management. The curriculum is developed with industry-relevant information based on local and international case studies. In addition, you will be introduced to research methodology, scientific writing and presentation skills preparing you for more advanced research.
The Department offers a MScAgric degree in Animal Science and a MScAgric in Aquaculture. In addition, the Department also offers a MSc in Sustainable Agriculture. These degrees focus on training students in scientific research protocols and concepts.
The programme focuses strongly on research and aims to discover new insights and knowledge in the field of Animal Production Systems. This knowledge increases your general intellectual and professional skills and promotes your adaptability to carry out advanced research in a specific field of study that links up with other fields of study.
For the DSc degree, several advanced original research and/or creative work in Animal Production Systems is required. Additionally original and previously published work(s) of a high standard are required that show that you have made a real and exceptional contribution to the enrichment of the knowledge base in Animal Production Systems. An oral examination may also be required.
DISCOVER OUR
Research Programmes
Cutting-edge research conducted by our academics!
Our research confirms our dedication to train future animal scientists that will contribute meaningfully to sustainable livestock production within constraints such as animal welfare, food security, and global warming. The disciplines of animal physiology, nutrition and breeding form the three pillars of research projects that are conducted by the respective research groups, and the various group leaders are considered experts in their respective fields of research.
Monogastric Nutrition
Research on monogastric animals focuses on different aspects of poultry nutrition and management.
Animal Breeding
Animal breeding research focuses on improving the accuracy of selection in the national commercial livestock herds, e.g. dairy cattle, beef cattle and sheep.
Ruminant Nutrition
Ruminant nutrition research is aimed primarily at the optimal utilization of available raw materials to increase the production efficiency of cattle, sheep and goats.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture research focuses primarily on water ecology management of integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems to ensure the sustainable and viability of such systems.
Animal Physiology
Physiological research focuses on the influence of management on both the physiology of reproduction and digestive systems.
Meat Science
The meat science research team has focused on increasing output related to the University’s Food Security Initiative as part of the HOPE Project.
Research activities focus on enhancing the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of animal production industries, nationally and internationally.