About Us – Department of Animal Science

The Department of Animal Sciences of Stellenbosch University, established in 1929, is one of the oldest Departments of its kind in South Africa. The Department is recognized nationally and internationally for its outstanding research in the priority areas of animal nutrition, animal breeding, reproductive physiology, and meat science. We strive to maintain excellence in undergraduate animal science education, and participate pro-actively with industry partners and relevant animal production communities to ensure the implementation of scientific findings, adhering to our “Research to Practice” approach.

Cutting-edge research allows us to train future animal scientists that will contribute meaningfully to sustainable livestock production within constraints such as animal welfare, food security, and global warming. Through our undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as our community interaction activities, we are committed to ensuring sustainable use of animal and agricultural resources.

Research activities focus on enhancing the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of animal production industries, nationally and internationally. Postgraduate projects encompass studies on various livestock species including dairy and beef cattle, sheep and goats, swine, poultry, ostriches, marine and freshwater aquaculture species, as well as wildlife.

Our History

The Department of Animal Sciences, which dates to 1921, was established from the then Department of Animal Husbandry of Stellenbosch University. Prof J H W Th Reimers, who received his training in Wageningen and Bonn, accepted the invitation to become the first professor in “Veeteelt en Zuiwelbereiding” on 21 April 1921. As a result, he became the first chairperson of the department. In 1941, the Department of Poultry Science was established, followed by the Department of Sheep and Wool Science in 1965. These departments functioned as separate units until 1994, when they were merged to become the Department of Animal
Sciences.

In January 2002, the Animal Physiology component of the Department of Human and Animal Physiology was incorporated into the Department of Animal Sciences, and in June 2003 the Department moved to the Mike de Vries building where the entire department was located and functioning under one roof for the very first time.

Curious cow looking to the camera at cattle farm.

Mission

Our mission is to train animal scientists of excellence in order to fulfil the research, extension and development needs of South Africa. In this way, we contribute to food security and improved quality of life of all South Africans. We strive to maintain excellence in undergraduate animal science education, and participate pro-actively with industry partners and relevant animal production communities to ensure the implementation of scientific findings, adhering to our “Research to Practice” approach.

Cutting-edge research allows us to train future animal scientists who will contribute meaningfully to sustainable livestock production within constraints such as animal welfare, food security, and global warming. Through our undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as our community interaction activities, we are committed to ensuring sustainable use of animal and agricultural resources.