Animal Science University of Pretoria

Overview

Animal Science is a scientific field that involves the study of three major areas, namely animal breeding and genetics, physiology and the nutrition of all farm, equine and companion animals. 

The Department of Animal Science at UP is more than 100 years old and has a rich history of producing animal scientists and performing relevant research that has contributed to the development of the South African livestock industry. The way we practise livestock production has changed worldwide over the past century and new technological developments have created new opportunities for innovative research and application in all three disciplines of animal nutrition, animal breeding and genetics, and animal physiology. Animal scientists work in collaboration with veterinary scientists, crop scientists and agricultural economists to provide solutions to improve animal health and welfare, reduce CH4 emissions and increase the efficiency of production to meet the demands of the world’s growing population.

Animal science is a profession in its own right, according to Act 27 of 2003, and this requires animal scientists to register with the SA Council for Natural Science Professions once they have completed their degrees and start working in the livestock industry. The Animal Science programme provides a sound basis of fundamental sciences during the first two years of study, which include the subjects Physics, Chemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Mathematics and Biochemistry. These are essential for understanding and being able to integrate the advanced principles in animal genetics, animal physiology and nutrition that will be studied in the third and final year. In the final year, the three major focus areas of genetics, physiology and nutrition are integrated to teach the management and application of large livestock, small stock, poultry, pigs and companion animals. The Animal Science degree programme from University of Pretoria can lead to MScAgric programmes in animal nutrition, production physiology or animal breeding and genetics, or to an honours degree in Wildlife Management.

Career Opportunities

Animal science is focused on the application of the scientific aspects of animal production and the quality control of products to ensure consumer satisfaction and careers in this field make an important contribution to agriculture in South Africa. 

Based on the most recent research and the needs of both animals and humans, animal science focuses on the entire livestock production value chain, from conception to consumption. There are numerous career opportunities for animal and wildlife scientists in research, commercial farming and the public sector, and for professionals in the animal science industry. 

Animal scientists can work on different levels in these sectors, eg as researchers or consultants on animal nutrition or breeding, technical representatives, managers of intensive and extensive animal production systems and policymakers. The BScAgric (Animal Science) degree is acknowledged as a professional qualification by SACNSP in terms of Act 106 of 1993, and is internationally recognised, which means that graduates can register as professional animal scientists.