Message from the Head of Department

The department of Animal & Wildlife Sciences is celebrating 100 years of Animal Science at UP this year!

Since the establishment of Animal Science in the Faculty of Agriculture in 1917, the academics over 10 decades in this department have been committed to a high quality education and training of 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 production of safe and high quality food in a sustainable manner. The department of Animal & Wildlife Sciences 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 and game species as well as the products from these animals (meat, fibres, eggs, dairy products). The BSc(Agric) four year degree program is therefore focussed 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.