Welcome to the Department of Animal, Wildlife & Grassland Sciences.

Recently the Faculty was restructured to better serve our clients. The Department of Animal Science and the Department of Grassland Science joined to form the new Department of Animal, Wildlife & Grassland Sciences.

Animal Science focuses on the 3 disciplines namely Animal Breeding, Animal Nutrition and Animal Physiology in a variety of livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry) in production systems, ranging from intensive to extensive. The total spectrum from communal, small-scale through to commercial and stud units being covered. The fourth discipline of Grassland Science on the other hand involves the study of all aspects regarding the utilization, conservation and improvement of rangeland and cultivated pastures – in harmony with animal production.

Grassland Science is also committed to the conservation of the environment and here the discipline of Wildlife contributes to the efficient utilization of the grazing ecosystem. The aim in training and research is eventual optimal animal protein and fibre production, whilst maintaining the natural resources. The interaction between the various disciplines creates endless opportunities in the fields of Animal Science, Wildlife and Grassland Science.

Career Opportunities

The livestock industry in South Africa is responsible for 45% of the total agricultural production. Grassland Science also includes other related activities like e.g. game farming, soil and environmental conservation. These disciplines therefore offer a wide variety of career opportunities e.g. breed societies, farmer co-operatives, development agencies, production units, research institutions, government institutions, pharmaceutical companies, feed manufacturers and private consultants

Vision and Mission of the Department

The vision of the Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Science is to be a centre of scientific excellence in animal production for Africa. The mission of the Department on the other hand entails the transfer of knowledge and the creation of new knowledge and technologies through scientific research.
 
Animal Science as such focuses on a variety of livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry) in production systems ranging from intensive to extensive. Grassland Science again involves the study of all aspects regarding the utilisation, conservation and improvement of rangeland and cultivated pastures – in harmony with animal production. This discipline is also committed to the conservation of the environment, and here Wildlife contributes to the efficient utilisation of the grazing eco system.

In accordance with the mission and vision of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, the central theme of the Department focuses on research into efficient and economic animal production in order to supply animal products of high quality, taking public health and protection of natural resources and wildlife into account - by applying the principles of the disciplines of Animal Physiology, Animal Nutrition, Animal Breeding and Grassland Science.