Programme
Overview
The Advanced Diploma in Animal Production equips graduates and agricultural professionals with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and analytical abilities required in modern livestock industries.
The programme focuses on sustainable animal production, innovation, research, agribusiness management, and the application of modern technologies to improve livestock productivity and profitability.
Students gain specialised knowledge in ruminant and non-ruminant production systems, animal nutrition, pasture and rangeland management, breeding and genetics, animal product processing, agricultural extension, and farm business management.
The qualification also exposes students to current industry trends, sustainable production practices, and challenges affecting the livestock sector in South Africa and globally.
A key component of the programme is the development of research and problem-solving skills. Students learn how to identify industry-related challenges, develop research proposals, collect and analyse data, and communicate findings effectively to farmers, industry stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers.
The programme further develops leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills required in technical and management roles within the agricultural sector.
The qualification combines advanced theoretical knowledge with practical application, enabling graduates to contribute to efficient, sustainable, and profitable livestock production systems.
Graduates are well prepared for careers in livestock enterprises, feed and nutrition industries, breeding organisations, agribusinesses, extension services, government departments, and agricultural research institutions.
The programme also provides a strong foundation for further postgraduate studies in animal production and related agricultural disciplines.
Why Choose
This Qualification
Take your knowledge and career in animal agriculture to the next level with an industry-focused qualification designed for future leaders, managers, researchers, and technical specialists in the livestock sector.
Gain Advanced Industry Knowledge
Develop specialised expertise in:
• Animal Nutrition
• Breeding & Genetics
• Reproduction Technologies
• Pasture & Rangeland Management
• Livestock Production Systems
• Animal Product Processing
• Farm Business Management
Develop Research & Problem-Solving Skills
Learn how to:
• Conduct research projects
• Analyse and interpret livestock data
• Solve real-world production challenges
• Apply modern technologies in animal production
• Communicate scientific information professionally
Hands-On & Industry Relevant
Gain practical and technical skills in:
• Sustainable livestock production
• Production efficiency improvement
• Animal welfare and product quality
• Feed formulation and nutrition planning
• Farm business and strategic management
Build Professional Skills
Graduate with skills in:
• Leadership & Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Research & Data Analysis
• Technical & Scientific Reporting
• Teamwork & Decision-Making
A pathway to postgraduate studies
The qualification provides a strong foundation for further studies and research in:
• Animal Science
• Animal Production
• Agricultural Sciences
• Livestock Research & Innovation
NQF Level 7
What You WIll Learn
The Advanced Diploma in Animal Production equips students with advanced scientific, managerial, and research-based competencies required to improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability across livestock production systems.
The programme integrates ruminant and non-ruminant production systems with strong emphasis on applied research, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.
Research-Focused Learning
A defining feature of the qualification is its strong research orientation, developed through multiple modules including Research Methods & Biometry and a capstone Research Project.
Students gain hands-on experience in:
• Research design, proposal development, and hypothesis formulation
• Experimental design (completely randomised, factorial, split-plot, and field trials)
• Quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques
• Statistical analysis using software (ANOVA, regression, correlation, and data modelling)
• Interpretation of scientific data to solve real-world production challenges
• Scientific reporting, recommendations, and evidence-based decision-making.
The final Research Project allows students to independently investigate an industry-related problem, from proposal to data analysis and reporting, preparing them for applied research roles
in agriculture.
Advanced Ruminant Production Systems
Focuses on beef, dairy, sheep, and goat production systems with emphasis on:
• Genetics, reproduction technologies, and breeding improvement
• Nutrition, feeding strategies, and efficiency optimisation
• Production systems (intensive, extensive, and pasture-based systems)
• Disease prevention, animal welfare, and herd health management
• Production economics, performance indicators, and profitability
• Industry challenges, sustainability, and market trends
Advanced Animal Nutrition
Covers advanced nutritional science for both ruminants and non-ruminants:
• Digestive physiology and nutrient metabolism
• Ration formulation and feed evaluation using computer systems
• Energy, protein, and mineral nutrition advancements
• Feeding strategies for growth, lactation, reproduction, and production efficiency
• Utilisation of alternative feeds and crop residues
• Poultry and pig nutrition systems and feed optimisation
Advanced Pasture Management
Develops expertise in sustainable grazing and rangeland systems:
• Pasture establishment, conservation, and fodder flow planning
• Grazing systems, stocking rates, and veld management strategies
• Rangeland ecology, monitoring, and veld condition assessment
• Soil fertility, irrigation, and pasture productivity optimisation
• Sustainable utilisation of natural resources and grazing ecosystems
Advanced Non-Ruminant Production Systems
Focuses on pig and poultry production systems:
• Breeding, genetics, and production efficiency
• Intensive, free-range, and organic production systems
• Nutrition, feeding programmes, and performance optimisation
• Disease control, biosecurity, and animal welfare
• Industry structure, economics, marketing, and quality assurance
• Hatchery management, incubation, and production technology
Advanced Animal Breeding
Develops genetic improvement and selection expertise:
• Population genetics and genetic variation
• Breeding values, heritability, and genetic parameters
• Selection methods and genetic prediction (BLUP)
• Crossbreeding, inbreeding, and hybrid vigour
• Genomic selection, QTLs, and modern breeding technologies
• Animal improvement programmes and genetic evaluation systems
Processing of Animal Food Products
Covers value addition and food safety in livestock products:
• Meat, milk, and egg processing technologies
•. Product quality, safety, preservation, and packaging
• Slaughtering, grading, and carcass evaluation
• Dairy fermentation, processing, and defects prevention
• Food legislation, hygiene, and quality control systems
Farm Business Management & Agricultural Extension
Builds managerial and industry engagement skills:
• Farm financial management, budgeting, and risk analysis
• Decision-making tools and farm planning systems
• Agricultural marketing, credit, and commercial law
• Extension methods, rural development, and technology transfer
• Participatory approaches and community-based development
Admission
Requirements
A Diploma in Animal Production or Equivalent Qualification as determined by the Head of Department with at least 60% average mark in the final year of study.
What Skills
Will You Gain
This qualification equips you with advanced practical, scientific, and research skills for modern livestock production and agribusiness.
Research & Data Analysis Skills: Conducting research projects, analysing production data, and using statistics to solve real industry problems.
Animal Production Skills: Managing beef, dairy, sheep, goat, pig, and poultry systems using modern production practices.
Nutrition & Feeding Skills: Formulating rations, evaluating feed quality, and applying efficient feeding strategies.
Breeding & Genetics Skills: Applying genetic improvement, selection, and breeding programmes.
Pasture & Resource Management Skills: Managing grazing systems, veld, and fodder production sustainably.
Farm Management Skills: Financial planning, risk management, and decision-making in farming enterprises.
Extension & Communication Skills: Engaging with farmers and transferring knowledge in agricultural settings.
Career
Opportunities
Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Animal Production can pursue a wide range of careers in the livestock, agribusiness, and agricultural research sectors.
Farm Manager / Assistant Farm Manager – managing livestock production systems on commercial farms
Animal Production Specialist – improving efficiency in beef, dairy, sheep, goat, pig, or poultry enterprises
Livestock Production Advisor / Consultant – providing technical advice to farmers and agribusinesses
Animal Nutritionist (Assistant Level) – supporting feed formulation and nutrition management
Breeding and Genetics Technician – assisting with genetic improvement and breeding programmes
Agricultural Extension Officer – supporting farmer training, development, and technology transfer
Research Assistant / Field Technician – working in agricultural research institutions and trials
Feed Company Technician / Representative – supporting feed formulation and product development
Quality Assurance Officer (Animal Products) – ensuring standards in meat, milk, and egg production chains
Agribusiness or Farm Business Supervisor – assisting with financial and operational farm management
Industry
Links and Partnerships
Teaching and learning are enriched through strong industry partnerships with organisations such as the South African Poultry Association, Mohair South Africa, and the South African Pork Producers Organisation, among others, ensuring that students gain relevant, up-to-date knowledge and exposure to real-world practices in animal production.