SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Diploma in Animal Production

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
115386	Diploma in Animal Production
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Primary Agriculture
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-12-17	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2033-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the Diploma in Animal Production is to train and equip Animal production learners with the skills, knowledge, values and attitudes needed to be farmers, farm managers, or to assist in the communities. It will prepare learners to engage in market-orientated sustainable agricultural production, diversification of products and value-adding, to assist with food security and strengthening of the rural economy. The qualification will add to the existing qualification in Agriculture in Plant Production with which it will share some modules.

Rationale:
The qualification in Animal Production aims to address the needs of the farming community and the changing Agricultural landscape in South Africa. The South African agricultural landscape is in flux. It has a long history of inequitable development, and millions of land users do not benefit from the mainstream agricultural sector and the social and economic benefits derived from there. In Mpumalanga, the agricultural sector is the largest user of land, covering approximately 68% of the province. The province is well known for citrus, subtropical fruit, nuts and a variety of vegetables and animal production although a substantial productive livestock population exists. Together these industries can and do have a significant social, economic and environmental impact. The province is well-positioned to expand its contribution to GDP as well as to the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers. Thus, the presence of an institution with agricultural competence can contribute significantly to the wise development of agriculture in the province and the wider South Africa. The Advanced Diploma in Animal Production enables the institution to demonstrate that it reflects this particular character of Mpumalanga while concomitantly preparing the learners to work and contribute in the wider South African economy as well as internationally.

Ensuring production efficiency and adaptability is an important element in the transformation of the agricultural sector in South Africa. In the National Development Plan, Agricultural Science is considered critical to the country's future. The NDP calls for increasing and refocusing investment in research and development for the agricultural sector. One aspect of this is to strengthen the capacity to innovate for production efficiency and adaptability, especially in the light of climate change. The learners will be able to contribute to promoting food security by applying best practice in animal production and promoting sustainable animal production by small scale farmers.

The qualification is part of the institution's long-range plan to contribute to scholarship, community building and education. The qualification and the offered modules have been developed specifically to equip learners with skills and knowledge that will enable them to deliver on the outcomes identified in the various National strategies for South African Agriculture. They align with the principles and objectives of the National Strategy for Education and Training in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Finally, the qualification will create a pathway for learners who cannot gain entrance to a Bachelor's qualification, to access the institution's planned Honours, Masters and PhD in Agriculture.

Agricultural science is a critical skill identified in the National Development Plan. Learners will contribute to strengthening the capacity of the nation to meet its agricultural objectives. They will help meet the demand for professionals who can participate in leading South African agriculture through the complex world of agricultural and rural transformation while at the same time supporting and helping to expand commercial agricultural activity and productivity - with a particular emphasis on innovation in the primary production systems.

The qualification aligns to the labour market for primary production and product management with the specific aim of providing learners with a skill set that will enable them to obtain meaningful employment or establish consultancies. To do this will require that learners develop more than just knowledge and skills relevant to animal production management, methods and systems - they will need to do this in the context of the wider agricultural development agenda for South Africa.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is common knowledge that all learning has value, and the institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning. Institutions ensures tha alignment of the qualifications and award credit (through CAT) to promote lifelong learning. The purpose of the institution's RPL and CAT policy is to recognise prior learning for admission to qualifications, grant advanced placement in qualifications and grant credits for modules using the principles and processes that serve as the basis for RPL practices.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
Or

National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 120 Credits:

Introductory Animal Science 101 and 102, 25 Credits.

Farm Management 101 and 102, 20 Credits.

Agricultural Engineering 101 and 102, 25 Credits.

Numerical and Academic Literacy 1, 15 Credits.

Soil Science 101, 12 Credits.

Veld Management 102, 13 Credits.

Computer Science, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 200 Credits:

Large stock production 201, 202 and 203, 40 Credits.

Small stock production 201, 202 and 203, 40 Credits.

Farm management 201, 202, 20 Credits, 20 Credits.

Water management 201, 10 Credits, 10 Credits.

Veld management 202, 10 Credits.

Animal production processes WIL and Comprehensive Farm plan 301, 40 Credits.

Farm Management 301, 10 Credits.

Natural resource management 301, 30 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7, 40 Credits:

Advanced animal production processes 301, 20 Credits.

Farm Management 302, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Apply animal production practices to ensure the quality, and profitability of livestock on a farm. Criteria: Comprehensive farm plan incorporates appropriate animal production practices to ensure the quality, and profitability of livestock.

Design and implement an integrated animal production project that improves and sustains animal production and the livelihood of the farmer. Criteria: Comprehensive farm plan incorporates appropriate practices that improves and sustains animal production and the livelihood of the farmer.

Apply the principles of veld management in practice to ensure sustainable animal production, workable fodder flow program and prevention of bush encroachment. Criteria: Comprehensive farm plan incorporates appropriate veld management in practice to ensure sustainable animal production, workable fodder flow program and prevention of bush encroachment.

Apply the principles of animal nutrition and feeding to ensure optimal and profitable production of animal products. Criteria: Comprehensive farm plan incorporates appropriate protocols and practices for animal nutrition.

Apply the principles of breeding and selection to ensure optimal and profitable production of animal products. Criteria: Comprehensive farm plan incorporates modern ideas and practices for breeding and stock enhancement.

Apply the principles of Animal Health Care to ensure optimal and profitable production of animal products. Criteria: Comprehensive farm plan addresses all relevant animal health issues.

Implement and integrate, sustainable agri-business management plan by applying business principles trough utilising agricultural, financial, marketing and production information. Criteria: Comprehensive farm plan would result in a financially sustainable agricultural enterprise.

Demonstrates an understanding of relevant ethical issues and the implementation of best practices in animal welfare.

Access, process, manage and evaluate information through appropriate tools.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

Be aware of a range of methods and be able to select an appropriate method for a particular problem.

Show an understanding of how to produce knowledge in the discipline.

Appreciate that there may be several ways of knowing and that knowledge advances.

Select an appropriate method for a particular problem.

Demonstrate an understanding of the discourse required.

Understand that their actions will have consequences, and their decisions will follow ethical and moral principles.

Demonstrate an understanding of relevant ethical issues and the implementation of best practices in animal welfare.

Demonstrate sound ethical and professional practices.

Evaluate and use available tools for accessing, processing and managing information appropriately.

Compare and use available tools for data analysis appropriately to address the question.

Evaluate and use available tools for written and spoken communication appropriately based on the audience.

Apply knowledge in familiar conditions and learn how to use and apply existing knowledge and skills under new conditions.

Ensure the comprehensive farm plan takes a systems approach and successfully links the individual components.

Become independent learners who can assess their own needs.

Develop academic independence and manage their learning.

Learn responsibility when they work in groups, meet deadlines and follow rules of the institution.

Integrated Assessment:
Assessment serves multiple purposes, including allowing staff and learners to monitor learners' progress and determining the extent to which the learners are achieving the stated outcomes. Assessment will be integrated into the curriculum and will include a balance of formative and summative tools. In the first year, testing will be regular, and learners will be encouraged to understand that this is a tool by which they should judge their progress. First tests will be scheduled early enough in the term to allow staff to identify at-risk learners.

In the third-year, WIL will be through oral presentations, written reports and the Comprehensive Farm Plan.

At first and second-year levels, all summative assessments will go through internal moderation. At exit level in the third year, all summative assessment and at least 50% of formative assessments will be moderated by an external examiner.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Ohio State University:
The Livestock Production and Management qualification focus on animal care and management, business management, and associated services that are part of a livestock enterprise or related industry. Learners will choose a species specialisation in Beef, Small Ruminants, or Swine. Learners will study the principles and processes of nutrition, reproduction, genetics, live and carcass evaluation, and health and management of livestock, as well as accounting and farm business. Learners will complete an industry internship of full-time employment. Learners are typically paid for their employment, graded on their job performance, and awarded academic credit. Learners are encouraged to think independently and evaluate and solve problems under the guidance of the livestock facilities manager. This qualification is similar in many ways with this qualification in Animal Production. They share a similar range of theoretical modules with a period of workplace-based learning.

Scotland's Rural College (SRC):
This qualification aims to provide learners with a vocational qualification based on the skills and knowledge required for employment at supervisory/junior managerial level within the agricultural industry and self-employment in farming or other land-based sectors. Learners will gain the skills, knowledge and understanding of animal and crop production technology, farm mechanisation, business management, and managing people who are necessary for a position as a trainee/assistant farm manager or equivalent. Learners will also develop a sound appreciation of animal welfare, environmental and conservation issues and understand the concept of sustainability during your studies. The theoretical modules in animal and crop production technology, farm mechanisation and business management which are also part of this qualification.

Writtle University College UK:
This two-year qualification prepares learners for a wide range of careers in the livestock production industry and ancillary organisations. The qualification is designed to allow learners to specialise in farm business management and livestock production. On successful completion of the qualification, learners will have an understanding of the broad principles underpinning general livestock production while monitoring environmental and commercial viability. The qualification articulates to BSc (Hons) should the learner wish to do so. Modules include an introduction to livestock and production systems, agronomy and cropping sciences, climate soils and land use, principles of agricultural management, reproduction and breeding, health and welfare of farmed animals, agricultural markets and supply chains, and livestock science and technology.

At a number of Canadian universities (Manitoba, Fraser Valley), a Diploma level qualification is available and modules are similar to those seen elsewhere in the world and at UMP. In first year modules include farm business management or, agribusiness, large and small stock science, animal health and welfare, soils science and veld or pasture management. In second year further modules in farm management are offered with a module of economics. Advanced models in a range of livestock are offered and at some universities, there is a period of workplace-based learning.

The proposed Diploma in Animal Production at UMP shares many of the theoretical modules with other universities. Perhaps the most significant difference is that the period of workplace based learning at UMP is longer than at any of the other institutions.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production, NQF Level 6.

Vertical Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Animal Production, NQF Level 7.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

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PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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