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: 

Advanced Diploma in Animal Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116406  Advanced Diploma in Animal Production 
ORIGINATOR
Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2020-02-28  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 this qualification is to provide learners with a proper understanding, knowledge, and skills in Animal Production. These are crucial in a continuously changing livestock production environment faced with climate change, and development of different adaptation strategies and new technologies. A learner will be able to:
  • Effectively communicate information and deploy essential techniques of the discipline effectively in their field of study and work context.
  • Develop a research proposal, execute the research, analyse the data and communicate the findings.
  • Exhibit a detailed knowledge and demonstrate an understanding of discipline-specific theories, and the scientific principles of genetics, reproduction, nutrition, physiology, and environment and how these areas integrate into affecting animal production.
  • Evaluate the economic performance of livestock enterprises and explain how management decisions influence performance and profitability.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the various species of livestock, their traditional and non-traditional production systems, and the industries associated with the respective species.
  • Recognise how production systems can be improved by manipulation and management and identify and address the ethical and environmental implications of production systems.
  • Exhibit many of the characteristics of a life-long learner, possessing a questioning and critical sense of curiosity, self-motivated, reflective, and capable of employing a range of metacognitive skills and learning strategies.

    Learners must also be able to evaluate and apply advances in biotechnology to ensure a sustainable future for livestock farmers and a competitive market for animal products. The qualification will equip the learners with investigative and research skills needed to solve current production problems in the industry. It will further deepen their understanding of the main aspects of Animal Production, and the associated business management and advisory skills needed by these practitioners.

    Rationale:
    The increase in world population suggests a need to increase agriculture production to feed this increasing population. This trend means the country needs animal production practitioners who align with the science and technology associated with modern animal production. The norms and standard for extension and advisory services in agriculture state that "On average, an extension officer has three years of post-matriculation agricultural Diploma qualification, which is inadequate for equipping the officer with the requisite skills and competencies to achieve the desired outputs." This predicament, therefore, necessitated a need to develop a qualification that will improve the skills of the graduates and meet the required standards for extension officers needed by the country. This qualification will result in the learner qualifying for employment as an agriculture advisor (extension officer), and the learner can also further their studies by enrolling for an Honours qualification in Animal Production.

    The learner of this qualification can seek self-employment both as a livestock farmer and livestock unit manager. Further, the qualification provides a sound base for those learners aspiring for advanced training in specialised areas of Animal Science. Additional careers include employment in government (extension and research departments), farms, breed societies, feed companies, educational institutions and also as consultants. This qualification will assist the learners in being technical advisors in government and livestock-related organisations. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for the mature learners seeking to enrol the RPL process will involve the application, assessment, and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal and non-formal learning. The institute intends to exempt learners from specific modules. For exemption of modules, an applicant should have gained knowledge in particular areas through informal and non-formal learning, and this knowledge should be closely related to the Exit Level Outcomes of the Advanced Diploma in Animal Production. In this case, there will be an assessment of the applicant's knowledge against the learning outcomes of a particular module, for recognition. Based on the assessment results, the applicant will be able to enrol and may apply for exemption from some subjects/courses.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is a:
  • National Diploma in Agriculture in Animal Production, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Agriculture, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 6 and 7 totalling 156 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 64 Credits:
  • Research Methods and Biometry, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Farm Business Management, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Agricultural Extension, 12 Credits.
  • Processing of Animal Food Products, 12 Credits.
  • Aquaculture, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 92 Credits:
  • Advanced Ruminant Production Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Animal Nutrition, 14 Credits.
  • Advanced Pasture Management, 14 Credits.
  • Advanced Non-Ruminant Production Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Animal Breeding, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively in their field of study and a work context.
    2. Develop a research proposal, execute the research, analyse data and communicate the findings.
    3. Exhibit a detailed knowledge and demonstrate an understanding of discipline-specific theories, and the scientific principles of genetics, reproduction, nutrition, physiology, and environment and how these areas integrate into affecting animal production.
    4. Evaluate the economic performance of livestock enterprises and explain how management decisions influence performance and profitability.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge of the various species of livestock, their traditional and non-traditional production systems, and the industries associated with the respective species.
    6. Recognise how production systems can be improved by manipulation and management and identify and address the ethical and environmental implications of production systems.
    7. Be prepared for successful careers and continuous professional and personal growth. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
  • Collect, synthesise and critically evaluate new information and research data in any chosen livestock production topic.
  • Communicate the findings to peers, in writing, and oral format, including the definition of the topic or problem, justification and contextualisation of the research conducted, and defence of the conclusions reached.
  • Design and conduct (under supervision) a simple research project by executing an in vivo experiment.
  • Develop a project proposal with explicit rationale and justification and a relevant methodology.
  • Collect data and communicate findings orally and in writing.
  • Apply laboratory techniques and statistical methods for the collection and analyses of experimental data in Animal Production.
  • Evaluate their suitability for addressing specific research questions.
  • Apply advanced breeding and selection practices and integrate into a breeding management programme.
  • Formulate rations for various livestock species.
  • Develop a strategic animal nutrition plan to support the production of livestock and animal products.
  • Describe and evaluate a wide range of economic and business management theory and techniques.
  • Develop an agri-business management plan for a livestock enterprise which includes an input for production, processing and value-adding processes.
  • Analyse and interpret financial information to evaluate the growth and sustainability of the agri-business.
  • Identify, evaluate and apply relevant scientific principles to different livestock production systems.
  • Describe the various reproductive and nutritional biotechnologies used in livestock production; Recognise and address the ethical implications of different production systems.
  • Reflect (under supervision) individually or in group sessions on their knowledge, skills and attitude, and design and plan a learning path.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • The development of module-specific assessment will guarantee the quality of assessment;
  • The assessment will be against predetermined assessment criteria;
  • The design of all assessments will encourage an appropriate mix of techniques and interrogation, in learners, of the acquisition of knowledge, skills and appropriate/desirable attitude as consistent with targeted learning outcomes;
  • The development of the assessment criteria will be in line with the National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level Descriptors.

    Assessment Methods:
  • Apart from traditional approaches to assessment, effort shall be made in an endeavour to incorporate new and developing technologies;
  • A variety of assessment methods will be both theoretical and practical. Assessment methods will include written essays, research projects, reports, time-constrained assignments and examinations, class debate, report, and case study analysis;
  • Each module will assess using a variety of classroom techniques applicable to learning situations as informed by the NQF Level Descriptors.

    Frequency of Assessments:
  • For non-research modules, there will be a minimum of two (2) tests, two (2) assignments and minimum of two (2) practicals; these shall account for 50% of Summative Assessment for the course per semester.
  • For a research module, the learners will write one review assignment on methods used when conducting research and also develop a proposal for implementation in the research project course.
  • For the project-based module, the use of a written report and oral presentation. The written report/manuscript shall contribute 60%, and oral presentation shall represent 40% of the final mark.

    Forms of Assessments:
    The assessment shall maintain the dual nature of being formative and summative.
  • The Formative Assessment will provide regular feedback on the performance of the learners, and such assessment will be in line with the learning outcomes.
  • A minimum of two Summative Assessments per semester per module and these shall be 50% of Summative Assessment for each module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is similar to the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Applied Animal Science of the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. However, the HND in Applied Animal Science is a two-year qualification, which articulates into a BSc in Animal management in the higher education framework of the United Kingdom. The following modules comprise the HND qualification located in Canterbury College affiliated to the University of Kent.

    Year 1:
  • Ethology.
  • Animal Husbandry.
  • Cell Biology.
  • Animal Nutrition.
  • Introduction to conservation.
  • Application of Animal Science.
  • Health and Diseases.
  • Anatomy and Histology.

    Year 2:
  • Vertebrate Physiology.
  • Animal Nursing.
  • Research Project.
  • Applied Animal Psychology.
  • Animal Welfare.
  • Principles of Microbiology.
  • Genetics and Animal Breeding.
  • Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation.

    Also, the ACS online distance education offers a one-year Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (Animal Husbandry) with modules mostly similar to this qualification. The qualification is accredited internationally accredited through the International Accreditation and Recognition Council (I.A.R.C). Below are modules for the qualification.

    Core Modules:
  • Animal Biology (Animal Husbandry I).
  • Farm Management.
  • Research Project I.
  • Workplace Health and Safety.
  • Workshop I.
  • Pasture Management.
  • Research Project II.

    Stream Modules (Study after the core modules, stream modules cover more specific or niche subjects).
  • Animal Health Care.
  • Soil Management.
  • Animal Feed and Nutrition (Animal Husbandry III).
  • Animal Health (Animal Husbandry II).
  • Sustainable Agriculture.
  • Agricultural Marketing.
  • Breeding Animals.

    Elective Modules (In addition to the core modules, students study any 11 of the following 22 modules):
  • Biochemistry I (Animal).
  • Business Studies.
  • Horse Management I.
  • Instructional Skills.
  • Machinery and Equipment (Engineering I).
  • Animal Behaviour.
  • Beef Cattle Management.
  • Calf Rearing.
  • Dairy Cattle Management.
  • Engineering Applications (Engineering II).
  • Equine Behaviour.
  • Fish Farming and Aquaculture.
  • Goat Husbandry.
  • Horse Management II.
  • Irrigation (Agricultural).
  • Permaculture Systems.
  • Pig Husbandry.
  • Poultry Husbandry.
  • Workshop II.
  • Agronomy.
  • Horse Breeding.
  • Horse Management III. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Animal Science), NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Agriculture, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    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.
     
    1. Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry 


    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.