Bachelor of Science Agriculture Honours Degree in Animal Science
Preamble
The Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Animal Science is designed to equip students with comprehensive scientific and practical knowledge in the production, management, nutrition, breeding, health and welfare of livestock and other domesticated animals. The programme responds to the growing need for highly skilled animal scientists who can contribute to sustainable livestock production, food security, agricultural development and rural livelihoods.
The programme integrates principles of animal biology, genetics, nutrition, physiology, animal health, production systems, agribusiness and modern agricultural technologies. Students are exposed to both theoretical knowledge and practical experiences that enable them to understand animal production challenges and develop evidence-based solutions.
Particular emphasis is placed on sustainable and climate-smart animal production, appropriate technologies, animal welfare, value addition and efficient utilisation of natural resources. The programme also develops students’ research, entrepreneurship, innovation and problem-solving skills, preparing graduates to contribute effectively to the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe, Africa and beyond.
Programme Aim
The main aim of the Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Animal Science is to produce competent, innovative and ethically responsible animal science professionals who possess the scientific knowledge, practical skills and entrepreneurial abilities required to improve livestock production, animal welfare, food security and sustainable agricultural development.
Programme Objectives
Upon completion of the programme, graduates should be able to:
Apply scientific principles in the production, management and utilisation of livestock and other domesticated animals.
Explain animal biology and physiology and relate these principles to animal growth, reproduction, health and productivity.
Develop and implement sustainable animal production systems appropriate to different environmental and socio-economic conditions.
Apply principles of animal nutrition and feed technology to improve animal growth, productivity and feed efficiency.
Apply animal breeding and genetics principles in the selection and improvement of livestock populations.
Manage livestock production enterprises using appropriate technologies, management practices and record-keeping systems.
Promote animal health and welfare through appropriate preventive management practices and collaboration with veterinary professionals.
Apply research methods and data analysis techniques to investigate challenges affecting animal production and develop practical solutions.
- Use modern agricultural technologies and digital tools to improve livestock production, monitoring, management and decision-making.
- Develop entrepreneurial and agribusiness skills for establishing and managing viable livestock-related enterprises.
- Evaluate environmental impacts of livestock production and implement climate-smart and environmentally sustainable production practices.
- Communicate scientific and technical information effectively to farmers, communities, government agencies, private-sector organisations and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct in animal production, research and agricultural extension.
- Contribute to food security and rural development through improved livestock production, value addition and sustainable utilisation of agricultural resources.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should normally satisfy the following requirements:
- At least five Ordinary Level passes, including English Language, Mathematics and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications.
- At least two relevant Advanced Level passes, preferably including Agriculture and/or one or more relevant science subjects.
- Applicants holding relevant Diplomas or Higher National Diplomas in Agriculture, Animal Science, Animal Health or related fields may be considered in accordance with the University’s admission and credit-transfer regulations.
- Mature-entry applicants may be considered in accordance with applicable University regulations.
Duration of the Programme
The programme shall normally be completed over four years of full-time study, subject to the University’s academic regulations.
Career Opportunities
- Animal Production Officer
- Animal Scientist
- Livestock Production Specialist
- Animal Nutritionist
- Livestock Extension Officer
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Officer
- Farm/Livestock Production Manager
- Agricultural Research Officer
- Research Assistant
- Feed Industry Specialist
- Animal Feed Formulation and Quality Control Officer
- Livestock Development Officer
- Agricultural Extension Specialist
- Agribusiness Officer
- Animal Production Consultant
- Meat and livestock value-chain specialist
- Government agricultural agencies
- Non-governmental organisations involved in agriculture and food security
Entrepreneurship Opportunities
- Commercial livestock farms
- Poultry production businesses
- Pig production enterprises
- Goat and sheep farming
- Dairy enterprises
- Beef production enterprises
- Animal feed production
- Breeding and genetic improvement enterprises
- Livestock consultancy services
- Agricultural extension and advisory services
- Livestock value-addition businesses