Diploma in Agriculture in Animal Production

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to strive for the advancement of agricultural development in South Africa and neighbouring countries.

The Diploma in Agriculture in Animal Production is designed to

• Provide well trained and highly skilled manpower to the Animal Production industry.
• Enhance environmental awareness.
• Engage in support programmes for emerging farmers.
• Promote harmonious working relations with farming stakeholders and other business sectors in the community.

Rationale

Animal production plays a vital role in the agricultural and rural economies of the developing world. Livestock raises farm production by extending the area of land utilised, diversifying productive activity for crop cultivators. Animals are a crucial link in nutrient cycles, returning nutrients to the soil in forms that plants can readily use. This qualification intends to equip learners with agricultural knowledge and skills to be utilised in alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable food security through animal production.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to a Diploma in Agriculture Plant Production qualification. Proven expertise and competency will be considered. Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualification study achieved.

Access to the Qualification

Prospective learners must have at least

• National Senior Certificate with Agriculture, and or Agricultural Management Practices, and or Agricultural Technology.
• National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4.
• A relevant Further Education and Training Certificate (NQF Level 4) qualification.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5 and 6. At NQF Level 7, learners choose four modules totalling 48 Credits. The qualification credits total 380.

Modules at NQF Level 5 (120 credits)

• Agricultural Calculations I, 8 Credits.
• Basic Plant and Animal Science, 12 Credits.
• Farm Mechanisation and Structure, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Economics, 10 Credits.
• Computer Application I, 10 Credits.
• Communication, 8 Credits.
• Agricultural Calculations II, 8 Credits.
• Land Use Planning I, 12 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology, 12 Credits.
• Farm Mechanisation and Structure II, 10 Credits.
• Computer Application II, 10 Credits.
• Soil Science I, 8 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6 (212 credits)

• Land Use Planning II, 12 Credits.
• Extension I, 10 Credits.
• Animal Breeding, 12 Credits.
• Natural Resource Management, 12 Credits.
• Financial Management, 12 Credits.
• Animal Nutrition, 12 Credits.
• Aquaculture I, 12 Credits.
• Veld Management, 12 Credits.
• Animal Health, 12 Credits.
• Extension II, 10 Credits.
• Human Resource Management, 8 Credits.
• Agricultural Marketing, 12 Credits.
• Experiential Learning, 60 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 8 Credits.
• Ethics, 8 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7 (48 credits - select four modules)

• Dairy Production, 12 Credits.
• Beef Production, 12 Credits.
• Small Stock Production, 12 Credits.
• Poultry Production, 12 Credits.
• Pig Production, 12 Credits.
• Cultivated Pasture, 12 Credits.
• Aquaculture II, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Extension III, 12 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of Anatomy and Physiology of different animals.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of management of rural structures and their challenges.
3. Identify different resources and skills to sustain animal production practices.
4. Demonstrate the skills of effective communication and transference of knowledge.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the skills and knowledge required in farming.
6. Apply entrepreneurial skills in relation to managing finance, marketing, sales and customer relations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Structures and functions of anatomy and physiology are explained.
• Essential life supporting systems are identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Various strategies available to plan more effectively are reflected on and explained.
• Veld management strategies are developed.
• Fire belts are created to eliminate the risk of fire.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Characteristics and adaptability are used during selection for breeding purposes in beef, dairy, small stock, poultry and pig production.
• New technologies of selective breeding including artificial insemination are administered.
• Diseases and parasites are controlled by administering pest prevention methods.
• Feeding routines are monitored and controlled.
• Methods of fodder conservation, hay and silage making are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Key elements of communication in agriculture are applied.
• General principles for effective communication for rural development are identified and used.
• Good communication strategies in agricultural extension are developed.
• Methods of communicating agricultural information and advice are applied.
• Factors affecting the effectiveness of communication methods are identified and dealt with.
• Effective methods to communicate key values to stakeholders and customers are developed and applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Land-use plan is introduced and implemented at the farm.
• Farming machinery is operated and maintained.
• Operation, care and maintenance of power sources is carefully planned and managed.
• Correct and appropriate storage methods for farming equipment are applied.
• Efficient irrigation methods in relation to soil texture are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• A business plan is developed.
• Marketing strategies are developed considering the target group.
• Communication and implementation of a strategic marketing plan is discussed.
• Financial records are kept for analysis of farm accounting information.

Integrated Assessment

Students shall write a minimum of two tests in every module/course of the qualification. The tests must be moderated by the Head of Department. Learners will write assignments/tutorials and or practical to introduce them to start thinking critically and develop their analytical skills. There will be compulsory projects run by learners in some of their core modules/courses. Compulsory projects will be quality assured by the respective Head of Department. Every module/course shall have the semester mark depending on the arrangement of the module/course lecturer.

There will be continuous assessment through group discussions; individual homework and answering questions during lessons. There will be one examination at the end of the semester. Students will be given an opportunity to write supplementary examinations when necessary.

Students will have to submit weekly and monthly reports during experiential learning. At the end of the experiential learning students must submit six months reports and do presentations.