National Diploma: Animal Production (NQF Level 5)
SAQA Qualification ID: 49011
NQF Level: 5 | Credits: 240
Qualification Type: National Diploma
Duration: 24 Months (including work-integrated learning)
Accreditation: AgriSETA Aligned | Delivered by Inqola Yenguquku Training
Delivery Mode: Blended Learning (Contact + Online + Workplace-Based)
Qualification Overview
The National Diploma in Animal Production prepares learners to take leadership roles in livestock enterprises by combining practical agricultural skills with business, technical, and managerial knowledge. It equips participants with competencies in animal breeding, nutrition, health, production systems, and farm enterprise development — enabling them to operate effectively in commercial, emerging or communal livestock sectors.
This qualification is suited for farm supervisors, livestock project managers, agricultural officers, and agri-entrepreneurs focused on cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, pigs, and mixed species operations.
Purpose of the Qualification
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Empower learners to manage medium to large-scale animal production units
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Enhance understanding of animal welfare, sustainable farming, and ethical production systems
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Equip learners with skills in planning, coordination, and enterprise development
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Enable learners to provide technical advice, manage staff, and optimise production cycles
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Support rural development, food security, and national livestock strategies
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion, learners will be able to:
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Manage various livestock systems (beef, dairy, goats, poultry, pigs, etc.)
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Design and implement animal health programmes (biosecurity, vaccinations, parasite control)
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Supervise feeding, breeding, and reproduction cycles for enhanced productivity
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Apply principles of herd planning, performance monitoring, and disease prevention
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Control recordkeeping, budgeting, and business operations on animal farms
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Interpret market demands and trends in the livestock industry
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Promote environmentally sound livestock practices
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Integrate animal ethics and welfare legislation into day-to-day operations
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Lead farm teams and train junior staff
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Apply technology and innovation (e.g. RFID tags, digital weighing, data systems)
Curriculum Structure
The qualification includes Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience Modules, as per AgriSETA/QCTO curriculum standards:
Knowledge Modules (KMs)
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KM01: Advanced Livestock Production Systems
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KM02: Animal Health & Disease Control
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KM03: Nutrition & Feeding Programmes
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KM04: Reproductive Physiology & Breeding
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KM05: Farm Business Planning & Management
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KM06: Environmental Management & Compliance
Practical Skills Modules (PSMs)
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PSM01: Conduct Animal Health Interventions
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PSM02: Plan and Supervise Feeding Regimes
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PSM03: Coordinate Reproductive Cycles
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PSM04: Manage Pastures and Animal Housing
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PSM05: Lead Teams and Supervise Operations
Workplace Modules (WEMs)
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WEM01: Apply skills on a registered livestock production site
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WEM02: Report on livestock performance, health, breeding, and financial outcomes
Assessment & Certification
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Formative Assessments: Tests, practical tasks, field logs, reflective journals
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Summative Assessments: Integrated Final Assessment (IFA), External Verification
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Moderation: Conducted per AgriSETA and QCTO policy
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Award: Learners receive a National Diploma in Animal Production (NQF 5) upon completion
Target Audience
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Assistant farm managers and livestock supervisors
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Animal health technicians and junior agricultural advisors
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Graduates of NQF 4 livestock/agriculture qualifications
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Participants in livestock value chain projects or youth agri-employment programmes
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Beneficiaries of government livestock schemes (DALRRD, LandCare, Y-Agriculture)
Career Pathways & Progression
Graduates can work as:
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Animal Production Manager
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Farm Supervisor / Livestock Operations Coordinator
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Breeding and Genetics Assistant
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Feedlot or Dairy Production Specialist
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Livestock Technician or Extension Officer
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Emerging Agri-entrepreneur
Articulation Options:
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Advanced Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Livestock or Veterinary Sciences
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Specialisation in Animal Health, Agribusiness, or Extension
Fees & Support
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Annual Cost: R27,500 per learner
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Includes tuition, digital access, materials, moderation & certification
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Bursary Support: Available for qualifying students
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Workplace Exposure: In partnership with host farms or livestock enterprises
Strategic Alignment
This qualification supports:
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NSDP 2030: Skills for productive, inclusive economic growth
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DALRRD Livestock Development Strategy
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Youth Employment Initiatives in Agriculture
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SAQA & AgriSETA sectoral priorities on livestock and value chain development
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District Development Model (DDM) and provincial livestock revitalisation programmes
