As more Fijians opt to move back to their villages or take up agriculture, livestock farming due to circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, applying the appropriate skills and knowledge will enable their ventures to be more successful and sustainable.

In a first for Fiji and the South Pacific region, interested students can learn the application of science to the production of farm animals and animal products by enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Animal Science course at the Fiji National University (FNU).

Offered by its College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF), the three-year full-time programme will cover sub-disciplines of genetics and breeding, nutrition and physiology as well as management areas of housing and health care.

CAFF Dean, Professor Paul Iji said the one-of-a-kind course would also complement the teaching of agriculture science at FNU.

“On a normal farm, there should be more animal scientists than vets because properly managed animals require less medical attention. It is like using more teachers to teach people to live well rather than direct them to the doctor.  Better breeds, better housing and better nutrition reduce ill-health in animals.”

“The programme is also sustainable, given the increased interest in commercial agricultural production in Fiji and the South Pacific region.”

“This programme aims at developing a trained human resource base who can conduct basic and applied research in various aspects of agriculture under varying agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions of the farming community.”

The students will also seek solutions and discover opportunities relating to the efficiency and sustainability of production systems by developing safe and environmentally sound practices, Prof Iji said.

“Students will also gain knowledge of industries such as dairy, sheep, pigs, poultry and beef and undergo the mandatory industrial attachment during their first and second years of study,” he said.

“Graduates of the course will be able to work in government ministries, animal industries such as in farms, feed manufacturing and animal product processing, in financial houses and be in a position to set up their own businesses.”

Prospective students with a pass in the Year 13 Certificate examination or a 50 per cent pass in a Foundation Course can enrol now for Semester 2 studies by visiting the FNU website on www.fnu.ac.fj to learn more.

Interested students can also text on 857 or email on admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further information on enrolment.