The North-West University (NWU) is taking Animal Sciences learning beyond the classroom through its Feedlot Challenge, a practical initiative giving students first-hand experience of commercial cattle production and the realities of the livestock industry.
The programme, which involves diploma and BSc degree Animal Sciences students, was created to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-life livestock management. Through direct participation in a feedlot environment, students gain practical exposure to cattle production, animal health, nutrition and production management.
Students participate in the day-to-day monitoring of cattle, observing their health and behaviour, assisting with feeding programmes and keeping records of animal performance. They monitor factors such as body weight, growth rates, feed intake and overall health, gaining a deeper understanding of how these elements influence successful livestock production.
For Lesego Molema, a final-year BSc Hons student at the Mahikeng Campus, the experience has provided an important opportunity to translate academic knowledge into practical skills.
“The NWU Feedlot Challenge has given me an opportunity to take what we learn in the classroom and apply it in a real production environment,” says Lesego. “The hands-on experience with cattle management, nutrition and animal health has strengthened my practical skills and confidence.”
The challenge also introduces students to the important role of animal nutrition in feedlot production. They learn about feed formulation, nutritional requirements, feed intake and feed conversion, as well as the impact feeding strategies can have on animal growth and production.
Animal health and welfare are another key component of the programme. Students learn to identify signs of illness, monitor animal behaviour and apply good welfare practices while developing a practical understanding of health management in a commercial environment.
Industry support plays an important role in strengthening the learning experience. Kyron Agri supports the programme through the sponsorship of medication and contributions to animal health management, giving students practical exposure to animal health products used in a feedlot environment.
“The support from industry partners makes the experience even more valuable because it exposes us to the realities of the sector,” Lesego says.
Beyond technical knowledge, the Feedlot Challenge develops essential workplace skills, including animal handling, record-keeping, feeding management, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making.
Students are also exposed to the economic side of feedlot production, gaining insight into the costs associated with feeding, animal health and production. The experience demonstrates how effective management can influence productivity and profitability.
The practical environment comes with challenges, including unexpected animal health issues and the demands of maintaining efficient production. However, these experiences form part of the learning journey, teaching students to be adaptable, responsible and confident in solving problems.
For Lesego, the value of the initiative lies in its ability to prepare students for life beyond university.
“It is an invaluable experience because it prepares us for the realities and challenges of the livestock industry beyond university,” he says.
By combining scientific knowledge with hands-on experience, the NWU Feedlot Challenge is helping develop a new generation of practically skilled Animal Sciences graduates ready to contribute to South Africa’s livestock and agricultural industries.
