Program description
Animal Systems focuses on the nutrition, management and welfare of livestock and poultry. Animal science professionals are committed to devising innovative solutions to the challenges posed by a growing world population, shifting diet patterns, limited resources, and changing climatic conditions.
The Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) in Animal Systems provides students with a firm understanding of animal production, including genetics, anatomy/physiology, nutrition, health and reproduction. It also provides courses in business management and communications.
Program options
Degree options
B.Sc. Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) in Animal Systems
Minor options
- Entomology
- Food Science
- Plant Biotechnology
- Soil Science
- Programs in other faculties
Interesting courses and unique opportunities
Interesting courses
- Companion Animal Management and Nutrition
- The Animal and Its Environment
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Animal Health
- Applied Animal Genetics
Co-op options
The Cooperative Education option integrates the student’s academic study with practical work experience in industry, government and the farming profession. To obtain the co-op designation, you must complete three 4-month work terms. Two of these can be during the summer. This program option will extend your degree time by one semester (slightly longer if you take more work terms in winter).
Exchange opportunities
Exchange opportunities exist for agriculture students to study abroad in countries such as Sweden, Mexico, France, the U.S., China and India.
Professional opportunities
- Formulator
- Barn Manager
- Food Inspector
- Animal Nutritionist
Note
Graduates will find opportunities in the animal feed, health and production industries, as well as with all levels of government.
Admission requirements & prerequisites
Direct entry option
- Manitoba high school graduation with five full credits at the Grade 12 level, in courses designated S, G, or U.
- A minimum 85% average over the following, with no less than 60% in each course:
- English 40S
- Pre-Calculus Math 40S or Applied Math 40S
- Chemistry 40S, Physics 40S, Biology 40S, or Computer Science 40S
This entry option is open to high school students or high school graduates who have not completed any university or college courses. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
Advanced entry option
24 credit hours in U1 (or approved Bachelors program)
This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
High school prerequisites
High school prerequisites: Pre-Calculus Math 40S (min. 60%) or Applied Math (min. 70%), Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S are required
Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences apply for admission page.
What is unique about this program at the U of M?
Compared to similar programs in most other Canadian agriculture faculties, the Animal Systems program at the University of Manitoba places a greater emphasis on practical production and the use of science to make informed choices in production.
Research facilities at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences include the Glenlea Research Station, which accommodates multidisciplinary and livestock research and is home to the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment. This is a University of Manitoba-based research community that engages in multi-disciplinary research partnerships to further the long term economic and environmental sustainability of integrated livestock and crop production systems.
Important links
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
Department of Animal Science
Graduate studies in Animal Systems
