- Where you can study
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Distance and onlineManawatū campus (Palmerston North)
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International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Specialise in Pastoral Livestock Production for your Bachelor of Animal Science at Massey
The Bachelor of Animal Science (Pastoral Livestock Production) prepares you for a career in pasture-based livestock industries by combining animal science with pasture, soil and farm systems management.
You'll learn how livestock, pastures and the environment interact within productive and sustainable farming systems. You'll develop expertise in animal nutrition, breeding, health, welfare, grazing management and farm decision-making.
With a strong focus on real-world pastoral production systems, this major will equip you to address the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s animal-based primary industries.
Learn from the best
Massey University’s animal, agricultural and veterinary science professionals are among the best in the world. They will teach you about the latest developments in animal science. You will obtain a solid base of knowledge in animal welfare. You’ll also learn about nutrition and growth as well as animal genetics and breeding.
Internationally relevant
Massey has a number of internationally recognised animal-based research centres. These include the world-leading Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre (AWSBC).
The Centre's research focuses on areas including developing fresh frameworks for understanding animal welfare. It evaluates husbandry practices and systems. It also covers pest control and analysing ethical dimensions of welfare problems.
The AWSBC was the first animal welfare focused research centre in the world to become an OIE Collaborating Centre (with the World Organisation for Animal Health). This recognises the AWSBC as being a group with internationally relevant expertise.
A Bachelor of Animal Science in Pastoral Livestock Production is a good fit if you:
- Are passionate about livestock animals and pastoral farming
- Want to understand how animals, pastures and farm systems work together
- Are interested in sustainable and responsible livestock production.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over 2 semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Courses you can enrol in
Core courses for the Bachelor of Animal Science
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Animal Science core courses
Pastoral Livestock Production courses
Compulsory courses
Course code: 117303 Ruminant Animal Nutrition 15 credits
Advanced principles of animal nutrition as related to ruminant livestock. An in-depth coverage of the processes of feed intake, digestion, absorption and metabolism, and the factors affecting them. The determination of the nutritive value of feedstuffs for ruminant, with particular emphasis on forages. Gain in-depth knowledge of schemes for estimating the ruminant animal requirements for energy, protein and minerals and the principles of ration formulation. Design practical feeding regimes and their implementation.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117344 Animal Growth and Meat Production 15 credits
Patterns of growth and development of farm animals will be described with emphasis on those characteristics of growth with economic implications for meat production, such as the rate, efficiency and composition of growth. Structural and functional aspects of muscle, bone and fat as they relate to animal well-being as well as carcass and meat quality will be considered. In describing factors that can affect animal growth, carcass composition and meat quality, particular attention will be given to on-farm factors.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119258 Agricultural and Horticultural Systems 15 credits
An interdisciplinary study of agricultural and Horticultural systems to describe and analyse the relationships between system components. Analysis of the inter-relationships within these systems, including the sub-systems for primary production, processing, marketing and policy, and the relationships of these systems within their environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119281 Decision Tools for Primary Industries 15 credits
Application of decision tools for farm systems analysis at the tactical level. Analytical frameworks to assist decision-making in finance, human resources, production and marketing.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119381 Decision-Making in Primary Industry 15 credits
A practical approach to the management of strategy, finance and tactics in primary industry. An exploration, through in-field case studies and business analysis, of planning under uncertainty.
View full course detailsCourse code: 283201 Pasture and Crop Agronomy 15 credits
The husbandry of agricultural plants and the management of plant communities at the farm level. Topics include balancing pasture growth and animal demand, pasture assessment, pasture establishment, cash crops, growth and utilisation of forage crops and control of weeds and pests.
View full course detailsCourse code: 283301 Pasture Production and Practice 15 credits
The practical application of pasture production and grazing management principles to grazing systems. An introduction to sward dynamics and the herbage factors influencing both the productivity and utilisation of grazed pastures.
View full course detailsCourse code: 121213 Land and Water 15 credits
How river catchments work and how they are affected by human activity. The environmental effects of land and water management practices, including land use, irrigation, drainage and nutrient loss, on river channels, flows and water quality, framed within an understanding of catchment geomorphology and hydrological processes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 189251 Soil Fertility Management 15 credits
This course examines the influence of soil factors on plant nutrient cycling in agricultural production systems. The composition, properties and uses of fertilisers to improve soil fertility and the associated environmental issues arising from soil water relationships and interactions with plant nutrients. Methods for measuring nutrient levels in soils will also be covered.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Expected high school preparation
Knowledge gained in the following NCEA subjects (or the equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or similar) will give you the expected background knowledge to take this qualification.
- At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Biology.
- At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Chemistry.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Can't meet the entry requirements?
If it’s some time since you have studied mathematics at school you can find out if you have the required background by taking this maths quiz.
Haven’t studied the right subjects at high school?
The following pathways will get you prepared to study this qualification:
If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Biology (or equivalent) take the following course first:
- 162103 Introductory Biology
If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Chemistry (or equivalent) take the following course first:
- 123103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences.
These courses are available in summer school and can be taken as a Certificate in Science and Technology or Certificate of Proficiency. One 100-level course can be counted as an elective towards the Bachelor of Animal Science.
If you won’t have reached University Entrance before summer school begins, you may be able to apply through Discretionary Entrance.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2027 tuition fees
- Domestic students: Fees TBA
- International students: Fees TBA
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,236 for on-campus students and $984 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink)
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
Scholarships and awards
Search our scholarships and awardsCareers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
The Bachelor of Animal Science with a major in Pastoral Livestock Production offers the knowledge, attributes and expertise you require for the careers of the future. You will be qualified for technical, advocacy and management roles across different types of industries and animals. These include:
- Farm systems and pastoral livestock advisor
- Livestock manager
- Livestock production, nutrition or breeding advisor
- Meat and livestock supply chain quality assurance roles
- Environmental and sustainability roles in primary industries
- Agricultural research and technical support roles
- Industry organisation and extension roles.
You could use this degree as a stepping stone to postgraduate study and a career in research.
International students
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated 5 star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least 3 months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
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