This workplace-based course, Grow to feed, focuses on the practical implementation and management of food culture systems used to support animal care within captive animal facilities, wildlife rehabilitation centres, aquaponics setups, and similar environments. Learners will develop the skills necessary to sustainably produce live feed organisms—such as insects or aquatic species—as a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative to commercially purchased feeds.
This course covers the full food culture cycle, beginning with sourcing appropriate materials, selecting suitable mediums and housing, and ensuring strict hygiene during preparation. Learners will carry out routine tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and monitoring food cultures, while developing the ability to identify and respond to common issues that may affect production quality or quantity.
Participants will also learn how to scale cultures based on facility demand, apply biological waste disposal procedures correctly, and maintain daily records and logbooks for traceability and accountability. Emphasis is placed on reducing waste, lowering feed costs, and promoting self-sufficiency in animal nutrition programs.
Health and safety practices are embedded throughout the course, reinforcing personal hygiene and safe handling protocols. This NQF Level 4 course is ideal for individuals involved in animal care who aim to improve sustainability and efficiency in their workplace feeding systems.
- Intermediate conservationists.
