Animal Production Institute

The ARC-Animal Production Institute (ARC-API) is based in Irene, with several satellite stations strategically positioned throughout the country, and is one of eleven research institutes of the ARC. The Institute carries out primary and secondary research, development and technology transfer with respect to Animal Breeding and Improvement, Rangelands and Nutrition, and Food Science and Technology to improve productivity and sustainable resource utilisation.

In addition, the Institute serves as the custodian of national assets such as the conservation of animal, forage and bacterial culture collection genetic resources, including databases and DNA banks associated with them. The country's Livestock Recording and Improvement Schemes and associated database, the Integrated Registration and Information System (INTERGIS) are also managed by the Institute on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The ARC-API strategic focus for research and service delivery is guided by the strategic goals of the ARC and national priorities (e.g. The Agriculture Plan of Action, The National Livestock Strategy, The Land and Agriculture Reform Programme, The National Research and Development Strategy)