Animal Sciences

Program aims

The degree course in Animal Science offers theoretical and practical preparation in the animal production sector: from technical, hygienic, and economic management of agro-zootechnical companies to the quality control of primary products (meat, eggs, milk) and processed foods.

The study program prepares graduates to perform activities in the animal production chains, from the genetic improvement of animals of zootechnical interest to animal nutrition and feeding, with particular reference to the qualitative characteristics of productions, such as rationing, breeding technologies, and animal welfare. The course provides notions for managing the technical, hygienic, and economic aspects of agro-zootechnical enterprises, providing professional technical skills for the breeding of livestock, pets, and ornamental animals, with regards also to genetic and nutritional aspects.

Program structure

The first year of the programme focuses mainly on developing the basic knowledge required to approach the core subjects characterizing the profession of animal production technician. The second year includes course units on comparative pathology of animals, epidemiology and veterinary parasitology, food hygiene, microbiology applied to animal-based productions, animal nutrition and feeding, machines and systems for livestock husbandry, animal-based food product industries and technologies, economics of livestock production, as well as a mandatory professional internship in a company or research laboratory, offering to the students the possibility to transfer the theory learned into practice.

The third year of the programme covers management of farm animal genetic resources, animal reproduction, hygiene and safety in livestock farming, horse breeding and husbandry, ruminant production, poultry production, acquaculture, applied ethology, and precision livestock farming.

During the second and third year, students will have the opportunity to perform practical work in experimental livestock farms and research labs.

Specific and transversal skills

Theoretical knowledge and practical skills are developed through attendance at lectures, workshops, seminars, experimental activities, and field experience. The academic programme covers different but interconnected macro-areas of learning which provide the skills required to the modern professional figure of animal production technician:

• management of the agro-zootechnical company;
• understanding of genetic and environmental factors that act on livestock production;
• management of conventional and non-conventional production systems;
• management and quality control of livestock products;
• consultation of databases for the acquisition of scientific and legislative information;
• ability to operate both independently and in teams within the livestock sectors.

Graduates are able to run and manage animal enclosures as well as take care of the hygienic and qualitative aspects of animal production and planning company-wide mating management by applying artificial insemination techniques. Graduates learn tools for planning, supervise, assist, and verify products quality of animal origin and be able to evaluate the productive and functional aptitudes of animals of zootechnical interest, including wildlife, applying also the values for the purpose of making decisions at the company level.

Transversal skills include:

• full proficiency to work in English and Azerbaijani language;
• ability to work autonomously;
• team-work skills in the context of animal production activities
• ability to consult databases to acquire scientific knowledge on problems related to animal production.

Main professional profile

The bachelor opens to different professional roles such as animal production technician (all sectors of animal production). The animal production technician works in the technical and economic management of farms, creating feed, formulating rations and managing problems relating to genetic improvement. The animal production technician verifies the transformation process of the productions into food, ensuring compliance with the regulations. In some cases, she/he works in the marketing of zootechnical foods (supplements, feed and forage) and products intended for breeding.

Main professional functions

Graduates will be able to carry out the following functions:

• manage the technical, hygienic and economic aspects of agro-zootechnical enterprises;
• deal with and manage the qualitative and hygienic aspects of the animal production chains;
• carry out the function of responsible for the organization and management of slaughtering and, in this context, also that of responsible for animal welfare;
• carry out functions of planning, supervision, assistance and verification of the quality of products of animal origin and those of transformation;
• work as a technician in companies that process products of animal origin (e.g., dairies, milk plants, meat factories);
• deal with purchases on behalf of: slaughterhouses, processing companies, large-scale retail trade;
• certify the production chain;
• administer agro-zootechnical enterprises;
• collaborate in the management of energy production plants that use renewable energy sources.

Employment opportunities

Graduates will have professional opportunities in the following entities:

• agro-zootechnical companies;
• centers for genetic selection and seed production;
• agri-food and sector companies;
• feed mills, dairies and slaughterhouses including those for poultry and rabbits;
• professional organizations;
• public territorial entities;
• other national and international organizations (e.g. Fao);
• natural parks and agri-tourism;
• laboratories for the control of raw materials and feed for animals and products of animal origin.

The first cohort of students will be admitted in Fall 2025.