Final Phase International Livestock Management
Bachelor of Animal Husbandry
Content programme
First year
Applying theoretical principles to practical problem solving at farm level, and creating farm specific advices is the focus of the first half of the first year. There is a strong emphasis on livestock farm management and quality management in a commercial setting. You are trained to become a specialist in dairy, poultry or pig production.
You will learn to manage and advise on livestock, including management supporting research. Some weeks are spent at Practical Training Centres, with modern production facilities and production systems. Practical analysis at farms, amidst the animals, is necessary. You will be studying livestock management subjects such as farm management, animal health, fodder production, breeding and farm technology, and you will apply them in livestock production management assignments and advisory assignments.
In preparation of the second half of the year, research projects will be designed. Meanwhile, lectures, training sessions and excursions are organised to improve your knowledge of livestock management.
You will spend the second half of year one on a 20-week work placement at a company or organisation closely related to livestock farming. By devoting yourself to research, planning and management support, you will not only develop your specialisation in animal husbandry, but also start establishing your network. While you are free to choose your placement, it should always fit in with your personal development plan, and should preferably be spent in a country outside your country of origin.
Second year
The first half of the second year you will choose a 20-week minor that enables you to specialise in another discipline. At Van Hall Larenstein, you can choose between four minors: Applied Animal Husbandry Research, Agricultural Entrepreneurship, International Agri-business and Trade or Fair Trade Management. You can also spend this period at another university in the Netherlands, or even at a university abroad. The content of your minor is very much depending on your personal interest and personal choice.
Finally, the second half of the second year is spent on your final project, your thesis, which has to be written about a specific innovation or development in animal production. You will be doing research and develop new activities, processes or products for a specific company or organisation within the livestock sector, in or outside the Netherlands.
By doing this final assignment, and writing a thesis report on this subject, you show your skills as a livestock management professional, who is combining academic knowledge with practical experience.