Final Phase International Livestock Management
Bachelor of Animal Husbandry
Career opportunities
Every company or farm has to gain their income in a kind of supply chain, dominated by the consumers demands. But beyond the pure economical interest, people have demands on what is happening at the farm. These people have representing organisations: governments, NGO's, farmers organisations and commercial organisations, who use their influence and power to persuade farmers to improve the farming system and its produce. As a result of this, animal health, animal welfare, food quality, rural development, social and sustainability issues are now very important in the daily farming practice. Within this complicated setting the livestock sector is in need for specialists and managers who are able to combine these elements into profitable farming practices. Important attitude aspects are: flexible, open minded, independent, decisive, socio-communicative, objective oriented and pro-active.
As a graduate of the course Livestock Management you are ready for staff, management and advisory positions related to the primary production. The activities and dilemma's you can come across are varied: to make choices on what kind of actions need to be taken on animal husbandry farms in specific circumstances, when to intervene in common farming processes, what kind of technology (investments) to use, how to improve quality, how to reduce costs, how to improve production etc.
Graduates work all over the world, for example as managers of dairy farms in Eastern Europe, Denmark, Southern Africa or New Zealand. They also work in the feedstuff industry, in animal trading companies, as experts on international projects, in government service, and in business. Others choose to become farmers or to become active in the agribusiness in the Netherlands. They have developed a strong international attitude and a broad view on new situations within the livestock sector.
This bachelor's degree also offers opportunities for a further study in animal science. For example, graduates will qualify for enrolment in the MSc programme in Animal Sciences and Aquaculture at Wageningen University and Research Centre.
Tshewang Tashi from Bhutan
alumnus
"The course added a new dimension to my professional life by looking beyond the problems in livestock management. It provided me with a change in my way of thinking and approach towards the work that I do with regard to livestock development. As I already have a job, I think the interesting thing would be to see how far the new knowledge can contribute to my work output. I think I will be more focused and more professional in my job. I still need to do a lot for my country in terms of development. I look forward to be an agent of change in the development process with my knowledge and skills. The course not only deals with providing knowledge of the subject, but it also tells how it can be used in daily life. The interesting thing is the concept of 'Competence Based Learning' which is a tool towards the whole development of a student. The knowledge received here is packaged, which has more potential to be implemented in practical life."
"My work mainly consists of lobbying."