Animal nutrition is one of the main bases of livestock production, therefore specialist training is required to produce safe, quality food products and design sustainable production systems. This innovative MSc programme provides in-depth knowledge of nutrition systems for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry and rabbits through analysis of modern and sustainable techniques and methods. It is a multidisciplinary programme delivered by 81 highly qualified professionals from 9 countries, chosen for their expertise and reputation. The Master also includes at least 13 technical visits to compound feed mills, forage shrub plots and pastures, beef and dairy cattle farms, meat and dairy sheep farms, extensive and intensive systems, goat farms, an organic production system, poultry, pig and rabbit farms and milk recording and quality control laboratories.
The MSc in Animal Nutrition is an official master of two years’ duration (120 ECTS), delivered in Zaragoza and jointly organized by IAMZ-CIHEAM, the University of Zaragoza (UZ) and the Spanish Foundation for the Development of Animal Nutrition (FEDNA), with the collaboration of the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM).
The first part of the programme (60 ECTS) consists of lectures and tutorials, laboratory and IT practicals to learn to design animal feed programmes and technical visits to various livestock farms. During this time students have the opportunity to design a project on new techniques or methodologies in animal nutrition and apply them in a productive context. The Master is flexible and students can take independent modules. Lectures are delivered in English, French or Spanish with simultaneous interpretation. Furthermore, for students that do not have a basic knowledge of Spanish the UZ delivers an intensive Spanish language course to help them adapt to the IAMZ experience. The course takes place from July to September, and includes a month in the Pyrenean city of Jaca.
In the second part of the programme (60 ECTS) students go on to do their Practicum and Final Master Project at national or international universities, research centres or firms. The collaboration with these institutions is fundamental for the success of the programme. Students receive training in an environment of team research work, and benefit from excellent resources and sound advice. The experience acquired during this period goes beyond the acquisition of knowledge and practical skills. It provides a full introduction to the reality of the professional world.
The multicultural environment with students and lecturers from different countries provides the opportunity to create a network of contacts and collaborators, a key asset for their career.
For more information on the International Master in Animal Nutrition you can download the brochure and visit the Master's page.