Veterinary Degrees Online

Stage 1: You develop an understanding of the scientific principles underpinning animal science through modules that are common to all animal science students – see Animal Science (Deferred Choice). You can also learn a European language or study aspects of business and marketing, skills that are increasingly sought after by companies in the animal science industry. Stage 2: You discover how scientific principles are applied to practical animal husbandry for a wide range of companion animal species. Stage 3: You examine the latest studies in companion animals being undertaken at centres across the world, such as the control of disease through the use of naturally occurring plant extracts or genotype selection for better disease resistance. You also work in teams to organise a mini-conference on animal health, arranging everything from fundraising, to identifying and inviting keynote speakers, to catering. This involves giving several of the scientific talks, addressing an audience made up of lecturing staff, students from other degree programmes in the University and from other colleges/institutions in the region. This unique experience can be extremely challenging but rewarding, and gives you the opportunity to become proficient in many of the communication and organisation skills that employers require in graduates. You also undertake a research project in an area of animal science that particularly interests you. Previous students have collected and interpreted data on a range of companion animal species from animal centres across the UK. The University also has close links with local kennels and stables where research projects can be based. Recent projects include: how environmental enrichment improves the welfare of dogs in a rescue shelter; the effect of recovery rate following exercise on racing performance in thoroughbreds; and the use of molecular techniques to screen for tick-borne pathogens in cats. Animal Science In today’s society the study of animal science is essential to meet social, economic and environmental objectives. Knowledge and research in this area drives the development of sustainable livestock production, contributes to the UK food and drink sector and is essential in promoting the health and welfare of the nation’s companion animals. Animal science at Newcastle explores all aspects of the biology of animals, developing your knowledge of the underlying scientific principles that govern how animals behave and function as well as the practical application of this knowledge. The sound understanding of science, coupled with the critical thinking, analysis and communication skills that are developed through the course, mean you will be equipped for a wide range of careers in the animal science sector. The flexible nature of the course allows you to learn a European language or to acquire business or marketing skills, thereby increasing your options after graduation.

In general, there has been inadequate animal identification, poor record keeping, and unrestric ted breeding in the native flocks of the province, which has limited the efforts to measure individual animal’s performance. Consequently the genetic potential of the native stock has been never adequately assessed particularly in relation to certain traits as disease resistance, fertility and adaptability to the usually difficult environment in which they must survive and produce. In addition, there are areas in which the extensive crossing between local and exotic sheep in Hazara and Swat, etc, and cattle throughout the province, has resulted in a continuum of genetic types. Attempts to characterize local animals, evaluate their genetic potentials and design coordinated large-scale selection breeding and genetic improvement programs are further complicated when there are few distinct breeds and only highly varied or non-descript stock from which to choose individuals for production trials. The lack of livestock performance data also hampers efforts to develop productive animals specifically adapted for introduction to a particular ecological zone.

Keeping in view the above field conditions and the students interest in this specialization, it was realized that independent department in Animal Breeding and Genetics be established to launch a specialized postgraduate degree (MSc and PhD) program. The new specialization program has replaced the MSc Hons Animal Husbandry composite degree program with the course work jointly offered by other departments and thesis research in the specializations. Since the department established in 2004, about six students were registered in the field. Courses in Animal Breeding and Genetics have also been part of the curricula of undergraduate classes.

Research facilities

The research activities of the department include generating baseline data on the performance of indigenous ruminant animals in order to initiate selection procedures for upgrading the genetic potential of indigenous stock. The survival, fertility and performance of local and local/exotic crosses will be compared in order to identify superior types, well adapted to local conditions. These individuals can then serve as foundation stock in well planned breeding programs designed to produce animals for distribution to the small holders. In addition to our own model farm, the department is linked with other three research stations and its students have easy access to the private farms where joint research studies are under way to test their research themes right on farm level.