Animal production

Core Courses

Quantitative Genetics

The Quantitative Genetics course is based on solid foundations in general genetics, including concepts of heredity, Mendel's laws, and the relationship between genotype and phenotype. It also relies on fundamental biostatistics concepts such as means, variances, correlations, and regressions, as well as applied mathematics tools like probabilities and basic algebra.​

Biochemistry

In Biochemistry, students study general and organic chemistry, focusing on chemical bonds, functional groups, and major reactions. They also gain knowledge in cell biology, including cell structure, organelles, and membranes, while integrating concepts of animal physiology related to energy metabolism and organ functions.​

Microbiology

The Microbiology course introduces the basics of general biology, emphasizing the diversity of life and the classification of microorganisms. It also covers basic biochemistry concepts related to microbial metabolism and enzymes, with a strong emphasis on laboratory hygiene and safety, including sample handling and sterilization methods.​

Meat Production

In the field of Meat Production, students study the anatomy and physiology of livestock, with a particular focus on muscle structures and digestive systems. This module also covers the fundamentals of animal husbandry, including breeding, livestock breeds, and integrates aspects of food hygiene related to sanitation, contamination, and meat processing.​

Ruminant Feeding and Nutrition

The Ruminant Feeding and Nutrition course explores the digestive physiology of ruminants, studying the functioning of the digestive tract and absorption mechanisms. It also addresses nutritional biochemistry by specifying the role of nutrients such as proteins and carbohydrates, as well as the dietary needs specific to each species, age, and production stage according to the principles of animal husbandry.​

Animal Behavior

In Animal Behavior, the basics of ethology are taught, with particular attention to the analysis of behaviors and the impact of the environment on them. The course also includes elements of developmental biology, while establishing links between zootechnical arrangements and animal behavior to optimize animal welfare.​

Practical Work (TP)

Finally, Practical Work (TP) allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge through laboratory and field experiments. They develop a scientific methodology including observation, experimentation, and data analysis, while mastering specific techniques such as microscope use, biochemical assays, and aseptic handling. These TP sessions cover the fundamentals of key disciplines such as microbiology, biochemistry, and nutrition.​

Advanced Topics

In Quantitative Genetics, advanced topics include large-scale genomic analysis, such as Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) and Genomic Selection (GS), which use DNA data to improve the accuracy of selection. Other topics may include genetic modeling of complex traits, genotype-environment (GxE) interactions, and the use of specialized software for genetic variance analyses and prediction of breeding values (EBV). In Biochemistry, advanced topics cover molecular mechanisms of metabolism, hormonal and enzymatic regulation in animal tissues, and the biochemistry of metabolic diseases. This may also include biochemical analysis of animal feeds, studying oxidative stress in ruminants, or nutrigenomics, which explores how nutrients influence gene expression. For Microbiology, advanced themes focus on the study of the intestinal microbiota of ruminants, its interactions with immunity, and its effects on health and production. It also includes antibiotic resistance, genetic sequencing techniques for microorganisms, and the use of probiotics and prebiotics in animal feeding to modulate the microbial flora. In Meat Production, topics include integrated management of the meat supply chain, optimization of the technological and organoleptic quality of meat products, advanced slaughter and processing technologies, as well as traceability and international standards (ISO, HACCP). Subjects like reducing the environmental impact of meat production and animal welfare before slaughter are also crucial. Ruminant Feeding and Nutrition explores topics such as optimized ration formulation using software, evaluation of feeds through in vitro/in situ methods, precision nutrition, and feeding strategies to reduce enteric methane emissions. Specific needs according to physiological stages (gestation, lactation) and supplementation with trace elements can also be covered. Animal Behavior can lead to studies on animal cognition, sensor-assisted behavioral analysis (video, accelerometers), and welfare assessment using behavioral indicators. Topics like stress reduction strategies, designing enriched environments, or behavioral management of livestock in intensive and extensive systems are also addressed. Finally, advanced Practical Work (TP) helps develop skills in applied experimentation: setting up nutritional trials, statistical analysis of experimental data, culturing microorganisms under specific conditions, and using rationing or genetic analysis software. These TP sessions bridge the gap between theory and field-related professional issues.