Contribution of Animal Breeding to Global Food Security

05 - 14 August 2024
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Austria

Venue

Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1180 Wien

Background of Summer School / Introduction

Animal protein contributes substantially to the nutrition of people around the globe. Efficiency and sustainability of livestock systems may be improved by breeding better suited animals. The Summer School addresses the outcomes of animal breeding in extremely diverse environments (highly industrialized versus developing countries) and by divergent stake-holders (breeding companies versus farmers).

Maximum number of participants

20

Previous Knowledge

Students at master or PhD level with basics of animal science

Preferably students of an ELLS member or partner university at master and PhD level. Other interested students are welcome to apply as well.

Basic knowledge in animal science is strongly recommended.

Application Method

Online application

Application Deadline

31 May 2024

Course Content

• Contribution of products of animal origin to global food security
• Livestock systems and resource efficiency
• Concepts of animal breeding
• Genetic diversity (inbreeding, crossbreeding)
• Development of breeding programs
• The role of breeding companies
• Utility of genomic information for breeding in developing countries

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

After completing the course, the participants should be able to...

Knowledge:

• describe animal breeding in the context of food security
• analyse, describe and compare animal breeding concepts in both, industrialised and developing, countries
• describe different aspects of global food chains with pros and cons on animal breeding
• describe and explain the role of animal breeding and animal based products in relation to glubal food sustainability

Skills:

• apply theoretical genetics and breeding concepts for implementation of practical breeding programmes
• differentiate breeding activities at local and global scales
• practice critical and analytical thinking in an international environment
• improve their English

Competences:

• synthesize newly acquired information and present in written and oral form
• solve problems in interdisciplinary teams of international students

Course Schedule

Preliminary plan

Arrival of participants on 3rd or 4th August (weekend)

Start of course on 5th August

Course days from Monday - Friday and Monday - Wednesday

End of course on evening of 14th August (joint dinner)

Course Language

English

Course Format

On site course: mix of lectures, presentations by students, practicals, role play discussions, excursion, group work, social events

Number of Credits [ECTS]

Type of Assessment

Two page essay written during the course and an individual discussion of the essay with lecturers on the last day.

Cultural Activities / Social Program

The programme will involve a visit to an Austrian traditional wine restaurant, movie night, joint visit to Prater amusement park in Vienna, Escape Room or City Discovery Tour, other social activities in Vienna.

Tuition Fees

No tuition fees. 

Additional Costs

The students might have to take care about payments of meals, accommodation, insurance and travel. Further information will be provided. Additional information for students from ELLS universities: Some ELLS member universities provide scholarships for participants of ELLS Summer Schools.

Accommodation

Students will be provided with information for accommodation but need to book rooms individually.

For further information, please see: https://short.boku.ac.at/int-in-life-accommodation-en.html

Health Insurance

Students must arrange their own health and travel insurance.

Visa

If support letters are needed, contact the administrative contact person below: https://short.boku.ac.at/int-in-life-visa-en-non-EU-1-6months-en.html

Contact persons for scientific questions

Gabor Meszaros (gabor.meszaros@boku.ac.at)

Contact person for administrative questions

Nathalie Schwaiger (emabg@boku.ac.at)