Contribution of Animal Breeding to Global Food Security

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).

Hosting University

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU)

Venue

Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1180 Vienna

Date

August 3 - August 11, 2026

Participants

20 - 25

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.

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 Outcome (ILO)

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

• describe animal breeding in the context of food security
• analyze, describe and compare animal breeding concepts in both, industrialized and developing countries
• describe different aspects of global food chains with pros and cons on animal breeding and explain the role of animal breeding and animal based products in relation to global food sustainability
• apply theoretical genetics and breeding concepts for implementation of practical breeding programs
• differentiate breeding activities at local and global scales
• practice critical and analytical thinking in an international environment
• improve their English
• synthesize newly acquired information and present in written and oral form
• solve problems in interdisciplinary teams of international students

Course Schedule

– Arrival of participants on 1.08. or 2.8. (weekend)
– Start of course on 3.8.2026
– Course days from Monday – Friday and Monday – Tuesday
– End of course on evening of 11.8.2026 (joint late lunch)

Course Language

English

Course Format / Teaching Methods

On site course: mix of lectures, presentations by students, practicals, role play discus-sions, excursion, group work, social events.

Credits

ECTS Credits and Workload Overview

Type of Assessment and Assessment Criteria

Scientific poster making in groups (10%), two page essay written during the course on the last day (90%).

Cultural Activities / Social Program

The programme will involve a excursion, visit to an Austrian traditional restaurant and other social activities in Vienna.

Tuition Fees

No tuition fee

Additional Costs

The students might have to take care about some meals, accommodation, in-surance 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

Participants are responsible for an adequate health insurance during their participation in the program. Participants should possess an EU health insurance card.

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

Application Deadline

31 May 2026

Link to online Application form

Contact persons for scientific questions

Gabor Meszaros  gabor.meszaros@boku.ac.at

Contact person for administrative questions

Marta Darta Repule  emabg@boku.ac.at