About the Program
Academic Chair of the International MSc Program in Animal Sciences
Prof. Sameer J. Mabjeesh
Professor, Ruminants Nutrition and Lactation Physiology
About the Program
The Master of Science in Animal Sciences aims to prepare students to become leading professionals in modern agriculture and contribute newly-acquired skills and knowledge for the benefit of agriculture in their home countries. Students will learn the fundamentals of Animal Sciences based on the most recent scientific findings and understand the “science” behind animal sciences, animal physiology, farm animal production and the environmental impact of agricultural activity. The program also prepares students for participation in doctoral-level programs.
Following graduation, the majority of alumni return to their home countries, where many of them hold key positions in the area of governmental administration of animal production, management of farm animals, farm animal husbandry, and consultation and research in these fields in universities or private institutes. Several of our alumni have chosen to continue their studies towards a PhD degree in leading universities around the world.
The one-year program leads to a non-thesis Master of Science in Agriculture with a major in Animal Sciences. Qualified students may apply to the thesis track for a second year of studies after completing the first year of the program.
Israel's advanced agriculture is most evident in the field of farm animal production. Israeli animal husbandry and management is among the most productive in the world, thanks to its sophisticated infrastructure based on the integration of science-based production methods with efficient extension services and an advanced health supporting veterinary service. The Robert H. Smith Faculty's teaching and research activities continue to play a central role in advancing agriculture to strengthen the Israeli economy while training tomorrow's scientists and agriculturists; protecting and rehabilitating the environment while increasing food production and reducing world hunger; mobilizing agriculture to meet human health needs and improving the quality and purity of agricultural products; and sharing the benefits of Israeli research and innovation with other nations.
The Smith Faculty's Department of Animal Sciences is engaged in research at levels of the molecule, cell and organ, while maintaining a clear perspective of the farm animal as a whole. The department activities include the following thematic areas:
- Physiology of reproduction (ruminants, poultry and fish);
- Stress physiology: adaptation of farm animals to environmental and other sorts of stress (ruminants and poultry);
- Physiology of lactation;
- Growth and development as affected by environmental impact;
- Aquaculture: reproduction, genetics and aquatic microbiology,
- Physiology of the digestive tract: digestive processes and their control, improvement of digestive tract development and function via embryonic manipulation, improvement of the digestive tract immune system.