Animal Breeding and Genetics

Overview

In this Animal Breeding and Genetics Professional Certificate Program at Wageningen University and Research - WageningenX, the focus is on the design, the set-up, execution, and optimization of animal breeding programs, genetic improvement, and conservation of genetic diversity.

Follow this program and learn what the key factors are for improving and increasing productivity and learn what it takes to create and maintain a healthy and strong population.

You will learn about the basic principles of population, quantitative and molecular genetics. Biological aspects are integrated in the courses by the many hands-on assignments as well. Professionals working with animals will be able to use the knowledge from these courses to understand the impact of breeding on animal populations and to use genetic principles to make their decisions. 

Furthermore, following this program will give you an advanced starting point for further studies, such as MSc. level courses in animal breeding.

Job Outlook

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (United States), career opportunities for the category of animal scientists and other agricultural scientists will continue to grow by about 13 percent over the decade from 2010 to 2020.

• There is an urgent need for young professionals with up-to-date knowledge in animal breeding programmes.

• Career opportunities are especially high for working with commercial breeding companies, but job opportunities are also with CGIAR institutes involved in plant and animal breeding & in local government, especially in conservation of genetic biodiversity.

• Animal geneticists may also find work with a variety of employers such as animal production facilities, pharmaceutical companies, private corporations, research labs, zoos, hatcheries, the federal government, or colleges and universities.

• Aquaculture is the fastest growing livestock production area and there is a high demand for animal breeders that can design tailor-made breeding programs.