Animal Sciences

This Animal Sciences program’s curriculum at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is based on the most recent scientific findings and covers subjects such as animal biology and physiology, livestock breeding, the environmental impact of animal farming, and more. Hebrew University is at the forefront of advanced research and education in animal sciences, especially in the fields of physiology of reproduction and lactation, development as affected by environmental impact, aquaculture and the physiology of the digestive tract.

Key Facts

This 1-year program leads to a non-thesis Master of Science in agriculture with a major in animal sciences. After completing the program, qualified students may apply to the thesis track for a second year of studies.

Israeli animal husbandry and management practices are among the most productive in the world, thanks to a sophisticated infrastructure based on the integration of science-based production methods with efficient extension services and an advanced health-supporting veterinary service. The Hebrew University’s MSc program in Animal Sciences enables students from around the world to learn about Israel's advanced agriculture in these fields.

Program participants come from Israel and from around the world. During their studies, they enjoy many opportunities to meet and network with professionals and peers from different countries, on campus, during site visits, on field trips, and at social events.Following graduation, the majority of alumni return to their home countries, where many of them hold key positions in the governmental administration of animal production, management of farm animals, farm animal husbandry, and consultation and research in these fields at universities or private institutes. Many alumni continue on to PhD degrees and to careers in research at leading institutions around the world.

Courses include:

• 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.