Student testimonial
Hugo - MSc Animal Sciences (From HBO to WUR)
Before Hugo decided to study MSc Animal Sciences, he first completed his study “Dier- en Veehouderij” at Aeres Hogeschool Dronten and worked for three years as a crop adviser. To learn more about the challenges and solutions for a sustainable agricultural sector, he made his way back to Wageningen University.
I am glad that WUR provides students with the chance to make combinations with courses of different research groups.
HBO bachelors in Dier- en Veehouderij
“Hi, my name is Hugo, and I am in the second year of MSc Animal Sciences. Originally, I am from the Achterhoek. Here my parents own a pig and veal calf farm. After I completed havo at highschool, I started studying ‘Dier- en Veehouderij’ at the Aeres Hogeschool in Dronten. During my study, I focused on crops and animal nutrition. I have always been interested in the processes before a dairy cow eats her meal. During my final year, I got the opportunity to do an internship at a company that provides farmers with advice on i.e. crop protection products, seeds, and fertilizer.”
Finding a new challenge
“After I finalized my studies, I was invited to work for my internship company. I worked as a crop adviser and back-office employee. I found great pleasure in visiting farming operations and lending a hand with crop-related challenges. However, I always thought there was more to it. We're part of a challenging and constantly changing agricultural sector. I felt that I wasn’t done learning yet, and I wanted a new challenge. So after almost three years later, I took the opportunity to start studying again at WUR. I signed up for the MSc Animal Sciences, only a few days before the deadline. I quit my job, and after a short summer break, I found myself in lectures again.”
Create your own study programme
“Animal Nutrition and Metabolism was the specialisation that I chose. Next to that, I followed courses related to crop system analysis, e.g. Grassland Sciences, Soil-Plant Relations, and Advanced Agronomy. I enjoyed these courses since they gave me a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that occur during the growth of plants and within the soil. I am glad that WUR provides students with the chance to make combinations with courses of different research groups. Thanks to this, I was able to make the combination between my main interests: animal nutrition, soil, and plant sciences.”
Developing a sustainable dairy supply chain
“Recently, I completed my thesis. I got the opportunity to do research at the Dairy Campus in Leeuwarden. Here they bring science and professional practice together under one roof. Their focus is on developing a sustainable dairy supply chain. My thesis focused on comparing two methods for estimating the dry matter intake of grazing cows. I collected data by obtaining manure and grass samples from three different cow groups. One method to estimate the dry matter intake was based on the VEM requirement (Dutch energy system). The other method was based on n-alkanes. These are indigestible markers. Naturally occurring n-alkanes, found in the wax layer of grasses, are mostly odd-chained. When even chained n-alkanes are supplemented, it is possible to calculate the dry matter intake based on the ratio found in feed and faeces. Both methods were compared with each other, and to a roughage intake control system. We concluded that the n-alkane method was very precise in estimating the dry matter intake. However, it showed some underestimation.”
“Currently, I am doing my internship at Eurofins Agro in Wageningen. This company analyses roughage, soil, water, manure, and other organic materials to provide accurate data and advice for dairy and arable farming and horticulture. I will be working on sulfur and copper fertilization of grasslands. My internship includes a pot experiment, literature research, interviews with professionals, and a walk-along with specialists within Eurofins.”
Take home message
“Making the transition from working full-time to studying again was easy for me. I would like to offer some advice to future students who are considering a comparable study path: don’t hold back, just give it a try. Be proactive, and you will see that you’ll manage! Wageningen University has a lot to offer. In addition to the well-organized and interesting courses, the vibrant student life is also something I enjoy in Wageningen. Next to being a member of study association the Veetelers, I am also active at student association ‘t Noaberschop.
If you’re thinking about it, just try it. There is nothing to lose, only a lot to learn!”