Student testimonial
Arjen - BSc Animal Sciences (switched from HBO to WU)
Arjen studied for one year at Aeres Hogeschool Dronten before deciding to come to Wageningen University. He was born and raised on a dairy cow farm and would like to learn as much as possible at the BSc Animal Sciences to become an entrepreneur. Throughout the week he lives at a student dorm and during the weekend he works whenever he can at the family farm.
My goal is to become a well-educated animal scientist in the field of dairy cows.
From HBO to WU
"After graduation, I continued my education at Aeres Hogeschool Dronten (HBO, university of applied sciences), where I studied ‘Agrarisch ondernemerschap Dier- en Veehouderij’. After one year, I decided to switch studies and well to Animal Sciences at Wageningen University. The reason I switched, is because I would like to have more scientific depth in courses, which is the case in BSc Animal Sciences. I believe that scientific and practical knowledge will help me optimize my parents' farm at home. At first, the switch to WUR was challenging as it uses a different education system. Studying at a university entails that it is your responsibility to keep up with the learning material. Now that I have been here for more than two years, I feel completely at home, and I am really glad that I took this step."
Study interests
"I am interested in animal nutrition, for example, on research findings that explain the optimization of dairy herd health. During the course ‘Principles of Animal Nutrition’ we had to dissect a chicken. By doing so, we could discriminate between different diets that were fed to the chickens, since we could examine the differences in gut morphology. Animal Sciences combines the literature that you read in books with practice, and that is one thing I like for sure! In addition to my interest in animal nutrition, I also like economics. Therefore, I am doing my minor in Business and Economics. Therefore, I will obtain a good basic knowledge of how to become a good entrepreneur. Which can come in handy if I want to take over the family farm."
Put theory into practice
"Breeding is something I am passionate about. At home, I help with selecting bulls. We tend to select bull-semen that optimise our herd health, mainly focusing on legs, udder, milk production, longevity and fertility. I keep an eye on the management of the farm. In our stables, we placed some cameras and via my phone, I can keep track of the calving cows. When I notice something is not going as it should, I will call for help. I am proud of what my father and grandfather set up at home. Therefore, my goal is to become a well-educated animal scientist in the field of dairy cows."
Student life
"Besides studying, I am an active member of the study association “De Veetelers”. That said, I am taking part in the ‘cattle breeding association’ (Rundvee Fokkerij Studieclub (RFS). My goal is to show students as much of the practice as possible. Every year, we organize multiple excursions to farms (with different breeds and purposes), and feed companies, and we compete at the national student championships cattle judging (LSCV) annually."
Take home message
"My advice is to join the study association, as it is a nice opportunity to get connected with fellow students and there is always a friendly atmosphere."