Student testimonial
Danique - BSc Animal Sciences (exchange to Sweden)
Danique just finished her BSc Animal Sciences and followed courses in almost every discipline of animal sciences in search of her quest; where to specialize in, what is my passion? She even studied in Sweden to explore more.
Since I liked almost all courses, I came up with the idea to use my third year to find out what I wanted to specialise in in my master’s.
“Already at a very young age, I loved being surrounded by animals. By the years, my interest in livestock kept growing. I also started working with dairy cattle and goats. After high school, I started my bachelor’s in Wageningen, a choice of which I’m still very glad as I can’t imagine something fitting me better!"
Figuring out my passion
“The first two years of my bachelor’s were exciting! I was introduced to many different disciplines of animal sciences, like zoology, animal behaviour, genetics, animal nutrition and sustainable husbandry. Since I liked almost all courses, I came up with the idea to use my third year to find out what I wanted to specialise in in my master’s. I used each period to explore a new discipline by following courses both within and outside my study domain, to get to know my major interest, e.g. courses aquaculture and fisheries or biosystems engineering. After that year, I can now conclude my main interest lies in animal nutrition.”
The strength of WUR’s education
“My favourite courses were ‘Reproduction and Fertility’ and ‘Principles of Animal Nutrition’. The scientific level in these courses was especially interesting. Professors highlight different viewpoints on topics during lectures without becoming too subjective. Besides that, they are willing to help you in case you experience some difficulties. And even more, WUR gives you a lot the freedom to study abroad. And I did.”
Studying in Sweden
"In Wageningen I always am active with a full agenda, something I enjoy a lot, but also means I don’t have that much time to discover new places. In addition, I wanted to broaden my horizon and gain knowledge at another university. So, I decided to go to SLU in Uppsala, Sweden. The study BSc Animal Sciences focuses largely on livestock animals, and although this also is the main focus at SLU, it was nice to gain knowledge of animal nutrition at a wider animal scope. At SLU, I learned a lot about the nutritional value, quality and production of silage and grasses, and about nature conservation. Next to that, it was nice to bring the theory that I had learned into practice by visiting local farmers. During practical, we visited these farmers multiple times and worked out real-life cases on dairy cattle’s rations, taking into account experiences and challenges of the farmer."
Dreaming about the future
“Last semester, I started with the specialisation Nutrition and Metabolism for the MSc Animal Sciences. With that, I hope to gain even more knowledge of the livestock feed industry. I would love to end up working in this sector, especially focusing on dairy goats. It would be amazing to combine research findings with the practical field so that we can solve nutritional challenges at animal farms.”
Student life
“Besides studying, I am also a member of the study association “De Veetelers”. I like to join, some of the many activities, in particular cattle judging and the lambing courses. With the study association, I get the chance to apply the theory that I obtained during your studies on real animals in practice. Furthermore, I was a board member of the student association ’t Noaberschop for two years, something I enjoyed a lot. I moved to Wageningen in my second year of study, a choice I am still very happy about. I recommend finding a room in Wageningen, as it is so much easier to attend all fun activities and socialize with peers.”