Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Science Program in Animal Science

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Science Program in Animal Science

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Science Program in Animal Science is strategically designed to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable development in the livestock and animal production sectors. The program's philosophy emphasizes a holistic, research-based, and entrepreneurial approach, ensuring a strong alignment with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. It directly addresses global food security challenges by focusing on sustainable and efficient animal production, which is a cornerstone of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). By integrating animal health, welfare, and disease prevention, it contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The curriculum promotes responsible production and waste management, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and environmental goals like SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Furthermore, the program fosters economic growth through innovation in animal business management (SDG 8 & SDG 9) and is built on a foundation of high-quality education and collaborative partnerships (SDG 4 & SDG 17), preparing graduates to be leaders in the sustainable transformation of the animal science industry.

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 1: No Poverty

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Alignment Summary: The program addresses poverty by equipping students with the skills to improve the productivity and profitability of livestock farming, which is a key source of income for many rural communities. Courses on farm business management provide tools for financial sustainability.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
173 401	Animal Farm Business Management	Contributes to poverty reduction by teaching students financial and business management skills applicable to livestock enterprises, helping to create economically sustainable businesses for local communities (Target 1.4).

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

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Alignment Summary: This program is fundamentally aimed at ending hunger by improving the efficiency, sustainability, and productivity of animal-based food systems. It covers the entire production chain, from animal nutrition and breeding to meat and dairy science, directly supporting the goal of achieving food security.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
173 201	Animal Nutrition and Feedstuff	Directly addresses food security by focusing on the science of animal nutrition to improve the efficiency of feed conversion, a critical factor in sustainable livestock production (Target 2.3).
173 211	Principle of Monogastric Animal Production	Supports the goal of ending hunger by teaching scientific principles for the production of poultry and swine, which are major sources of affordable protein worldwide (Target 2.1).
173 212	Principle of Ruminant Production	Contributes to sustainable agriculture and food security by focusing on the production of cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats, which are vital for nutrition and livelihoods in many regions (Target 2.4).
173 301	Animal Breeding and Selection	Aligns with increasing agricultural productivity (Target 2.3) by teaching genetic principles and selection methods to improve the productivity and resilience of livestock.
173 433	Meat Science and Technology	Helps reduce food losses by teaching the science of meat processing and preservation, ensuring that a vital food source is safely and efficiently brought to consumers (Target 2.1).

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: The program supports good health by ensuring the safety of animal products and promoting animal welfare. Courses on animal health, hygiene, and the science of products like milk and meat are crucial for preventing foodborne diseases and ensuring a healthy food supply.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
173 322	Animal Health and Hygiene	Directly contributes to public health by focusing on disease prevention and hygiene in livestock production, reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases and food contamination (Target 3.9).
173 431	Dairy Science and Technology	Promotes good health by covering the science of milk production and processing, ensuring the safety and quality of dairy products which are important for nutrition (Target 3.4).
173 421	Animal Welfare and Behavior	Aligns with well-being by promoting the humane treatment of animals, which is linked to reduced stress, better animal health, and higher quality animal products.

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science program provides high-quality, specialized education in a critical sector for sustainable development. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills training, and research experience, it equips graduates with the technical and vocational skills necessary for employment and innovation in the animal science industry.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
173 381	Research Methods in Animal Science	Directly supports quality education by teaching students the scientific research process, equipping them with technical skills for innovation and lifelong learning (Target 4.4).
173 491 & 173 492	Seminar I & II	Enhances education by promoting critical thinking and communication skills, requiring students to research and present on current topics in animal science (Target 4.7).
173 494	Co-operative Education in Animal Science	Provides quality education by integrating practical, real-world work experience into the curriculum, substantially increasing the technical skills and employability of graduates (Target 4.4).

SDG 5: Gender Equality

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Alignment Summary: While not a primary focus, the program contributes to gender equality by providing equal access to education and career opportunities in the field of animal science, a sector where women play a significant and growing role, particularly in small-scale farming and agribusiness.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
173 401	Animal Farm Business Management	Empowers all students, including women, with business management skills, enabling them to own and operate agricultural enterprises and achieve economic empowerment (Target 5.A).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The program is a direct driver of economic growth in the agricultural sector. By focusing on entrepreneurship, business management, and improving the efficiency of livestock production, it prepares graduates to create jobs, improve farm incomes, and contribute to a more productive and sustainable economy.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
173 401	Animal Farm Business Management	Promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by teaching the principles of managing animal farms as profitable businesses, creating decent work (Target 8.2).
173 402	Animal Farm Planning	Contributes to higher levels of economic productivity through diversification and technological upgrading by teaching students how to plan and design efficient farm operations (Target 8.2).
173 494	Co-operative Education in Animal Science	Supports full and productive employment by providing students with mandatory, extended work placements, directly preparing them for decent work upon graduation (Target 8.6).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: The program fosters innovation in the livestock industry by teaching modern technologies and scientific advancements. Courses in biotechnology, feed technology, and smart farming systems contribute to upgrading the technological capabilities of the agricultural sector.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
173 313	Biotechnology in Animal Production	Enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of the livestock industry by applying biotechnology to improve animal breeding, health, and nutrition (Target 9.5).
173 432	Feed Manufacturing Technology	Supports sustainable industrialization by teaching the technology behind producing safe and efficient animal feed, a critical component of the modern livestock industry's infrastructure (Target 9.4).

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum places a strong emphasis on responsible production patterns within the livestock sector. It addresses the sustainable management of natural resources, the reduction of waste through efficient feed and farm management, and the sound management of animal wastes.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
173 341	Forage Crop Production and Management	Promotes the efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by teaching sustainable practices for producing and managing forage, a key feed resource for ruminants.
173 411	Animal Waste Management	Directly addresses the environmentally sound management of wastes (Target 12.4 & 12.5) by teaching methods to manage and treat animal manure, reducing pollution and promoting nutrient recycling.
173 432	Feed Manufacturing Technology	Contributes to the reduction of food losses and waste generation by teaching technologies that ensure the efficient use of raw materials in feed production (Target 12.3 & 12.5).

SDG 13: Climate Action

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Alignment Summary: The program addresses climate action by teaching practices that can reduce the environmental footprint of livestock production. Courses on waste management and animal nutrition are relevant to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
173 411	Animal Waste Management	Contributes to climate change mitigation by teaching management practices for animal manure that can reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions (Target 13.2).
173 201	Animal Nutrition and Feedstuff	Addresses climate action by improving feed efficiency, which can lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of animal product (Target 13.2).

SDG 14: Life Below Water

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum includes principles of aquatic animal production, contributing to the sustainable use of aquatic resources. Proper management of aquaculture and land-based animal waste is crucial to preventing pollution of marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
173 213	Principle of Aquatic Animal Production	Supports the sustainable management of aquaculture (Target 14.4) which can help reduce pressure on wild fisheries.
173 411	Animal Waste Management	Helps prevent marine pollution from land-based activities (Target 14.1) by teaching methods to properly manage animal waste and prevent nutrient runoff into waterways.

SDG 15: Life On Land

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Alignment Summary: The program promotes the sustainable management of land resources through courses on forage production and animal waste management. These practices are essential for conserving terrestrial ecosystems, maintaining soil health, and integrating livestock production with the surrounding environment.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
173 341	Forage Crop Production and Management	Contributes to the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems by teaching practices for cultivating forage crops that prevent soil degradation and support biodiversity (Target 15.3).
173 411	Animal Waste Management	Promotes the integration of ecosystem and biodiversity values into planning by teaching how to recycle nutrients from animal waste back to the land, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers (Target 15.9).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program fosters partnerships through its cooperative education program, which builds strong ties between the university and the livestock industry. Furthermore, the curriculum's focus on research and knowledge sharing contributes to the global partnership for sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
173 494	Co-operative Education in Animal Science	Builds multi-stakeholder partnerships by connecting students and faculty with private sector companies and government agencies, fostering collaboration for sustainable development (Target 17.17).
173 491 & 173 492	Seminar I & II	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by encouraging the sharing of scientific knowledge and best practices in animal science (Target 17.6).