Education: vertical and horizontal integration

Besides research, the cooperation between the three institutes creates key advantages for the development of the knowledge system in livestock sciences and agricultural paractice through horizontal integration (vets, agricultural scientists, agricultural education and training) and vertical integration (practice, vocational education and training, teaching and research).

The above mentioned focal points and the fundamental idea of the world food system and the prnciples of «nutrition security» and «food safety» are also important for teaching and education, as well as disease prevention in the production of livestock. AgroVet-Strickhof's facilities can also be used for teaching and education. This is focused on:

University teaching - agricultural and veterinary education

In the area of higher education, AgroVet-Strickhof is used both for the education of veterinary students from the Vetsuisse Faculty and students of Agricultural Sciences, Food Sciences and Environmental Sciences at the ETH Zurich. Veterinary students put theory into practice using the agricultural livestock and horses in the areas of anatomy, physiology, pathology and preventative and therapeutical interventions related to nutrition, digestion, excretion, respiration, reproduction, sensorics and motor functions, blood circulation, endocrinal functions and homeostasis. Students of agricultural sciences, food sciences and environmental sciences use AgroVet-Strickhof livestock for practical education in the areas of nutrition, keeping, production of foods of animal origin (cattle, pigs and poultry). Knowledge relating to the interaction of livestock, plants and land regarding nutrient cycles, biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions is also taught. AgroVet-Strickof and its four sites give agricultural sciences students from the ETH and veterinary students from the University of Zurich the opportunity to do internships and their bachelor and masters thesis at one of the sites.  

Agricultural education and training and advisory services

Strickhof is the Swiss German competence centre for education and services in agriculture and nutrition, offering various vocational training courses in agriculture, animals, horticulture, viticulture, food science, home economics and health. After completion of such a course students may go on to further education at a technical college. Vocational high schools take on students who have completed vocational training in agriculture, forestry, horticulture and food sciences.    

Strickhof offers services and consulting for agricultural companies, creating close contact and exchange with the agricultural industry.

The stock of animals are used in vocational training for demonstrations purposes and for practical activities (e.g. claw care and milking). Questions regarding production methods can be put into practice. Teaching and advisory employees and technical college graduates have access to the stock of animals. The educational concept includes planning, performing and presenting individual experiments.