Science and innovation at the service of agriculture

By: Alejandro García Suárez – Advisory Office of Communications

The Sheep and Goat Club of the University of Cundinamarca, led by the Animal Science program at the Fusagasugá campus, is consolidating itself as a key space for research, innovation and the articulation of knowledge for the benefit of the agricultural sector and rural communities.

This working group is made up of three Knowledge and Learning Managers, 30 students, 2 graduates and 1 producer, who share a strong commitment to academic strengthening, animal welfare and the projection of the sheep-goat sector in the region.

Manager Karen Patricia Montoya Andrade highlighted the thesis “Comparative evaluation of semen quality in male sheep: Dorper vs Dorper x Katahdin in the La Esperanza Agro-environmental Unit”, Developed by Mariana Marín Ramírez, seventh semester student and president of the Club.

“This research represents a significant contribution to the area of animal reproduction, as it allows us to generate valuable information on two sheep genotypes of great relevance to the production systems of the tropics,” explained Montoya Andrade.

The study, with an applied approach, seeks to compare the reproductive advantages between purebreds and crossbreds, providing technical tools for the selection of breeding stock, the design of genetic improvement programs and reproductive planning in sheep flocks.

In a context where reproductive efficiency is fundamental to the sustainability and profitability of livestock systems, this type of research becomes a strategic piece for strengthening the sector.

In addition, the Sheep and Goat Club is advancing a new degree project under the innovation option modality, led by students focused on the design of accessible technological solutions that improve animal welfare and optimize production processes in sheep units in the region.

Mariana Marín Ramírez, a seventh-semester student in the Animal Science program at the Fusagasugá campus, shared her experience as a researcher:

“From my first semesters I felt a deep connection with sheep production, especially with animal reproduction processes. This affinity motivated me to focus my integrative projects on this species, which allowed me to delve deeper into its management and better understand the reproductive challenges faced by sheep systems.”.

The student explained that her research has given her the opportunity to apply semen evaluation techniques and analyze how genetic characteristics influence fertility. “During the process, I faced technical and logistical challenges, but each obstacle became a learning opportunity that strengthened my skills as a researcher and future animal scientist,” she stated.

Furthermore, he highlighted the value of these types of projects in the development of rural Colombia. “Research in sheep reproduction generates applicable knowledge that can improve reproductive efficiency, thus increasing productivity and profitability for local producers. This project has allowed me to apply what I learned at university to real-world situations, preparing me to contribute concrete solutions to the challenges of the agricultural sector.”.

These initiatives reaffirm the link between academia, research and territory, consolidating the Club as a benchmark of leadership, commitment and creativity in the agricultural development of Cundinamarca and the country.

Listen to our Podcast:

More news from the Fusagasugá campus at the News Agency