Integrated higher learning—An investment in intellectual capital for livestock production

Intellectual capital (IC) is a key concept to sustaining a global livestock industry. Accumulated IC in animal science has contributed to successfully developing an efficient global industry, but that has come at a cost to the environment. The challenge is to develop IC to address the negative aspects of the livestock industry, yet continue the advances towards more efficient livestock production and improved qualities of livestock products. Investments in IC to sustain the livestock industry must not only be technical of an animal science nature, but should include external constituencies such as customers and various other associated entities. IC for the livestock industry is required at different levels that range from labourers to university science graduates. Undergraduate and postgraduate education in animal science must be designed to meet the objectives of a sustained career development and the ability to address the challenges facing the livestock industry. There need not be only one type of graduate, but curricula can be adapted to provide graduates with a different focus and clearly defined output objectives of curricula designed in consultation with the industry. IC and professional development programmes would benefit from unconditional cooperative programmes between universities, professional science societies and the industry. The future of the animal industry is dependent on the effective acquisition and application of the appropriate IC that includes the three dimensions being people and their competencies and knowledge, the organizational and management systems, and external constituencies.