Please tell us how you came to the decision to choose the direction of "Animal Science"? Were there any specific moments or people that influenced your choice?

- I have loved animals since childhood, but for a long time I thought the only way to work with them was to become a veterinarian. However, in high school I learned about livestock specialists, how to conduct selection properly, choose feed and improve the productivity of the herd. I was amazed at how complex and knowledge-intensive this work is! I was greatly influenced by my high school biology teacher, who encouraged my interest in genetics.

- Before entering the Academy, how familiar were you with the profession of a zootechnician? Did you have any ideas that changed during your studies?

- Honestly, I imagined a livestock specialist as a person who simply looks after animals or monitors their feeding. But it turned out that this is a real "livestock manager" - not only the health of the herd, but also the economy of the farm depends on you!

Of all the variety of tasks of a zootechnician, what attracts you most? Is it work with genetics, feeding, maintenance, selection or something else?

- I am most interested in selection and genetics - the opportunity to influence the improvement of breeds, analyze the inheritance of traits and see how your work leads to real results. I also like working with feeding. It's like a complex puzzle, where you need to accurately calculate the diet to achieve maximum productivity without harming the animals.

What qualities or skills do you think are key to being a successful zootechnician in today's agro-industrial complex? What skills do you perhaps have to work on the most?

- Key skills: analytical thinking (understanding data on productivity, genetics), ability to work with modern programs (for example, “Selex”), communication skills (you need to find a common language with veterinarians, with management, etc.), stress resistance (animals are not mechanisms, there can be unforeseen situations). What I'm working on now: decision making (sometimes it's hard to choose the best option).

What myths or stereotypes about animal science would you like to dispel for future students? Perhaps there is something that many people do not know about the profession?

- "It's only about feeding and cleaning manure" - in fact, it is a high-tech profession with calculations, IT systems and science.

"Work only in the village" - you can work in laboratories, breeding centers, feed companies, even in IT startups for the agricultural sector.

"Salaries are low" - a good specialist in a large farm or genetic company receives decent wages.

What subject or practical lesson do you remember the most?

- Practical training at a poultry farm!

If you had to choose one most important discovery or knowledge that you received during your studies, what would it be?

- That even a small improvement in selection or feeding gives a huge economic effect on the scale of the farm. For example, a correctly selected breeding bull can increase the farm's income by millions of rubles.

Where do you plan to work after graduating from the Academy? In what area of ​​animal science would you like to develop and why?

- I want to work in a breeding service or a genetic company, because I am interested in implementing modern selection methods. Perhaps later I will go into science - I will study molecular markers in animal husbandry.

What do you think about the future of agriculture and the role of livestock specialists in it?

- Agriculture is becoming more and more technological. It includes genomic selection, precision feeding, automation. Livestock specialists of the future are "data analysts" and "biotechnologists". Without us, it will not be possible to ensure food security!

What advice would you give to applicants who want to enroll in the Faculty of Animal Husbandry Technologies and Veterinary Medicine?

- Before applying, try going to a farm. This will help you understand whether it is for you or not. Study biology and chemistry, but also don't forget about mathematics (statistics are important!). And be prepared for the fact that a zootechnician not only loves animals, but also knows how to count!

Continue the sentence "The Academy for me is..."

- a place where theory becomes practice. Here I learned not just to memorize textbooks, but to see how knowledge turns into real results. And these are also people - teachers who are passionate about their work, and classmates with whom we will one day change the Russian agricultural industry!