Teaching and Research
Our department is divided into four fields: Physiology, Nutrition, Processing and Biotechnology that based on courses, research directions and existing laboratory space. Physiology and Nutrition include Nutritional Metabolism, Reproductive Physiology, Genetic Breeding; Processing is divided into Dairy Processing, Meat Processing, Microbial and By-Product Utilization and Biotechnology Research uses Cell Physiology Theory and Molecular Biotechnology to explore the growth and development of Animal Muscle, Fat and Germ Cells. The chicken coop, pigsty, deer house, barn, and milk processing plant in Experimental Farm provide a good environment for teaching, training and research. Our department aims to cultivate professionals in the areas of livestock breeding, breed improvement, increasing livestock unit production, and the utilization of milk, meat, eggs, and by-products as well as the research and development of healthy livestock products.
Physiology Research
Our department is the first work to research on deer. We have the most research reports of deer in Taiwan. Due to the involvement in velvet antler production, we have begun to research on the medicinal effects of velvet antler. Due to the understanding of Light Physiology and Chronobiology, we have also begun to research on its application in goose reproduction and production.
Nutrition Research
We focus on Medium-Chain Fatty Acid and other fats to improve pig and poultry production, with important results. The Research on Energy Metabolism Efficiency of Taiwanese native chickens is consistent and outstanding. It also has research on the intestinal physiology of geese.
Processing Research
The Research of Poultry Meat Processing in our department is very unique. Deboning poultry meat can increase the value of poultry meat greatly. Dairy Microbiology Research has a long history. It’s linked to applications closely. And extending to research on composting or reducing livestock pollution. Our department has also focused on the study of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Kurobuta Pork and the Biological Activity of Dairy Products and by-products. Our department also focuses on the evaluation of health foods.
Biotechnology Research
Our department is one of pioneers in the application of Biotechnology to Animal Husbandry. It has selected and constructed many genes of the topic, produced transgenic mice, and conducted related research. Our department pioneers the use of molecular biology techniques to study the physiology of muscle, adipose tissue, and germ cell development. It also pioneered the use of bioinformatics methods to explore promoters and gene characteristics and developed application software. In addition, our department also participates in the national integration project related to the Taiwanese native chicken genome project.