The academic field experience allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge on dairy cattle production in real-world conditions, evaluating technical, productive, and economic aspects of the system, thereby strengthening their professional training with a territorial and sustainable approach.
On February 21, 2026, students from the Animal Science (Zootecnia) program at the Universidad Industrial de Santander, Málaga campus, carried out a field trip as part of the course Introduction to Animal Sciences, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to comprehensive, territory-based academic training.
The activity took place in the rural district of Tequia, in the municipality of San José de Miranda, where future professionals visited a semi-intensive dairy production system. The field session was guided by Professor Heiner Leandro Tarazona García, who supported the on-site learning process and promoted technical and critical analysis of regional cattle production systems.
During the visit, students evaluated phenotypes and racial biotypes in dairy cattle, as well as analyzed grasses and forages used in herd feeding. They also reviewed key aspects of the system’s productive management, including health, nutritional, and reproductive practices, along with a preliminary assessment of the profitability of the implemented production model.
This academic experience strengthened students’ competencies in the comprehensive diagnosis of dairy production systems, integrating zootechnical, economic, and environmental variables. Direct interaction with the productive environment facilitated the application of theoretical concepts in real-life scenarios, consolidating essential skills for technical decision-making in the agricultural sector.
The Zootecnia UIS Málaga field trip also encouraged reflection on the importance of implementing sustainable livestock systems adapted to the agroecological conditions of the province and the department of Santander. In this way, the Universidad Industrial de Santander continues contributing to the training of professionals capable of supporting rural development, enhancing the competitiveness of the dairy sector, and promoting sustainable livestock production in Colombia.
