Message from the Dean

Associate Professor (Dr) Joyce Govinden Soulange [cite: 1]
Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Mauritius (UoM) [cite: 1]

Cultivating Excellence

In a short promotional reel, Associate Professor (Dr) Joyce Govinden Soulange directly addresses prospective students, highlighting how the faculty is “cultivating excellence” and preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals and leaders[cite: 1].

“Build a career that feeds the world!” [cite: 2]

She positions studying agriculture not just as a degree, but as a meaningful, impactful vocation contributing to global food security, sustainability, and development[cite: 3]. This is especially relevant for Mauritius and similar island or developing economies facing climate challenges, limited land, and the need for resilient food systems[cite: 3].

Key Messages from the Dean

She emphasizes three main strengths of the Faculty[cite: 5]:

• Applied, specialised courses: Programmes blend scientific theory with practical, industry-relevant skills[cite: 6]. Topics often cover crop and animal production, food science and technology, biotechnology, microbiology, agribusiness, sustainable practices, digital technologies in agriculture, biosecurity, climate resilience, and more[cite: 7]. The focus is on modern, problem-solving education rather than purely theoretical learning[cite: 8].
• Hands-on experience through internships: Students gain real-world exposure via structured internships in the agricultural sector, such as farms, agribusinesses, research institutions, and food processing companies[cite: 9]. This bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and professional demands, helping graduates become job-ready[cite: 10].
• The UoM Farm: where theory meets practice: The faculty operates its own UoM Farm — an 8.5-hectare (21-acre) teaching and research facility on campus in Réduit[cite: 11]. It serves as a living laboratory for students to apply concepts in crop production, animal husbandry, soil management, and experimental work[cite: 12]. This is one of the oldest and most distinctive features of the faculty, originally founded as the School of Agriculture in 1914[cite: 13].

Programmes Offered

The faculty has a long history but is pushing modern, applied training[cite: 15]. Many programmes are designed to align with national priorities, including food security, sustainable agriculture, and blue economy elements like aquaculture, as well as international trends like digital ag and climate-smart practices[cite: 16].

Explore all available options on the Faculty of Agriculture website.

Why This Matters (Broader Context)

Mauritius is a small island nation with limited arable land, vulnerable to climate change, and focused on diversifying its economy beyond tourism and sugar[cite: 19]. Agriculture here includes traditional crops, emerging high-value sectors such as horticulture, aquaculture, and agro-processing, and innovation in sustainability[cite: 20].

Graduates from UoM’s Faculty of Agriculture often pursue careers in:

• Government and extension services [cite: 22]
• Private agribusiness and food industries [cite: 23]
• Research and development [cite: 24]
• Entrepreneurship, such as starting farms or tech-enabled agri ventures [cite: 25]
• International organisations focused on food security [cite: 26]

The Dean’s message frames agriculture as a high-impact career — “feeding the world” — which ties into global challenges like UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), climate action, and economic resilience[cite: 27].

Teaching mobility at the University of Palermo (UNIPA)

Mr. Kamlesh Boodhoo of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius is pleased to share highlights from his teaching mobility under the Erasmus+ at the University of Palermo (UNIPA), Italy, within the Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences (SAAF). It has been a rewarding experience engaging with undergraduate and graduate students in the Lecture Hall Fierotti (AULA A) to discuss the evolving landscape of animal science.

Mr K.Boodhoo (middle) with the Students and Prof. A.Bonanno (on the right) 

📚 Key Lecture Highlights

• Biosecurity & Food Safety: We explored "Farm-to-Fork" protocols, focusing on practical measures like quarantine and vector control. We specifically addressed how climate change is driving disease migration—the "tropicalisation" of Mediterranean climates.
• Animal Welfare & Ethics: A deep dive into the "Five Freedoms" and the unique challenges of assessing welfare in extensive grazing systems where human contact is limited.
• Integrated Animal Health Management: A comprehensive session on livestock epidemiology emphasizing the "One Health" approach, critical for protecting both animal populations and human consumers.

Summary: Principles of Farm Animal Biosecurity

A Scientific Framework for Disease Prevention and One Health Integration

This lecture presented biosecurity as a holistic mindset and the "first line of defense". Safeguarding animal health is the only way to effectively secure human food safety and mitigate zoonotic risks within the One Health framework.

The Three Pillars of a Robust Program

• Conceptual: Strategic decisions like farm siting (>500m buffer) and "All-in/All-out" cycles.
• Structural: Physical barriers like perimeter fencing and Danish Entry Systems.
• Procedural: Daily operational protocols and rigorous cleaning and disinfection (C&D).

Science-Based Rigor

We analyzed pathogen tenacity: E. coli can survive in dry dust for up to 120 days, and Avian Influenza for 30 days in damp droppings. This underscores the "Golden Rule": You cannot disinfect dirt. Dry and wet cleaning must always precede chemical application.

The 2026 Paradigm

The "Final Frontier" of biosecurity involves tech-enabled defense: geofencing to track compliance, thermal drones for perimeter integrity, and point-of-care diagnostics at the farm gate.

Animal Welfare: Ethics and Modern Husbandry

Navigating the Five Freedoms and the Virtuous Bicycle of Improved Welfare

This session engaged students in the ethical complexities of modern animal husbandry, focusing on how we measure and improve the quality of life for livestock in various production systems.

The Five Freedoms Framework

We used the "Five Freedoms" as our foundational metric for assessing animal well-being:

• Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: Ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
• Freedom from Discomfort: Providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
• Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease: By prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
• Freedom to Express Normal Behavior: Providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the animal's own kind.
• Freedom from Fear and Distress: Ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

Challenges in Intensive Systems

A significant portion of the lecture addressed the specific welfare issues found in intensive systems, such as dairy cow management. We analyzed the conflicts between maximizing productivity and maintaining high welfare standards, identifying choices that farmers must make to minimize pain and alleviate fear during handling and transportation.

The "Virtuous Bicycle"

We concluded with the concept of the "Virtuous Bicycle"—a model illustrating how improved farm animal welfare acts as a delivery vehicle for sustainable agriculture. By aligning ethics with productivity, we create a system that benefits the animal, the producer, and the consumer alike.

Concluding Remarks: A Shared Vision for Sustainable Agriculture

As I conclude this lecture series at the University of Palermo, I realise that we face the same challenges in modern livestock production. Whether in the Mediterranean context of Sicily or the island ecosystem of Mauritius, the pillars of Biosecurity and Animal Welfare remain our most effective tools for ensuring a resilient animal production system.

Our discussions over the past week have highlighted that sustainable agriculture is not just about technology, but about a "One Health" mindset—recognizing that the health of our animals is inextricably linked to our own. By integrating ethical husbandry with rigorous scientific protocols, we create a "Virtuous Bicycle" that drives productivity and public trust simultaneously.

I am grateful to the students for their engagement, despite their native language is not English, and to Prof A. Bonnano of the SAAF Department for fostering this spirit of international cooperation. I look forward to the continued exchange of knowledge between our institutions as we work together toward a more sustainable and secure agricultural future.

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Mr. Kamleshwar Boodhoo | Erasmus+ Teaching Mobility | March 2026 

Erasmus+ Mobility Program | University of Mauritius & University of Palermo | March 2026

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The Evolution of Veterinary Medicine: From Clinical Practice to Biological Intelligence

I gave a talk on the above topic during my Erasmus mobility at University of Palermo.

Introduction

Modern veterinary medicine has transcended the traditional clinical paradigm, evolving into a critical component of the global health security infrastructure. As discussed in the recent seminar at the Università degli Studi di Palermo, the profession is undergoing a generational shift from localized reactive care to a sophisticated framework of Biological Intelligence (BI). This new frontier positions the veterinarian as a "medical strategist" operating at the intersection of high-throughput data science, population ecology, and national security.

Mr K.Boodhoo, Faculty of Agriculture

1. Theoretical Foundations of the Epidemiological Mindset

The core objective of modern systemic epidemiology is the mathematical suppression of the Basic Reproduction Number ($R_0$).

• Tactical Geometry: By utilizing the "Data of Distance," practitioners calculate optimal spatial buffers, farm spacing, and rigid quarantine parameters to ensure $R_0 < 1$, effectively neutralizing an outbreak through logistical intervention.
• The Asymptomatic Priority: Strategic priority is shifted from the symptomatic individual to the asymptomatic incubator. Identifying these silent vectors is critical, as relying solely on clinical signs constitutes an "exponential failure" of both biosafety and the macroeconomy.

2. Advanced Surveillance Strategies in the Mediterranean Basin

Given Sicily’s geographic position, the implementation of Active Surveillance is paramount for the early detection of trans-boundary animal diseases (TADs).

• The Sentinel Concept: Highly monitored "Sentinel Flocks" are deployed along high-risk coastal quadrants to act as "canaries in the coal mine," providing the earliest warning of pathogens crossing the Mediterranean from Africa or the Middle East.
• Multidisciplinary Layering: Predictive risk mapping now fuses satellite telemetry of Sirocco winds with avian migratory routes and entomological density data (e.g., midge and mosquito counts). This allows for public health alerts—such as for West Nile Virus—to be issued before a single human registers a fever.

3. The Technological Toolkit for Pathogen Control

The "Scientific Intelligence" of the 21st century relies on a suite of agnostic and targeted molecular tools that move diagnostics from the laboratory to the farm gate:

• Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS): Known as the "Google" of biology, mNGS is biologically agnostic, sequencing all genetic material within a sample (blood, feces, or water) to identify "Disease X" without prior specific knowledge of the pathogen.
• Phylogeography and the Molecular Clock: By analyzing stochastic mutations—which occur at a predictable, clock-like rate—AI-driven phylodynamics can reconstruct a pathogen's exact family tree and spatiotemporal trajectory.
• CRISPR-Based Diagnostics: Technologies such as SHERLOCK and DETECTR act as "programmable snipers," offering 99% accuracy in under an hour with zero lab equipment.
• DIVA Immunization: The use of marker vaccines (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) ensures that mass-vaccination campaigns do not "blind" subsequent serological surveillance, allowing officials to "hunt" the wild virus within a protected herd.

4. Empirical Application: The BTV-3 Case Study

The efficacy of these protocols was validated during the 2024-2025 Bluetongue Virus (BTV-3) emergence in Sicily.

• Genomic Verification: While traditional serology identified the "What" (BTV-3), mNGS provided the "Where" by identifying a 99.9% genetic homology with North African strains.
• Temporal Trace-back: By applying molecular clock calculations to the six observed mutations (at a rate of 2 base pairs per month), investigators identified a precise three-month window of introduction. This allowed for the correlation of specific shipping manifests and meteorological events from exactly 90 days prior, facilitating targeted improvements in port-of-entry biosecurity.

With Proff Francesso (left) and Tomasso (Right) of the Vet Department

 

Visit to the Animal Genomics Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture, Palermo University

I visited the Biotechnology Laboratory within the Department of Agriculture (SAAF) of the Palermo University on the 20 March 2026. 

The visit was guided by Prof Maria Teresa Sardina of the Department of Agriculture, Animal Genetics Section.

Professor Maria Teresa Sardina is a prominent researcher at the University of Palermo (Università degli Studi di Palermo), Italy, specializing in animal genetics and breeding. Her work primarily focuses on the genomic characterization, biodiversity, and conservation of local Mediterranean livestock. 

Laboratory Infrastructure and Technical Sections

The laboratory is designed as a multidisciplinary space, facilitating shared use between animal and crop science departments. It has been equipped with new technology over the last decade to support both research and student education

A. Molecular Biology and Instructional Space

• Core Activities: The facility serves as the primary hub for DNA extraction from various types of samples such blood, salivary swabs etc.and quality control.
• Pedagogy: A dedicated electrophoresis area is utilized to train students in essential practical skills, such as pipetting and sample preparation from diverse matrices (leaves, blood, and salivary swabs).
• Support Systems: The lab includes a dedicated "refrigerant freezer area" for long-term sample preservation and high-speed centrifuges. Key instruments include spectrophotometers for quality control, centrifuges, electrophoresis areas, and a dedicated "machine house" on the first floor for high-throughput analysis.

Specialized Milk and Disease Analysis

A significant portion of the lab's work involves analysing livestock products and health, particularly for local breeders.

• Milk Quality: The lab uses specialized machines (like the MilkoScan) to measure fat, protein, lactose, pH, and casein.
• Somatic Cell Counting: A high-speed cell fluorimeter can process 200 samples per hour, which is critical for farmers to monitor animal health.
• Disease Management: The lab tests for diseases such as Scrapie and Visna-Maedi in sheep. For viral mastitis, where antibiotics are ineffective, they use genotyping to select for resistant animals.

The Milkoscan

C. Advanced Genomics and Sequencing

·        Genetic Identification: The lab utilizes a Genetic Analyzer for Sanger sequencing, which is critical for routine tasks and identifying specific genetic markers

·        Capillary Efficiency: The equipment includes both 8-capillary and 24-capillary systems, allowing for the processing of up to 24 samples simultaneously.

·        High-Throughput Sequencing: The lab utilizes Sanger sequencing for routine tasks and the Illumina NextSeq 500 for full-genome sequencing, transcriptomics, ( and metagenomics.

Illumina NextSeq 500 

·        Proteomics: A specialized scanner is operational for proteomic analysis, although it is noted as a resource-intensive process in terms of both cost and time.

GE Typhoon FLA 9500 Biomolecular Imager,

·        Bioinformatics: Microbiome data is processed in-house using dedicated software, while complex "big genome" data is outsourced to specialized partners.

Genetic Analyser

Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM), a next-generation sequencing (NGS) instrument.

3. Research Strategic Pillars: Genetic Conservation

A primary focus of the laboratory's current research agenda is the conservation of autochthonous Sicilian biodiversity. The department has shifted its focus from purely industrial production metrics toward the genetic preservation of breeds that are uniquely adapted to the regional environment.

·        Targeted Local Breeds: Active projects involve cattle (Cinizara, Modicana), sheep (Valle del Belice, Barbaresca, Derivata di Siria), and goats (Girgentana, Mascarona).

Distribution of the Local Breeds across Sicilia

·        Avian Genetics: Efforts are underway to officially recognize two local Sicilian chicken populations as distinct breeds

·        Environmental Adaptation: These breeds demonstrate superior survival and performance in the "hard areas" of the Sicilian interior, which is characterized by mountainous terrain.

·        Climate Change: Autochthonous biodiversity is prioritized for its ability to remain resilient in the face of shifting climatic conditions compared to modern, highly specialized industrial breeds.

·        Genetic Reservoir: Even if less productive in terms of milk or egg quantity, these animals carry essential genes that can be utilized to improve the robustness of non-modern breeds.

·        Selective Breeding for Health: Genotyping is employed to identify and select animals with natural resistance to viral pathologies, such as Visna-Maedi and Scrapie, where traditional antibiotics are ineffective.

·        Breed Certification: Researchers work with breeder associations to provide the morphological and functional data necessary to officially recognize these populations as distinct breeds.

4. Institutional and Financial Observations

• Collaborative Maintenance: To ensure the longevity of high-cost equipment, the lab maintains active collaborations with other universities that outsource their sample analysis to this facility.
• Funding Challenges: Unlike dedicated regional research centres, the University facility operates on a project-to-project funding model, requiring continuous grant acquisition from ministries and the EU to survive.
• Evolution of the Department: Discussion with senior staff indicated a successful shift from a traditional "land and forestry" focus toward a modern, genetics-based approach to animal science.

Conclusion: Strategic Value of the Biotechnology Laboratory

The Biotechnology Laboratory has successfully transitioned from a traditional agricultural model to a high-tech genomic hub. By providing rapid milk diagnostics and advanced viral genotyping, the facility offers essential services that are otherwise cost-prohibitive for local farmers.

Central to its mission is the preservation of Sicilian autochthonous biodiversity. Using Sanger and Next-Generation Sequencing, researchers are proving that local breeds—such as the Cinizara cattle and Girgentana goats—possess critical genetic resilience to disease and climate change. Despite a project-dependent funding model, the laboratory’s commitment to student pedagogy and regional collaboration ensures it remains a vital asset for sustainable agriculture in Sicily.

 

Visit to the Institute of Marine Biology in Trapani, Italy

 

Prof C.M.Messina (in black coat) with the visiting academic staff

On March 19, 2026, Mr. Kamlesh Boodhoo and Assoc. Prof. A. Ruggoo from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, accompanied by Prof. A. Comparetti and Prof. A. Bonanno visited the Institute of Marine Biology in Trapani. The visit was guided by the Director of the Institute, Professor Concetta M. Messina, who provided an in-depth tour of the facilities and shared insights into the cutting-edge research being conducted at the Institute. She leads a team dedicated to bridging the gap between academic excellence and the maritime industry of the Trapani region. The research activities conducted focus on the intersection of marine biochemistry, industrial innovation, and environmental sustainability. For over 40 years, the laboratory has leveraged the natural maritime vocation of the Trapani territory to develop advanced methodologies for fish product quality assessment, circular economy applications, and biotechnological advancements. The following briefing summarizes the key research pillars and technological advancements observed during the tour of the laboratory.

Entrance to the Institute of Marine Biology 

Key takeaways include:

• Industrial Integration: Deep-rooted partnerships with local industry leaders, notably the Nino Castiglione company, facilitate applied research in tuna processing, sensory analysis, and PhD-led innovation.
• Advanced Extraction Technology: The use of supercritical CO_{2} extraction and short distillation systems allows for the production of high-purity marine oils (Omega-3) and antioxidants without the use of toxic organic solvents, catering to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
• Circular Economy & Bioremediation: Microalgae-based systems are utilized for water purification (bioremediation) and the synthesis of organic fertilizers, turning excess nutrients into valuable biomass.
• Comprehensive Analytical Capabilities: The laboratory maintains sophisticated facilities for gas chromatography, nutritional profiling (protein, lipid, and mineral content), and cell culture testing across human, mouse, and fish strains.

Industrial Collaboration: The Tuna Industry

The laboratory maintains a primary research line focused on the innovation and transformation of fish products, working closely with local enterprises.

• Nino Castiglione Partnership: A cornerstone collaboration involving the evaluation of red tuna and yellowfin tuna products.
• Sensory and Consumer Analysis: The facility conducts specialized sensory evaluations and consumer tests to assess diverse production lines for industrial partners.
• Transformation Innovation: Research extends to the structural aspects of fish transformation, aiming to improve the processing and quality of exported goods.

Educational Integration

Research is bolstered by the presence of international PhD students and researchers (e.g., from France, Spain, and Mauritius).

• Industrial PhDs: Doctoral candidates, such as those supported by the Castiglione company, are required to spend significant periods (e.g., six months) directly within the industrial environment to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application.
• International Mobility: The programs emphasize global collaboration, with mandatory periods of study or research in locations such as Tunisia.

Analytical Methodologies and Equipment

The facility is equipped to perform deep-dive nutritional and chemical analyses of marine products, focusing on the impact of farming conditions, diet, and stress on fish quality.

Primary Analytical Tools

Tool/Method	Application
Gas Chromatography (GC-FID)	Analysis of specific fatty acid compounds (Omega-3 and Omega-6) to identify differences across fish breeds.
Kjeldahl Method	Determination of protein content in fish samples.
Nutritional Profiling	Measurement of lipid content, water, ash, and minerals to establish nutritional baselines.
Cell Culture Testing	Using human, mouse, and fish cell lines to test the efficacy of marine-derived compounds using standardized molecular protocols.

Kjeldahl Apparatus  

A major focus of the laboratory is the development of clean technologies for extracting high-value molecules from marine biomass, moving away from traditional toxic solvents.

Supercritical Fluid Extraction

• Process: Utilizing supercritical CO<sub>2</sub> to extract fish oils and antioxidants (carotenoids and polyphenols).
• Benefits: This method avoids toxic organic solvents, ensuring the extracts are pure and safe for direct use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors.

Short Distillation and Refinement

To further enhance the quality of marine oils, the lab employs a short distillation system:

• Selective Separation: By controlling temperature and reaction time, researchers separate saturated fats from unsaturated fats.
• Omega-3 Concentration: This process enriches the oil, producing highly concentrated Omega-3 products through the elimination of undesirable fractions.

Algal Bioremediation and Circular Economy

The laboratory applies biotechnological principles to address environmental challenges and promote a circular economy through the use of microalgae.

Bioremediation of Water

Microalgae are employed to improve water quality by leveraging their ability to consume excess nutrients. These organisms modify their internal metabolism based on nutrient availability, effectively eliminating nutrient overloads in the water.

Conclusion

By integrating high-level academic research with the practical needs of the Trapani industrial sector—most notably the tuna industry—the facility does more than just analyze fish; it drives the local economy toward a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

The laboratory’s commitment to "Green Chemistry" through supercritical $CO_2$ extraction and the development of circular economy models via microalgae bioremediation highlights a forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship. As the facility continues to host international researchers and foster "Industrial PhDs," it serves as a vital bridge between the sea's natural resources and the global market's demand for high-purity, sustainable marine products.