Marion Baratange is an agricultural engineering student specializing in animal production at Institut Agro Dijon in France. She recently completed a five-month internship with the Animal Welfare Program, where she helped with research projects at the UBC Dairy.
How did you first get interested in animal welfare?
I first became interested in animal welfare through my volunteer work at an animal shelter, where I helped care for companion animals. This experience sparked my curiosity about animal behavior and well-being and motivated me to explore these topics academically. It prepared me for research by giving me practical experience handling animals, observing their behavior, and understanding their needs, which I later applied during my internship at UBC.
What did you learn from your time with UBC AWP?
During my time with UBC AWP, I gained valuable hands-on experience in animal welfare research, particularly in assessing motivation in dairy heifers. I also learned a lot about experimental design, data analysis, and practical approaches to improving animal management. I also benefited from the opportunity to discuss livestock systems and reflect on how these can affect the welfare of animals.