University Centre Sparsholt has a purpose-built Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre, which continues to expand and grow to meet rising expectations and standards of animal welfare.
We have an extensive collection of zoo and native species, including both exotic and companion mammals, an extensive bird collection, and the extensive reptile and amphibian department.
The AHWRC is currently home to 600 animals comprising of nearly 100 species, including many of conservation interest. In addition to the many familiar companion animals held, the collection also has a zoo licence and is an accredited BIAZA member.
Enhancing your learning
Use our outstanding facilities to carry out innovative research as part of your course. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students are currently working on a wide range of industry‑led research projects including behavioural studies, multi‑collection dietary analysis, zoo education impact studies and welfare research.
Animal Collection
We have an impressive collection of zoo species including mammals such as red pandas, lemurs and meerkats as well as paddock animals such as rheas, alpacas, goats and dwarf zebu.
The bird collection is extensive and includes hornbills, owls, chicken and guinea fowl. The reptile and amphibian department is spread over eight rooms with over a hundred reptiles, more than a hundred amphibians and nearly 500 invertebrates
Kennels
The state‑of‑the‑art kennels are licensed for up to 40 dogs on a day care or full board basis. The kennel block also accommodates a well‑equipped grooming room. The cattery is home to a range of non‑pedigree and pedigree breeds
Veterinary Nursing Centre
Our Veterinary Nursing Centre is accredited to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and is used by them for veterinary nursing examination purposes. The instructors and technicians that work at the centre are experts in their field and passionate about sharing their knowledge and skills with out students.
The facility is equipped to represent a contemporary veterinary practice which allows our students to gain realistic experience in a work setting. Our students are able to use these facilities to relate their theory work to relevant practical elements of their future careers.
Additional Facilities
Our campus is also home to:
- Parkland sika deer herd
- Mixed species exhibit for ring tailed and black lemurs
- New invertebrate room
- On‑campus equine centre
- On‑campus farm with beef, sheep, pig and dairy facilities, including a new robotic dairy and agri‑tech centre