The Graduate Program in Animal Science and Pastures (PPGCAP) was approved in 2010 by CAPES, focusing on a master’s level. Initially based at the Garanhuns Academic Unit of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UAG-UFRPE), the program was transferred to the Federal University of Agreste of Pernambuco (UFAPE) upon its establishment by Federal Law No. 13,651, dated April 11, 2018.

Currently, the program has a rating of 3 (three) in the field of Animal Science and Fishery Resources, according to the assessment by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES).

Although located in the northeastern Semi-Arid region, in the Agreste mesoregion of Pernambuco—which contains most of the small municipalities with low Human Development Index (HDI)—the municipality of Garanhuns stands out as the main economic center of the state’s largest dairy basin and an important poultry hub. In this context, the Program aims to clarify and solve problems found in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil, as well as to qualify professionals for higher education teaching, aiming to meet the demand for skilled professionals in teaching and/or research activities.

The dissertations developed are primarily directed towards research focused on the development of the northeastern semi-arid region, with an emphasis on the production and feeding of ruminants and non-ruminants.

Within this approach, graduates in the fields of animal science, agronomy, and veterinary medicine find in this program an opportunity for multidisciplinary qualification, enhancing their critical, investigative, technical, scientific, social, and environmental skills.

Over the years, PPGCAP has achieved its goals in training quality human resources, with graduates contributing to the country’s development through their engagement in teaching, research, and extension in both public and private sectors.