The mural created by artist Miguel Eduardo Valverde Castillo—a native of Chihuahua—for the Faculty of Animal Science and Ecology at the Autonomous University of Chihuahua commemorates fifty years of academic history and represents the close relationship between animal production, scientific research, and natural resource conservation. More than just an artistic work, it serves as a visual reflection on the human responsibility to produce food sustainably and preserve environmental balance for future generations.
The composition integrates the past, present, and future of livestock farming in Chihuahua. It features the *Criollo* cattle of the Sierra Tarahumara; various breeds of cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry; and characteristic state landscapes, alongside scientists, students, and professionals who symbolize the evolution of knowledge and a commitment to the development of the agricultural sector. At the center of the mural stands the figure of a graduate, representing the new generations tasked with harmonizing productivity and sustainability.
The work also highlights the importance of education, research, professional ethics, and innovation as pillars of the Faculty, which aims to train specialists capable of addressing the challenges of animal production and ecosystem conservation. Through ecological symbols and elements such as water, soil, flora, fauna, and food chains, the mural calls for the protection of natural resources against issues like deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change.
The artist carefully crafted every detail—from animal species and landscapes to scientific references and elements of Chihuahua’s ranching culture—resulting in a work of great visual and conceptual richness. Thus, the mural stands as a tribute to the generations of students, faculty, and staff who have shaped the Faculty's history, as well as a symbol of the enduring commitment linking science, nature, and society.
Chihuahua, Chih. October 2007
By: Heriberto Aranda Gutiérrez
