Prof. Dr. med. vet. Jean-Michel Hatt

Area of Research

Description of Research Interest

My research focuses on comparative veterinary medicine, with a special emphasis on the nutrition, physiology, and clinical care of exotic and wild animal species. I am particularly interested in how dietary composition and digestive physiology influence health and disease in non-traditional species such as birds, tortoises, and large herbivores. My work bridges clinical practice and research, combining diagnostic imaging, nutritional studies, and surgical approaches (especially osteosynthesis) to improve health management in zoological medicine. I collaborate on interdisciplinary projects linking animal physiology, ecology, and conservation. Colleagues working in animal health, wildlife biology, nutrition, or comparative physiology may find shared interests in exploring species-specific adaptations and clinical challenges. My aim is to advance both fundamental understanding and practical applications for the welfare of exotic and wild animals in captive and natural environments.

Special Expertise

• Comparative veterinary medicine with focus on exotic, zoo, and wild animal species
  
• Clinical and surgical management especially in birds and reptiles (mininally invasive surgery, osteosynthesis)
  
• Nutritional physiology and diet formulation for non-traditional species
  
• Diagnostic imaging (CT, radiography, endoscopy) in exotic and wildlife species
  
• Comparative anatomy and pathology across diverse vertebrate taxa
  
• Evidence-based development of medical and nutritional protocols for exotic animals
  
• Wildlife and zoo animal health monitoring and welfare assessment
  
• Translational approaches linking domestic animal medicine to exotic species care
  
• Interdisciplinary collaboration connecting veterinary medicine, ecology, and conservation biology
  
• Academic teaching and mentoring in exotic animal medicine and comparative physiology
  

Shareable Platforms, Services, Equipment & Infrastructure

• University animal hospital and zoo clinic facilities equipped for exotic, zoo, and wildlife species (diagnosis, surgery, intensive care, and rehabilitation)
  
• Advanced diagnostic imaging (CT, digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy) for birds, reptiles, and mammals of various sizes
  
• Surgical suite and anesthesia systems adapted for exotic and wild animal species
  
• Access to zoological collections and collaborative partnerships with zoos, aquaria, and wildlife centers for field studies and sample collection
  
• Data management and research platforms for clinical case documentation and long-term health monitoring of exotic species
  
• Teaching and training infrastructure for postgraduate education in zoo and wildlife medicine
  
• Interdisciplinary research networks connecting veterinary medicine with ecology, animal nutrition, and conservation sciences
  

Member of Collaborative/interdisciplinary Research Consortia

DSI