Animal science is the study of animals that provide food, fiber, and companionship. Research in animal science provides
the United States a safe, healthy, abundant and inexpensive food supply. Biotechnology and computers have changed the way
research and production practices are conducted and products are marketed. New developments in the field of nutrition and
the implementation of new feedstuffs have dramatically altered and improved animal well being and human nutrition. Physiologists
have developed new tools such as embryo transfer, estrus synchronization, and enhancement of growth. Animal scientists,
biotechnologists and molecular geneticists are unraveling the secrets of DNA, providing tremendous new potentials for improving
animal efficiency. Production and companion animal medicine are also making great advancements in improving animal well-being.
Significant new opportunities for controlling invasive weeds, creating fire breaks, and improving rangeland ecology and
watershed management are being created through prescribed grazing strategies. The Animal Scientists who made these advances
were once a student just like you. They found that a career in animal science is exciting, challenging and rewarding.
The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science available in the Department of Animal Biotechnology concentrates on four different
areas which include:
General Animal Science This degree prepares student for careers in a variety of areas such as managing
livestock enterprises, employment with companies producing and marketing livestock, animal feeds and health products, as
well as organization such as breed associations, livestock publications and government agencies. In addition, it prepares
students who have a strong interest in attending graduate training or professional veterinary school.
Students enrolled in an Animal Science curriculum will receive a strong background in the natural and biological sciences that are essential
in the understanding of animal production. Students will take courses in the following areas: animal genetics, reproductive
physiology, endocrinology, meats and muscle biology, anatomy, physiology, and management of livestock species. Students
in the undergraduate Animal Science program can take courses in agribusiness, rangeland ecology and wildlife sciences. Individual
curricula can also be tailored to provide excellent preparation for veterinary school and graduate studies.
Animal Science - Equine Option This option prepares students to serve the needs of the equine industry
by emphasizing scientific knowledge and technology, practical aspects of equine management, and a broad understanding of
the horse industry and its relationship to the business and recreational aspects of the industry. Students will study equine
anatomy and physiology, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, conformation, riding, training and conditioning, management of
facilities and land, and business methods and management associated with the equine industry. Emphasis is placed on problem
solving and learning by doing.
Animal Science - Range Livestock Management Option This option prepares students to manage wild and domestic
animals and their habitat on rangelands. Students will study the interactions between plants, livestock, and wildlife and
how grazing systems influence their management. They also will study principles of rangeland management and practical applications
of scientific research for making management decisions. Rangeland restoration and improvements will also be an integral
part of the curriculum along with domestic production and wildlife management. In addition students will study types of
rangeland plant communities, plant physiological responses to grazing and nutritional aspects of rangeland plants.
|
The livestock industry and related fields are a major part of the United States economy. Animal agriculture continues to
face enormous challenges. Many innovative individuals will be needed to meet these challenges. The United States Department
of Agriculture has reported that more than 48,000 jobs will be created annually for college graduates with expertise in
agriculture and related areas, increasing the demand for well-trained animal scientists.
Animal Production/Management This highly skilled area is concerned with production of cattle, sheep,
goats, horses, swine, and poultry, as well as companion animals. Individuals entering this area will be knowledgeable in
several areas of animal science. They will have excellent management and business skills, and be prepared to become the
future managers of domestic livestock and companion animal production in an ecologically sound environment.
Equine Industry - Career opportunities include breeding and behavioral specialists, nutritionists, trainers,
horse farm managers, feed and pharmaceutical company field personnel, technical publication writers, breed and discipline
association field personnel, horse show managers, pedigree analysts, equine appraisers, and equine facility designers.
Food Processing This industry is a major employer of Animal Science graduates. This area involves the
development, fabrication, quality assessment and marketing of new and healthier animal products. This is an exciting industry
because the demands of our fast-paced, health-conscious society are constantly changing.
Animal Feed/Health Industry Pharmaceutical, livestock production, nutrition and packing companies need
animal science graduates to be part of their sales force, consulting agencies, or research groups. Animal Science graduates
are directly involved with the health and productivity of animals.
Communication and Service Organizations Breed associations, livestock commodity groups, and artificial
insemination services, and print and electronic communications employ animal science graduates as representatives. Livestock
publications and electronic media dealing with the livestock industry require an increasing number of need Animal Science
graduates with excellent communication skills. Additional major service areas interested in qualified Animal Science graduates
include federal, state and local government, banks, insurance companies, real estate agencies, and companies that manage
and market agricultural products.
Federal Land Management Agencies Governmental agencies employ Animal Science graduates. Particularly
in the west, the Bureau of Land Management, Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Resource Conservation
Service and other agencies require animal science graduates with training in natural resource management. The Departmental
Option in Rangelands Livestock Management qualifies graduates for immediate employment with the government agencies, commercial
livestock operations, ranch management and environmental consulting organizations. Research and Education Bachelors, masters,
and doctorial degrees in Animal Science provide rewarding careers in research and education. Employment opportunities for
Animal Scientists include the United States Department of Agriculture, the private sector (biotechnology companies) and
universities. Individuals with expertise in Animal Science are needed to fill academic as well as outreach, and extension
education opportunities.
|
