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Animal & Food Sciences

WELCOME TO ANIMAL AND FOOD SCIENCES

Our programs cover a wide range of scientific disciplines that support the safe and economical production of domestic livestock animals and quality foods, as well as the care, health, and use of companion animals. In the field of animal science, disciplines include virology, physiology, nutrition, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, engineering, biochemistry, genomics and animal management. In food science, we cover the disciplines of food safety (microbiology), chemistry and engineering, as well as the culinary aspects of food.

Our research addresses contemporary and future scientific challenges using cutting-edge technologies. Our goal is to assist and support stakeholders in the poultry, livestock and food industries.

Where high quality programs intersect with a dynamic living/learning laboratory — a 350-acre working farm!

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Our undergraduate programs

Animal Biosciences

Students interested in fundamental biology of any kind of animal will find this a focused, hands-on major with a variety of in-demand career options.

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Students from William Penn High School's FFA participate in learning about agriculture at the Webb Farm and the UD Creamery. Dr. Biddle and Karen Ferrucci work with the kids.

Animal Science

Students aquire the knowledge to solve problems related to producing healthy and productive livestock and companion animals.

 

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Food Science

Food scientists are working to solve one of the world’s greatest challenges — feeding the world, studying how to create new food products and bring them to market.

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Our pre-vet students were part of a pet clinic as part of a One Health program. Photography by Lauren Bradford

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Students are competitive for positions in grad programs and admission to vet schools. Solve problems in animal nutrition, immunology and molecular biology.

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Our graduate programs

Animal and Food Sciences | College of Agriculture & Natural Resources | University of Delaware

Non-thesis M.S. in Food Science (Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership Concentration)

This concentration provides graduate students with tools and skills for pursuing a science-related career in industry, government, service, non-profit, Cooperative Extension or other fields related to food science. Professionals seeking additional training can use this concentration to enhance their core competencies in an ever-rapidly evolving job market.

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Animal and Food Sciences | College of Agriculture & Natural Resources | University of Delaware
Dr. Daniel Cha, Engineering, works with Inyoung Kim, PhD student (blue coat) studying COD vials (Chemical Oxygen Demand) to see how much waste is in the sample while Dr. MIchael Chajes, Engineering, works with Gabe Chao on measuring the amount Ph, Temp, DO (Dissolve Oxygen) to figure out the total suspended solids in the materials taken from the food digestor at Ceasar Rodney Dining Hall.

Animal Science and/or Food Science (M.S. thesis)

Our department faculty specialize in management, breeding and genomics,  growth and development biology, and nutritional, lactational and reproductive physiology. We also integrate the disciplines of chemistry, microbiology,  engineering, and nutrition to prepare qualified graduates for food-related careers.

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Animal and Food Sciences | College of Agriculture & Natural Resources | University of Delaware
Shot 9/14/17. Left to right, Casey Johnson; , Ryan Arsenault, assistant professor of Animal and Food Sciences; Bridget Aylward. Johnson and Aylward are researchers who work with Arsenault.

Animal and Food Sciences (Ph.D. dissertation)

The Ph.D. degree in Animal and Food Sciences will be granted in the following major areas: animal nutrition, physiology, pathology, immunology, molecular biology, biotechnology, food science, and food engineering.

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Featured video

 

UD pre-veterinary medicine students practice real-life scenarios with Healthcare Theatre: youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=com.synechron.udel.models.functions.SubstrAfter

Faculty Spotlight

Amy Biddle
Associate Professor of Animal Science
 

Dr. Biddle investigates the equine microbiome and its role in health and disease. She leads UD's undergraduate minor in equine science.

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Latest news

  • Larry Armstrong speaks at the podium

    Celebrating excellence in agriculture and natural resources

    May 16, 2024 | Written by Dante LaPenta
    As the spring semester headed into its final stretch run, the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources gathered together to honor a few deserving faculty and staff. At the college’s Celebrating Excellence event, the 2024 stars of the show were Sue Barton, Larry Armstrong, and Kent Messer.

  • A sweet way to apply food science

    May 14, 2024 | Written by Nya Wynn | Photos courtesy of Jane Farnham
    Jane Farnham found that her love for experimenting in the kitchen with different recipes could lead to a career in food science. Through a summer internship with Turkey Hill, Farnham played a pivotal role in creating a new ice cream flavor. The experience solidified her interest in research and development, allowing her to blend her passion for scientific knowledge and culinary creativity together.

  • Advancing knowledge on wooden breast syndrome

    May 08, 2024 | Written by Katie Peikes | Photo by Michele Walfred
    University of Delaware researchers in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources have made a new discovery in their work on wooden breast syndrome in chickens. The UD team found white blood cells filled with fat surrounding broiler chickens’ veins and showing signs of swelling are key contributing factors to this muscle degeneration disease in these birds that can ultimately affect their meat quality.
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CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Two brown hourses in a green field with a blue sky

Equine Therapeutics

Equine therapy is a treatment that includes equine activities and/or an equine environment in order to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in persons suffering from many different health problems. The University of Delaware is proud to offer a Certificate Program in Equine Therapeutics. 

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Dr. Kali Kniel with her graduate student in the lab

One Health

One Health equally considers human, animal and environmental health as an integrated whole. Since its inception as a collaborative effort between human medicine and veterinary medicine, it has become an integral approach to the understanding and mitigation of infectious disease. 

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Upcoming events

College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Academic Departments

Additional Links

531 South College Avenue Newark, DE 19716 (302) 831-2501