Veterinary pipeline
UD pre-veterinary medicine majors go hands-on in Penn’s Animal Model Core & Comparative Orthopedic Research Lab
Medicine meets mentorship
UD pre-veterinary medicine alumna
extends knowledge through UD student mentorship
From Blue Hens to Marching Ravens
UD animal science alumni perform with the NFL’s largest marching band
First Generation Blue Hen Scholar
McNair Scholar Luis Moreno studies animal behavior while promoting cultural exchange
Food science exploration
Melinda Hill explores food science career possibilities through internships and independent projects
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!
Our undergraduate programs
Our graduate programs
The animal and food sciences department is proud to highlight it's six graduate program tracks. Our graduates are successfully prepared for professional schools (e.g., veterinary and medical), or to further their education through advanced degrees (Ph.D. programs and post-doctoral positions).
Many of our alumni are employed in the fields of biotechnology, food product development and safety, pharmaceutical research, vaccine development and testing, agricultural feed and nutrition industries, as well as government administration and policy.
Featured video
University of Delaware students show off the versatile Anatomy and Physiology Instructional Lab: youtube.com/watch?v=PI2gfF1WlYc
Faculty Spotlight
Assistant Professor of Animal Science
Prof. Gaab's interests include preventative care and husbandry practices of dairy and beef cattle, small ruminants, equids, camelids, and swine as well as animal welfare and compliance of university and commercial standards in dairy and beef cattle, small ruminants, equids, camelids, and swine.
Latest news
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Envisioning animal care
December 08, 2025 | Written by Nya Wynn | Photos courtesy of Haley DrysdaleAnimal science major Haley Drysdale enhances her degree with research, UD farm experiences and teaching assistantships. Drysdale worked with Hong Li, associate professor of animal science, for 10 weeks over the summer. She investigated how different substances added to the bedding in chicken houses can affect the health of broiler chickens. -
Showcasing research across the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the 2025 student symposium
December 03, 2025 | Written by Katie Peikes | Photos by Katie YoungThe University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Fall 2025 Student Research Symposium, in its ninth year, showcased 50 research projects, covering a variety of interests and topics across the college. The annual symposium brings faculty, students and staff together to celebrate the diverse research interests of the college. -
The science of food
November 20, 2025 | Article by Nya Wynn | Photos coutesy of Anne Connelly and Katie YoungAs a high school senior looking at colleges, Anne Connelly knew she wanted to go into a food-related career, but she wasn’t sure in what capacity. Then she came across the University of Delaware’s food science program and immediately knew it was the right fit. Now she enhances her food science degree through internships and study abroad.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Upcoming events