Keeping chickens healthy
UD lab and research experience prepares graduating senior Casey Epstein for animal biosciences career
The adventure continues
Blue Hen alumnae still traveling together 23 years after study abroad course
Veterinary pipeline
UD pre-veterinary medicine majors go hands-on in Penn’s Animal Model Core & Comparative Orthopedic Research Lab
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
UD students learn animal management in Beef Cattle and Sheep Production course: youtube.com/watch?v=8XUy0EiJGeU
UD students learn animal management in Beef Cattle and Sheep Production course
University of Delaware undergraduate students go hands-on in an immersive class — Beef Cattle and Sheep Production. In this capstone course, Blue Hen seniors dive into topics like nutrition, reproduction, housing, health and management. The course takes place on Webb Farm, which operates like a small-scale farming operation right on UD’s main campus. Learn about our undergraduate programs.
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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Meet our new faculty: Alexa Johnson
July 30, 2026 | Story and photo by Katie PeikesAlexa Johnson comes to the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources an assistant professor of animal and food sciences. This Blue Hen returns three years after completing her Ph.D. in Animal and Food Sciences. She studied the equine microbiome under the mentorship of now retired professor Amy Biddle. -
Cyclospora outbreak 2026 foods to avoid and map as 45 states hit with parasite cases
July 30, 2026 | Written by Caroline Kee | TODAYKali Kniel, University of Delaware microbial food safety professor, was interviewed by Today about cyclospora. Cases of cyclosporiasis have risen around the U.S. since May, and are attributed to symptoms such as explosive diarrhea. Kniel gives insight into the intestinal infection and how to prevent it. -
Cyclospora spreads through human feces. How did it get into our food supply?
July 21, 2026 | Written by Alice Callahan and Caroline Hopkins LegaspiKali Kniel, University of Delaware professor of microbial food safety, is quoted in this New York Times article about cyclospora as the number of cases continues to climb. Kniel says it's unlikely that a single sick person could've caused such a widespread outbreak by not washing their hands properly.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Upcoming events