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/embed/videoseries?list=com.synechron.udel.models.functions.SubstrAfter
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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As cases of ‘diarrhea parasite’ Cyclospora rise across the US, is it safe to eat fresh produce?
July 14, 2026 | Written by Caroline Kee | TodayAs cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite, continues to sicken thousands of people across the U.S. in recent weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is noting large clusters of outbreaks. Kali Kniel, University of Delaware professor of microbial food safety, was interviewed by TODAY, and said the uptick in cases is unusual. Infections happen when people consume contaminated food or water. -
It's not just produce. Where else can 'explosive diarrhea' bug hide?
July 11, 2026 | Written by Mary Walrath-Holdridge | USA TodayCases of cyclosporiasis are rising around the country. The illness is caused by a parasite and leaves symptoms such as diarrhea and cramping. Health officials aren’t sure of the source of the growing outbreak. USA Today interviewed Kali Kniel, University of Delaware professor of microbial food safety, who said there are challenges to identifying the source, such as a “reduced surveillance structure” at the federal level. -
Trying to avoid cyclosporiasis? Wash your hands, wash your produce
July 07, 2026 | Written by Jason Fuller, Sarah Handel, Mary Louise Kelly | NPRThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says at least 17 states are reporting cases of cyclosporiasis. The intestinal illness causes cramping and diarrhea. Kali Kniel, a professor of microbial food safety at the University of Delaware is interviewed by NPR’s All Things Considered about cyclosporiasis and the outbreaks across the country.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Upcoming events