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
Medicine meets mentorship
UD pre-veterinary medicine alumna
extends knowledge through UD student mentorship
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
-
Experts warn against drinking raw milk after New Mexico baby's listeria death
February 09, 2026 | Written by Ana Faguy | BBCAfter a newborn baby in New Mexico died from a listeria infection, health experts are warning against drinking raw milk that comes directly from cows and other animals. Kali Kniel, University of Delaware microbial food safety professor, says even if an animal looks healthy, there is no guarantee the animal’s raw milk is free of pathogens. -
Poultry safety in spotlight after bird flu case in Kent County
January 12, 2026 | Written by Tiffany Amber | WBOCA positive bird flu case in Kent County put the poultry industry in the spotlight at Delaware Agriculture Week. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension’s Georgie Cartanza, statewide poultry agent, said farmers are going to need to adapt as the virus continues to evolve. She emphasized the importance of biosecurity, such as barn-dedicated footwear, to keep the virus at bay. -
Career Cowboy
January 06, 2026 | Written by: Molly SchaferDennis Byrne helped establish the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources herd of Angus cattle thirty years ago. The Blue Hen remains dedicated to feeding the world and protecting the planet, a concept he first heard of in the early 1970s during his agronomy class at UD.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Upcoming events