Meet our new faculty: Alexa Johnson
Assistant professor of animal and food sciences
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
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
Professor and Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist
Director of Undergraduate Programs
Erin Brannick, professor and veterinary anatomic pathologist, studies poultry diseases and supports research on animal health and animal models of human disease. She directs the UD Comparative Pathology Laboratory and undergraduate programs, teaching courses in animal diseases, comparative histopathology and biomedical communication.
Latest news
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Meet our new faculty: Adam Beard
October 29, 2026 | Interviewed by Molly Schafer | Photos by Cassandra DaleyAdam Beard joined the Department of Animal and Food Sciences this fall as an assistant professor of dairy cattle reproduction. -
UDairy Creamery featured on the Conference USA Weekday Warrior Series
October 27, 2026 | Conference USAThe College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and UDairy Creamery were recently featured on the Conference USA Weekday Warrior Series. -
UD honors faculty, graduate students for excellence in teaching and advising
October 07, 2026 | Article by Jamie Washington | Photo by Evan KrapeThe University of Delaware recognized four faculty members for outstanding work in teaching and two for their excellence in advising and mentoring. Additionally, two graduate students were also honored for excellence in teaching. The awards were presented at the Sept. 14 Faculty Senate meeting.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Upcoming events