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
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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More than 167,000 pounds of meat were recalled. What to know about the state of food safety in the U.S.
September 25, 2026 | Written by Maria Ramirez Uribe | PBS NewsKali Kniel, University of Delaware professor of microbial food safety, is quoted in this PBS News story about the recall of more than 167,000 pounds of beef, pork and goat meat. This raw meat was recalled after they were produced without required federal inspection and labeled with a false inspection sticker, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said. -
The inside scoop
September 23, 2026 | Written by Katie Peikes | Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson and Evan Krape | Video by Sam KmiecDelaware staple UDairy Creamery is serving up scoops. UDairy makes its ice cream year-round on-site, with milk from UD’s own dairy cow herd, producing fan favorites and longtime flavors such as 1923 and Delaware River Mud Pie. Beyond the unique flavors, seasonal staples and all-time favorites, the business thrives on its hands-on process creating a delicious treat from cow to cone. -
Accelerating STEM education
September 15, 2026 | Written by Molly SchaferAcross the globe, STEM-related fields are among the fastest-growing career paths but while the field is growing, the supply of highly qualified STEM teachers is shrinking. Animal science students fill a critical need for secondary STEM educators through the University of Delaware's STEM Education 4+1 accelerated degree.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Upcoming events