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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How Cyclospora Evaded the U.S. Food Safety System to Sicken Thousands
August 18, 2026 | Written by Christina Jewett and Julie Creswell | TIMECyclospora does not grow in laboratory culture. Scientists often use culture as a tool to amplify tiny bits of bacteria, like salmonella or E. coli, to detectable levels. The same cannot be done for cyclospora, said Kalmia Kniel, a microbiologist at the University of Delaware who researches the parasite. -
Delaware's climate plan has strong UD connections
August 14, 2026 | Written by Molly Schafer | Photos courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental ControlEarlier this year, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) released the 2025 Delaware Climate Action Plan, a sweeping plan to protect the state’s homes, infrastructure and economy. The plan also addresses public health concerns and the conservation of Delaware’s unique natural environment. More than 20 UD alumni — including hydrologists, engineers, environmental scientists, transportation policy specialists and state planners — played active roles in its development and implementation. -
Is lettuce safe to eat now? What to know amid cyclospora outbreak
August 08, 2026 | Written by Mary Walrath-Holdridge | USA TodayIt’s difficult to track the source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak. USA Today turned to Kali Kniel, University of Delaware professor of microbial food safety, for her assessment of the outbreak. Kniel says scientists have less information to work with now compared to previous outbreaks.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Upcoming events