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
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
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Keeping chickens healthy
April 20, 2026 | Written by Katie Peikes | Photos by Evan Krape | Photo illustration by Jeffrey C. ChaseCasey Epstein, UD Class of 2026, is getting hands-on experience at the forefront of poultry disease diagnostics at UD’s world-class poultry diagnostics lab, Allen Lab. As graduation nears, she already has a job lined up with a Lancaster poultry company as a flock service technician, making sure chicken flocks are healthy. -
Celebrating earth month
April 01, 2026 | Written by UDaily StaffApril is Earth Month, and the University of Delaware community will celebrate our planet and demonstrate UD’s commitment to sustainability with events throughout the month. One of the events is Ag Day, hosted by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The decades-old tradition brings thousands of people to the college each April to learn about and celebrate agriculture. -
The adventure continues
February 27, 2026 | Written by Molly Schafer | Photos courtesy of Jennifer Reith, Erika Mathews, Erin Curry and Tiffany Carro | Photo illustration by Molly SchaferIn 2003, four adventurous animal science majors embarked on a University of Delaware study abroad program in New Zealand. The Blue Hens toured sheep farms, hiked glaciers, and became lifelong friends. After the course, Erika (Feierstein) Mathews, Erin Curry, Tiffany Carro and Jennifer (Cascarino) Reith developed a serious case of wanderlust. The friends decided to travel regularly, and 23 years later, they are still exploring the world together.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Upcoming events