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!

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Our undergraduate programs

Our graduate programs

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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

Tara Gaab
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

  • Puttress with a horse and another photo with with a small dog.

    Veterinary director

    February 19, 2025 | Written by: Nya Wynn
    Alumna Jennifer Puttress ascended from the UD animal science major to become the medical director at Lyons Veterinary Clinic. Her rigorous, hands-on UD coursework prepared Puttress for a seamless transition to veterinary school. Puttress emphasizes how her well-rounded UD experience prepared her for the challenges that accompany being a veterinarian, blending technical expertise with essential soft skills.
  • Sustainable waste

    February 13, 2025 | Written by: Nya Wynn
    Food science and chemical engineering double major Gensure is exploring how yeast cells take excess carbon and store it as oils. He is aiming to find ways to reduce costs by using agricultural waste to fuel yeast cells. Gensure is also investigating how he can control what kinds of oils the cells can create.
  • Supermarket products that food safety experts refuse to eat and why

    January 30, 2025 | Written by Liam Buckler
    The Mirror interviewed food safety experts, including UD's Kali Kniel, professor of microbial food safety, on which supermarket products they've flagged certain products due to the risk of bacterial contamination.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Upcoming events