Veterinary Director
Alumna Jennifer Puttress emphasizes UD’s role in veterinary career success
Discovering lab research
Grad student Erikah Dozier discovers her skill and passion for research
Sweet science
Food science major Jane Farnham develops new ice cream flavor with Turkey Hill R&D team
Major in animal science
Work with horses, cows, sheep and yes, blue hens, on our 350-acre farm
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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Fostering relationships in New Zealand
April 14, 2025 | Written by Katie Peikes | Photos courtesy of Lesa Griffiths and Cecilia UebelUniversity of Delaware study abroad program on sustainability in agriculture illustrates the value of connection. The program, based at Lincoln University, brings students to New Zealand’s South Island to learn about sustainable farm management, animal science and current trends in agriculture. Long-standing relationships have been key to the success of this study abroad program since the program first launched. -
Delaware chicken farms forced to ‘depopulate' amid avian influenza outbreak
April 03, 2025 | Written by Tim Furlong and Cherise Lynch | NBC10NBC10 interviews Georgie Cartanza, poultry extension agent for University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, about bird flu. -
Veterinary director
February 19, 2025 | Written by: Nya WynnAlumna 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.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Upcoming events