The Department of Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University focuses on advancing animal sciences for the betterment of animals and humans through research, teaching, and outreach endeavors. The department is the leading provider of animal science education and outreach in the state of Ohio. Our faculty conduct cutting-edge research that has widespread implications for both traditional and emerging agriculture, along with animal and human health. Browse the areas of study to learn more about the Animal Sciences curriculum at Ohio State.

Beef cattle production is a core strength of our department, offering you hands-on access to beef cattle while providing strong, science-based information to prepare you for a career in food production systems. Through courses, internships, research, and part-time student employment, you will gain practical experience and learn about anatomy and physiology as the basis for reproduction, nutrition, and  health management; critical factors influencing animal care and welfare; grazing and pasture management; development of a systems approach to problem solving and enhanced decision making; and more. <Read More>

Recent studies show that 62% of U.S. households have a pet.  Dogs, cats, reptiles, aquarium fish, and other small animals lay claim to approximately 71.4 million homes in the U.S.  Because of the crucial role they play in our lives, pet owners spend a great deal of money on their pets.  Despite the downturn in the economy, spending on pet care products has increased.  In 2008, people spent $43.2 billion on their beloved animals.  By the end of 2010, it’s expected they’ll spend over $47.7 billion. Companion animals play a significant role in people’s lives. They serve as companions aiding in loneliness, provide us with unconditional love and acceptance, and serve as catalysts for social interaction.  They provide health benefits, helping to improve our moods and mental states. Dogs, in particular, help aid those with disabilities or serve as police dogs. The pet industry hires individuals who are not only passionate and knowledgeable about animals but also creative and who understand small animal biology, physiology, nutrition, health, and management. <Read More>

The dairy industry plays a critical role in human health as dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium and protein to keep bones and teeth strong, prevent osteoporosis and diabetes, and enhance weight loss.  A recent Johns Hopkins University study found that a diet in which roughly a quarter of the calories came from lean protein sources reduced blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides better than a traditional lower protein diet. High-protein foods take more work to digest, metabolize, and use, which means you burn more calories processing them. They also take longer to leave your stomach, so you feel full sooner and for a longer time.  The cumulative effect has obvious health benefits. Dairy product use is up over 3 percent. Although there is a multitude of opportunities within the sciences, employment opportunities also lie within the dairy breed associations, publications, and marketing.  Now is the time to jump feet first into the dairy industry because the need is there. <Read More>

Did you know that Ohio ranks 6th in the United States in terms of horse population with over 300,000 horses? Equine production is a core strength of our department, offering you hands-on experience with horses while providing strong, science-based information to prepare you for a career in animal sciences/production. Through courses, internships, research and part-time student employment, you will gain practical experience and learn about anatomy and physiology as the basis for reproduction, nutrition and health management; critical factors influencing animal care and welfare; development of a systems approach to problem solving and enhanced decision making; and more. <Read More>

Through the Meat Science Program you will learn the underlying principles of biology, physiology, and nutrition that drive animal growth and the impact it has on meat quality.  In other words, you’ll connect scientific principles to the end-product through hands-on experiences. We offer numerous hands-on opportunities through classroom, internship, and research experiences. Do you want to learn how to produce safer, healthier, and more flavorful food product? Compete against your peers in the branded meat products course. Through courses, internships, research, and part-time student employment, you will gain practical experience and learn about cellular effects on animal growth and development; meat processing and branded meat products; critical factors influencing animal care and welfare; and more. <Read More>

The Nutrition Program is an interdisciplinary program involving the Departments of Animal Sciences and Human Nutrition. This program allows you to pursue interests in the absorption, metabolism, and functions of nutrients in animals and to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition.  Select from a core of courses taught by leading nutritionists in the OSU community to learn how diet impacts the whole body as a consequence of nutrient actions at the cellular and molecular levels and discover the impacts of nutrition and the nutrient needs of animals. The program also allows you to explore the principles of ruminant and non-ruminant nutritional physiology; to learn about practical feeding strategies for optimizing health; to examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for regulation of nutrient transport and metabolism; to study the digestion, absorption, transport, and utilization of dietary carbohydrates and fat for energy production and fat deposition; and to learn about the interrelationships and nutritional requirements of the vitamins and minerals in humans and other higher animals. <Read More>

Did you know that Ohio is the second largest egg-producing state in America?  Poultry production is a core strength of our department, offering you hands-on access to poultry while providing strong, science-based information to prepare you for a career in food production systems. Through courses, internships, research, and part-time student employment, you will gain practical experience and learn about life-cycle production and management across multiple species; explore relationships between on-farm, packing, and retail segments of food animal production; evaluate marketing options to enhance value; practice a systems approach to problem solving and enhanced decision making; and more. <Read More>

Are you interested in applying to the College of Veterinary Medicine?  The College of Medicine?  The College of Pharmacy?  The College of Optometry?  Perhaps you’re interested in graduate school.  The Department of Animal Sciences is the perfect place to be if any of these programs are part of your goals in life.  Not only do we offer degrees with the requirements that you need in order to apply, but we have individualized faculty advising to help you reach your goals. Contrary to popular belief, there aren’t “pre-vet” or “pre-med” majors; however, there are some departments that offer “pre-vet” or “pre-med ” tracks that incorporate all of the requirements you need to apply to the professional school of your choice.  Animal Sciences offers these tracks. <Read More>

Sheep production is a core strength of our department, offering you hands-on access to sheep while providing strong, science-based information to prepare you for a career in food production systems. Through courses, internships, research, and part-time student employment, you will gain practical experience and learn about life-cycle production and management; live animal, carcass, and genetic assessment; anatomy and physiology as the basis for reproduction, nutrition, and  health management; critical factors influencing animal care and welfare; grazing and pasture management; and more. <Read More>

Did you know that pork is the world’s most widely eaten meat?  Pork production is a core strength of our department, offering you hands-on access to pigs while providing strong, science-based information to prepare you for a career in food production systems. Today’s food animal production systems, regardless of size or scale, are faced with many challenges to meet the demands of an ever growing human population.  Today’s consumers expect high-quality, safe, affordable, and nutritious food.  At the same time, the consumer demand for quality animal care standards and environmental compliance are constantly evolving and increasing. As the future generation of food animal industry professionals, you will learn how to meet these challenges through a comprehensive, science-based education. <Read More>

Do you want to work with animals in a clinical setting without going through the rigorous coursework for veterinary school?  Perhaps you don’t want to spend an additional four years in school after graduation, or add up to $140,000 to your debt.  The Veterinary Technology Joint Program might be a perfect fit if this sounds like you.  This program of study is designed so Ohio State Animal Sciences majors can earn their Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, while also pursuing coursework toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology at Columbus State Community College (CSCC).  All students in the program will graduate from both institutions in the same quarter (or semester). <Read More>