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:
- Sheep 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
- Production of high-value, high-quality, fresh and processed food
- Relationships between on-farm, packing, and retail segments of food animal production
- Marketing options to enhance value
- Development of a systems approach to problem solving and enhanced decision making
More information can be found at the OSU Sheep Team website.
Careers
- Ruminant Nutrition
- Ruminant Geneticist
- Farm Manager
- Breeding Program Specialist
- Quality Control
- Feed Sales Specialist
- Stock Sheep Operations
- Feeder Lamb Operations
- Wool Production
Major Options and 4-year Plans
Your interests in the area of sheep science may fit under any of the three available Majors. Click here to investigate more options and plans.
Courses
Courses in genetics, physiology, nutrition, and meat science provide the basis for learning more about sheep production, management, evaluation & selection, meat products, and animal health & welfare. Many of the classes are taught at our animal facilities and teaching laboratories that provide hands-on opportunities for you to gain practical animal experience. Additional courses provide the basis for understanding the underlying biological and physiological mechanisms that provide the foundation for effective sheep production systems.
Team Area-Specific Opportunities (click here for more teams)
- Livestock Judging Team
- Meat Judging Team
- Academic Quadrathlon
Extra-curricular Area-Specific Opportunities (click here for more clubs)
- Saddle and Sirloin Club
- Meat Science Club