CFAES Give Today
ANSCI

Department of Animal Sciences

CFAES

Co-curricular Teams

Being a member of a co-curricular team is a unique experience, as participation requires completion of at least one academic course. This allows students to apply knowledge gained in coursework through hand-on experiences. Students involved in organizations composed of peers learn leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as life skills such as planning, time management, and budgeting. In many cases, you not only join a team, you join a tradition.

Click on a team name to learn more.
Academic Quadrathlon Team Each year, teams of four students compete in an academic quadrathlon designed to test students’ comprehensive knowledge of the animal sciences. The quadrathlon includes a laboratory practicum, quiz bowl, public presentation, and written exam. The winning quadrathlon team represents The Ohio State University in a regional contest held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Midwest sections of the American Society of Animal Science and the American Dairy Science Association. If you have any further questions contact Dr. Joe Ottobre (614-688-3144 or ottobre.2@osu.edu).
Animal Welfare Judging Team Each year, students compete at the Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Contest. "The AWJAC teaches students to assess the welfare of animals in a variety of settings using science-based methods and reasoning. Students are given the opportunity to weigh evidence and present sound evaluations. This contest ensures that tomorrow's leaders in the animal industries develop strong communication skills and acquire enhanced knowledge of animal welfare." Link to contest page.
Dairy Judging Team The dairy judging team provides undergraduates the unique experience of judging dairy cattle at possibly eight separate contests across America. In such settings, members of the team are expected to place various ages and breeds of cattle as well as to present oral reasons to officials.
Dairy Challenge Team The dairy challenge team allows undergraduates to experience the process of evaluating management practices on a dairy farm and to interact with representatives in the dairy industry. The program is held in a contest format whereby students are grouped into teams of three to four individuals.
Horse Judging Team In horse judging, judging aspects include conformation and non-riding performance events like western pleasure, hunter under saddle, reining, hunter over fences, and trail. In addition, there are breed shows. As part of the preparation process, members are encouraged to take ANIM SCI 3301, Equine Selection and Evaluation. Previous equine experience is not essential to being part of the horse judging team, just an enthusiasm and love for horses.
Livestock Judging Team

The livestock judging team analyzes animals and measures them against a commonly accepted ideal standard. Participants have opportunities to interact with future leaders in the livestock industry and to develop the judgment and confidence needed to make decisions that must be orally defended.
Meat Judging Team Meat judging is an educational and competitive extracurricular activity, and the team competes on a nationwide basis. The meat judging program complements student education in agriculture through teaching how the final end product is evaluated, fabricated, and marketed. Meats team members are exposed first hand to numerous segments of the livestock and meats industry across the U.S.
Poultry Judging Team On the poulty judging team, students learn to assess conformation, structural integrity, and general functionality, as these characteristics relate to value differences among birds within market channels. Participants in poultry judging travel across the U.S. to practice and compete in intercollegiate contests and are exposed to industry-leading breeders and judges.

For a full list of all the student organizations at Ohio State, click here.