• Student volunteers getting their hands dirty

    Hands-On Learning

Welcome to Animal Science

 

Rezamand (400 x 400)

Message from the Department Head

Animal Science was one of the first disciplines taught at the University of Connecticut, established as the historical Storrs Agricultural School in 1881. Today the Department of Animal Science is the home of more than 400 undergraduate students (both 2-year and 4-year programs) as well as dozens of graduate students pursuing advanced degrees. The Department offers ample hands-on learning and student employment opportunities with a total of 1,000+ dairy and beef cattle, sheep, chickens, pigs, and horses all within minutes of walking distance on campus.

The Department's faculty are accomplished educators and scientists for winning university, regional and national teaching and research awards, for publishing in international scientific journals and for serving as leaders in professional societies. Together, they cover the diverse areas of animal genetics/genomics, breeding, biotechnology (genetic engineering and stem cells), animal reproduction, embryology, growth biology and endocrinology, food microbiology and safety, dairy technology and safety, equine science, dairy production and management, meat chemistry, laboratory animal science as well as diversified livestock.

 

Read More from the Department Head

IMPORTANT NOTICE June 4, 2024

We’re happy to share that while the interior of the Kellogg Dairy Center remains closed, visitors can see the robotic milkers in action from a viewing station outside of the building (do not enter the building). Visitors can also view animals on the pastures from Farm Lane and Horsebarn Hill Road, and from outside the livestock unit. Don’t forget to visit the UConn Dairy Bar for ice cream while you’re here!

To learn more about the USDA’s recommendations on increased biosafety measures for dairy and poultry producers due to HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza), please visit the CT Department of Agriculture website: https://s.uconn.edu/hpai

Advanced Horse Ownership Clinic

Take a deeper dive into the fundamentals of proper care and explore more advanced topics to guide you through every stage of being a knowledgeable and responsible horse owner. As a follow up to our first horse ownership clinic, this is a great overview of information for new and seasoned horse owners.

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Horseback Riding

Lesson packages with flexible scheduling available in Dressage, Hunt Seat, Polo and Western at all levels. Come ride with us in one of the largest heated indoor arenas in the Northeast. Excellent GGT footing, experienced lesson horses, and exceptional instructors.

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News & Events

Animal Science Fall Student Newsletter
The Department of Animal Science Fall Student Newsletter is here!

Upcoming Academic & Scholarly Events

ANSC Seminar Series Spring 2025 Schedule (Coming Soon!)

 The UConn Department of Animal Science provided ample preparation for veterinary school through offering a range of hands-on animal work, different major concentrations, research opportunities, and extracurriculars.

Undergraduate posing with dog outside of a vet clinic office
Two ANSC students examining sheep

Experiential Learning

Our students gain invaluable hands-on experience with a wide variety of species from their very first semester. All of our animal units are within walking distance on campus and students have the opportunity to work closely with them in class, through research and a variety of student employment opportunities.

Research Opportunities with Distinguished Faculty

During their time in our program, students will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects and hone their skills both in and out of the lab.

ANSC Grad student Nicole Tillquist working with lab instruments
Meaghan Shannon, Wildlife Internship with the Mercer County Wildlife Center (Titusville, NJ, Summer)

Extension & Outreach

Extension programs empower communities by building a network of awareness and knowledge. 

I think the animal science program is phenomenal, and the material they cover is really thorough. It really is something you can’t get at a lot of other institutions.

Alumna posing with dog inside of a vet clinic office