The Program
Animal science is the study of animals that provide food, fiber, and companionship.
Research in animal science provides the United States a safe, healthy, abundant
and inexpensive food supply. Biotechnology and computers have changed the way research
and production practices are conducted and products are marketed. New developments
in the field of nutrition and the implementation of new feedstuffs have dramatically
altered and improved animal well being and human nutrition. Physiologists have developed
new tools such as embryo transfer, estrus synchronization, and enhancement of growth.
Animal scientists, biotechnologists and molecular geneticists are unraveling the
secrets of DNA, providing tremendous new potentials for improving animal efficiency.
Production and companion animal medicine are also making great advancements in improving
animal well-being. Significant new opportunities for controlling invasive weeds,
creating fire breaks, and improving rangeland ecology and watershed management are
being created through prescribed grazing strategies. The Animal Scientists who made
these advances were once a student just like you. They found that a career in animal
science is exciting, challenging and rewarding.
The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science available in the Department of Animal
Biotechnology concentrates on four different areas which include:
General Animal Science This degree prepares student for
careers in a variety of areas such as managing livestock enterprises, employment
with companies producing and marketing livestock, animal feeds and health products,
as well as organization such as breed associations, livestock publications and government
agencies. In addition, it prepares students who have a strong interest in attending
graduate training or professional veterinary school. Students enrolled in an Animal
Science curriculum will receive a strong background in the natural and biological
sciences that are essential in the understanding of animal production. Students
will take courses in the following areas: animal genetics, reproductive physiology,
endocrinology, meats and muscle biology, anatomy, physiology, and management of
livestock species. Students in the undergraduate Animal Science program can take
courses in agribusiness, rangeland ecology and wildlife sciences. Individual curricula
can also be tailored to provide excellent preparation for veterinary school and
graduate studies.
Animal Science - Range Livestock Management Optionimals and their
habitat on rangelands. Students will study the interactions between plants, livestock,
and wildlife and how grazing systems influence their management. They also will
study principles of rangeland management and practical applications of scientific
research for making management decisions. Rangeland restoration and improvements
will also be an integral part of the curriculum along with domestic production and
wildlife management. In addition students will study types of rangeland plant communities,
plant physiological responses to grazing and nutritional aspects of rangeland plants.
If You Enjoy
- ranching, farming, or medical industry, or
- making a difference in your community, or
- figuring out why people make the choices they do, or
- working outdoors & indoors, with people & with computers, in Nevada &
- around the world, all in the same job,
Then Animal Science may be the right major for you.
Who do I contact for more information about Animal Biotechnology?
Dr. Dale Holecombe, Professor, Faculty Advisor
Phone: (775) 784-1314
e-mail: holcombe@unr.nevada.edu
Office: 232 Max Fleischmann Ag Bldg, UNR Campus
Page last updated: 5/1/2009