Animal Science

The Animal Science major (food animals) provides students with an industry-oriented, science-based education that prepares them for careers in animal agriculture or one of many industries associated with livestock production. The curriculum focuses on in-depth scientific knowledge of food-producing animal physiology and function and how to relate those scientific principles to animal production. Animal Science majors choose from specialized courses to enhance their technical, practical, and business skills related to production, marketing, and processing of livestock, meat and byproducts to develop a broad understanding of animal agriculture and production.

Learning Outcomes

Successful students will be able to:

  • Describe the role of livestock and meat production systems in our global society
  • Discuss biological principles and apply these principles into food animal management systems
  • Identify business/economic principles and their application to food animal production enterprises
  • Critically evaluate livestock industry issues
  • Apply problem-solving and leadership skills that enhance professional success

Potential Occupations

  • Managers of production units such as ranches, feedlots, meat processing facilities and dairy farms
  • Sales representatives for feed companies, pharmaceutical firms, and livestock service organizations
  • Meat product development or food safety/quality assurance
  • Employment with organizational groups/associations such as breed organizations, clientele groups, and beef companies
  • Cooperative extension and other educational positions
  • Enrollment in graduate and professional schools

Change of Major

In order to change your major to Animal Science or Equine Science, please sign up for an informational session here:

Animal Science Student Success: Change of Major Session

Benefits of meeting with an academic success coordinator include:

  • Assistance with navigating program requirements.
  • Assistance with identifying courses of interest.
  • Referrals to on campus resources.

All animal science and equine science majors must meet with an academic success coordinator/advisor to receive an advising code and register for classes. Students may register for classes, check for registration date, and holds, etc. by accessing RamWeb.

Feel free to email the Student Success Team with any questions.

Effective Fall 2023

A minimum grade of ‘C’ (2.000) is required for BMS 300MIP 315 and each of the ANEQ courses used to meet requirements for the major. 

A maximum of five credits is allowed for the following:  ANEQ 352ANEQ 353ANEQ 354ANEQ 355ANEQ 356ANEQ 357ANEQ 361ANEQ 362, ANEQ 363, and ANEQ 364.

A maximum of 12 credits is allowed for any combination of the following:  ANEQ 352, ANEQ 353, ANEQ 354, ANEQ 355,ANEQ 356ANEQ 357, ANEQ 361, ANEQ 362, ANEQ 363, ANEQ 364

ANEQ 384, ANEQ 487AANEQ 495, and ANEQ 496.

Freshman
AUCCCredits
ANEQ 101Food Animal Science 4
Select one course from the following: 1-4
Introduction to Large Animal Anatomy  
Domestic Animal Gross Anatomy  
ANEQ 193Student Seminar--Exploring Student Success 1
CO 150College Composition (GT-CO2)1A3
CS 110Personal Computing 4
LIFE 102Attributes of Living Systems (GT-SC1)3A4
Select one group from the following: 5
Group A:
  
Fundamentals of Chemistry (GT-SC2)3A 
Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory (GT-SC1)3A 
Group B:
  
General Chemistry I (GT-SC2)3A 
General Chemistry Lab I (GT-SC1)3A 
Select at least three credits from the following: 3-4
College Algebra in Context I (GT-MA1)1B 
College Algebra in Context II (GT-MA1)1B 
Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (GT-MA1)1B 
Numerical Trigonometry (GT-MA1)1B 
Analytic Trigonometry (GT-MA1)1B 
Calculus in Management Sciences (GT-MA1)1B 
Calculus for Biological Scientists I (GT-MA1)1B 
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion1C3
 Total Credits 28-32
Sophomore
 
ANEQ 293Professional Development and Career Success 1
ANEQ 310Animal Reproduction4B3
ANEQ 320Principles of Animal Nutrition4B3
SPCM 200Public Speaking 3
Select one course from the following: 3
Agricultural and Resource Economics (GT-SS1)3C 
Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1)3C 
Select one course from the following: 3-4
Farm Animal Anatomy and Physiology  
Functional Large Animal Physiology  
Principles of Human Physiology  
Select one course from the following: 3
Foundations in Animal Genetics  
Principles of Genetics  
Select one course from the following: 3
General Statistics (GT-MA1)1B 
Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods  
Introduction to Biostatistics  
Business/Economics Electives1 3
Historical Perspectives3D3
 Total Credits 28-29
Junior
 
ANEQ 330Principles of Animal Breeding4B3
ANEQ 360Principles of Meat Science4B3
Select one course from the following: 3
Rangeland Conservation and Stewardship  
Sustainable Forage Management for Livestock  
Applied Animal Science Elective (Select a minimum of 4 credits from a minimum of two courses -- see list below) 4
Experience Animal Science Elective (Select a minimum of 2 credits from the following): 2
Internship: Animal  
Department-approved Study Abroad
  
Science Electives (Select 5-8 credits from a minimum of two courses below): 5-8
Meat Safety  
Bovine Reproduction Management  
Molecular Methods in Animal Genetics  
Animal Metabolism  
Principles of Biochemistry  
Comprehensive Biochemistry I  
Comprehensive Biochemistry II  
Cellular Neurobiology  
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry  
Introduction to Analytical Chemistry  
Modern Organic Chemistry I  
Modern Organic Chemistry II  
Food Chemistry  
Microbial Biology  
Microbial Biology Laboratory  
Fundamentals of Ecology (GT-SC2)3A 
Ecology  
General Microbiology  
Advanced Writing 23
Arts and Humanities3B6
 Total Credits 29-32
Senior
 
Select one course from the following: 3-4
Prevention and Control of Livestock Diseases  
Equine Disease Management  
Select two courses from the following: 6-7
Meat Processing Systems4A,4C 
Sheep Systems4A,4C 
Dairy Systems4A,4C 
Swine Systems4A,4C 
Feedlot Systems4A,4C 
Beef Systems4A,4C 
Business/Economics Elective1 3
Specialization Animal Science Electives (see list below)2 9
Electives3 3-13
 Total Credits 26-34
 Program Total Credits: 120

Specialization Animal Science Electives2

No more than 6 credits of Equine courses can be taken.
ANEQ 334Principles of Equine Genetics3
ANEQ 344Principles of Equine Reproduction3
ANEQ 345Principles of Nutrition: Equine Applications3
May select one advanced judging evaluation course:1-2
Advanced Livestock Evaluation
Advanced Dairy Evaluation
Advanced Meat Product Evaluation
Advanced Wool and Fiber Evaluation
ANEQ 420Applied Nutrition--Computer Diet Formulation3
ANEQ 450Processed Meats3
ANEQ 460Meat Safety2
ANEQ 470Meat Processing Systems4
ANEQ 472Sheep Systems3
ANEQ 473Dairy Systems3
ANEQ 474Swine Systems3
ANEQ 476Feedlot Systems3
ANEQ 478Beef Systems3
ANEQ 495Independent StudyVar.
ANEQ 496Group StudyVar.
ANEQ 505Microbiome of Animal Systems3
ANEQ 510Bovine Reproduction Management4
ANEQ 522Animal Metabolism3
ANEQ 525Advanced Meat Science3
ANEQ 531Applied Bovine Respiratory Disease Management1
ANEQ 532Genetics of Bovine Respiratory Disease1
ANEQ 545Molecular Methods in Animal Genetics3
ANEQ 551Field Necropsy2
ANEQ 565Interpreting Animal Science Research3
ANEQ 567HACCP Meat Safety2
ANEQ 575Computational Biology in Animal Breeding3
BC 463Molecular Genetics3
BC 465Molecular Regulation of Cell Function3
BMS 305Domestic Animal Gross Anatomy4
BMS 325Cellular Neurobiology3
BMS 330Microscopic Anatomy4
BMS 409Human and Animal Reproductive Biology3
BMS 430Endocrinology3
BMS 450Pharmacology3
BSPM 462/BZ 462/MIP 462Parasitology and Vector Biology5
BZ 300Animal Behavior3
BZ 310Cell Biology4
BZ 311Developmental Biology4
BZ 430Animal Behavior and Conservation3
BZ 433Behavioral Genetics3
FSHN 300Food Principles and Applications3
FSHN 301Food Principles and Applications Laboratory2
FTEC 400Food Safety3
FTEC 447Food Chemistry2
GES 450Global Sustainability and Health3
MIP 300General Microbiology3
MIP 302General Microbiology Laboratory2
MIP 334Food Microbiology3
MIP 335Food Microbiology Laboratory2
MIP 342Immunology4
MIP 343Immunology Laboratory2
MIP 432/ESS 432Microbial Ecology3
MIP 433/ESS 433Microbial Ecology Laboratory1
MIP 443Microbial Physiology4
MIP 450Microbial Genetics3
RS 452Rangeland Herbivore Ecology and Management3
VS 331Histology4
VS 333Domestic Animal Anatomy4

Applied Animal Science Electives (Select a minimum of 4 credits from a minimum of 2 courses)

ANEQ 250Live Animal and Carcass Evaluation3
ANEQ 286Livestock Practicum2
ANEQ 300ATopics in Animal Sciences: Livestock Handling1
ANEQ 300ETopics in Animal Sciences: Family Ranching1
ANEQ 300LTopics in Animal Sciences: Quality Assurance2
ANEQ 300NTopics in Animal Sciences: Seedstock Management and Merchandising3
ANEQ 300RTopics in Animal Sciences: Calving and Calf Care2
ANEQ 300UTopics in Animal Sciences: Seedstock Sale Management--Sale Planning1
ANEQ 300VTopics in Animal Sciences: Seedstock Sale Management--Sale Management1
ANEQ 312Animal Ultrasonography2
ANEQ 322Pet Nutrition2
ANEQ 323Zoo Nutrition2
ANEQ 352Introduction to Horse Evaluation2
ANEQ 354Introduction to Livestock Evaluation3
ANEQ 356Introduction to Dairy Evaluation3
ANEQ 361Introduction to Meat Product Evaluation3
ANEQ 363Introduction to Wool and Fiber Evaluation1
ANEQ 366Animal Welfare Evaluation2
ANEQ 384Supervised College Teaching1-5
ANEQ 410Applied Food Animal Behavior3
A maximum of one course, 1-3 credits, may be selected from the following courses):1-3
Applied Horsemanship and Equitation
Preparation of Horses for Competition: Western
Preparation of Horses for Competition: English
Equine Management
Equine Facilities Management
Equine Assessment, Evaluation and Retraining
Introduction to the Trail Riding Industry
Equine Digital Photography
Equine Behavior
Equine Exercise Physiology
Horse Training and Sale Preparation I
Horse Training and Sale Preparation II
Packing and Outfitting
Techniques in Therapeutic Riding
Advanced Horse Evaluation
Equine Event and Sales Management
Equine Sales Production
Principles of Teaching Therapeutic Riding
Equine Practicum: Equine Reproductive Management
Equine Practicum: Equine Farrier Management
Riding Instructor Training
Foaling Management
Therapeutic Riding Instructor Practicum
Systems Thinking in Sustainability
Spanish for Animal Health and Care Fields
Microbiome Roles in a Sustainable Earth (GT-SC2)
1

Select credits from any AREC, ECON, or business course, of which 3 credits may be a computer course.  AREC 202ECON 202, and CS 110 will not be accepted. Access granted for the following business courses: ACT 205, BUS 205, FIN 305, MGT 305, MKT 305.

2

Select a total of 9 credits from the Specialization Animal Science List, or students may satisfy the requirement by completing a second major (Equine Science, Agricultural Business, Agricultural Education) or a minor (Agricultural Business or Business Administration). 

3

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).

 Distinctive Requirements for Degree ProgramA maximum of five credits is allowed for ANEQ 352, ANEQ 353, ANEQ 354, ANEQ 355, ANEQ 356, ANEQ 357, ANEQ 361, ANEQ 362, ANEQ 363, and ANEQ 364. A maximum of 12 credits is allowed for any combination of the following: ANEQ 352, ANEQ 353, ANEQ 354, ANEQ 355, ANEQ 356, ANEQ 357, ANEQ 361, ANEQ 362, ANEQ 363, ANEQ 364, ANEQ 384, ANEQ 487A, ANEQ 495, and ANEQ 496
A minimum grade of ‘C’ (2.000) is required for BMS 300, MIP 315 and each of the ANEQ courses used to meet requirements for the major. 

Freshman
Semester 1CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ANEQ 101Food Animal ScienceX  4
ANEQ 193Student Seminar--Exploring Student SuccessX  1
LIFE 102Attributes of Living Systems (GT-SC1)X 3A4
Select at least three credits from the following:X  3-4
College Algebra in Context I (GT-MA1)X 1B 
College Algebra in Context II (GT-MA1)X 1B 
Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (GT-MA1)X 1B 
Numerical Trigonometry (GT-MA1)X 1B 
Analytic Trigonometry (GT-MA1)X 1B 
Calculus in Management Sciences (GT-MA1)X 1B 
Calculus for Biological Scientists I (GT-MA1)X 1B 
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion X1C3
 Total Credits   15-16
Semester 2CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
Select one course from the following:X  1-4
Introduction to Large Animal Anatomy    
Domestic Animal Gross Anatomy    
CO 150College Composition (GT-CO2)X 1A3
CS 110Personal ComputingX  4
Select one group from the following:X  5
Group A:
    
Fundamentals of Chemistry (GT-SC2)X 3A 
Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory (GT-SC1)X 3A 
Group B:
    
General Chemistry I (GT-SC2)X 3A 
General Chemistry Lab I (GT-SC1)X 3A 
 Total Credits   13-16
Sophomore
Semester 3CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
Select one course from the following:X  3-4
Farm Animal Anatomy and Physiology    
Functional Large Animal Physiology X  
Principles of Human Physiology    
Select one course from the following:X  3
Agricultural and Resource Economics (GT-SS1)  3C 
Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1)  3C 
Select one course from the following:X  3
General Statistics (GT-MA1)  1B 
Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods X  
Introduction to Biostatistics X  
Business/Economics ElectiveX  3
Historical Perspectives X3D3
 Total Credits   15-16
Semester 4CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ANEQ 293Professional Development and Career SuccessX  1
ANEQ 310Animal ReproductionX 4B3
ANEQ 320Principles of Animal NutritionX 4B3
SPCM 200Public SpeakingX  3
Select one course from the following:X  3
Foundations in Animal Genetics X  
Principles of Genetics    
 Total Credits   13
Junior
Semester 5CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ANEQ 360Principles of Meat ScienceX 4B3
Select one course from the following:X  3
Rangeland Conservation and Stewardship    
Sustainable Forage Management for Livestock    
Experience Animal Science Elective (Select a minimum of 2 credits from the following):X  2
Internship: Animal    
Department-approved Study Abroad
    
Science Elective (See list on Program Requirements tab)X  2
Advanced Writing  X23
Arts and Humanities X3B3
 Total Credits   16
Semester 6CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ANEQ 330Principles of Animal BreedingX 4B3
Applied Animal Science Electives (See list on Program Requirements tab)X  4
Science Elective (See list on Program Requirements tab)X  3-6
Arts and Humanities X3B3
 Total Credits   13-16
Senior
Semester 7CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
Select one course from the following:X  3-4
Prevention and Control of Livestock DiseasesX   
Equine Disease ManagementX   
Select one course from the following:X  3-4
Meat Processing Systems  4A,4C 
Sheep Systems  4A,4C 
Dairy Systems  4A,4C 
Swine Systems  4A,4C 
Feedlot Systems  4A,4C 
Beef Systems  4A,4C 
Specialization Animal Science Electives (See list on Program Requirements tab)X  3
Elective X 3
 Total Credits   12-14
Semester 8CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
Select one course not previously taken:X  3-4
Meat Processing SystemsX 4A,4C 
Sheep SystemsX 4A,4C 
Dairy SystemsX 4A,4C 
Swine SystemsX 4A,4C 
Feedlot SystemsX 4A,4C 
Beef SystemsX 4A,4C 
Business/Economics ElectiveX  3
Specialization Animal Science Electives (See list on Program Requirements tab)X  6
Electives X 0-11
The benchmark courses for the 8th semester are the remaining courses in the entire program of study.X   
 Total Credits   14-20
 Program Total Credits:   120