About Animal Science
Department Overview
The Board of Directors of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas initiated the development of the Animal Husbandry Department in 1903. In 1965, the department became more encompassing and was renamed the Department of Animal Science.
Today, the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University has achieved national and international prominence as the largest and most complex department of animal science in the nation. As part of its land grant mission, the Animal Science Department strives to meet the needs of all citizens by providing outstanding teaching, research and extension programs.
Currently, disciplines within the department include reproductive physiology, animal breeding and genetics, food science, microbiology, equine science, dairy science, animal nutrition and meat science. The department responds to the Texas animal industry through research and education programs in equine, beef, dairy, swine, sheep and goats.
Howdy and Welcome!
Thank you for visiting the Department of Animal Science.
Our department is rich in history and we are proud to have achieved national and international prominence as one of the largest and most complex departments of its kind in the country. The department strives to meet the needs of all citizens by providing outstanding teaching, research and extension programs. We remain strong because of the great people we have as current students, former students, faculty, staff and industry partners that help move our department forward.
I am honored and privileged to serve in the role of interim department head. I look forward to the continued growth and impact of the department.
Andy Herring, Ph.D.
Interim Department Head
Mission
To improve lives through the discovery, integration, dissemination, and application of science-based knowledge of animals and animal products.
Vision
As part of its land grant mission, the Animal Science Department strives to meet the needs of all citizens by providing outstanding teaching, research and extension programs.
Animal Science in the News
Honoring a Texas A&M Rodeo legacy beyond the arena
To further the legacy of retired Texas Aggie Rodeo coach Al Wagner, Ph.D., the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, S.A.L.E., has made a $300,000 endowment contribution to continue its mission of helping educate youth statewide.
After 50 years, Texas A&M animal science legend says farewell
Jim Sanders ’74 ‘77, Ph.D., senior professor of animal breeding and genetics, may be retiring, but he will continue to make waves in the livestock industry for many more years to come for two reasons – his love for his students and their respect for him.