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!
The Texas A&M University Department of Animal Science is the largest and most diverse animal science department in the country, and leads the discovery and application of science-based knowledge of animals and animal products. We are glad you have an interest in our department, whether you are a student, stakeholder, producer, or researcher.
It is an honor to begin my role as department head. My vision for the department is to be the most impactful animal science body of students and faculty in the world, internationally renowned as the shining example of modern animal science teaching, research, and extension. We aspire to be the first choice for prospective animal science students, the first choice of employers seeking the world’s best-prepared animal science graduates, the nation’s pioneer in animal science research, and the most valid source of information for livestock producers and policy makers. To fulfill this vision, we will continue our commitment to experiential learning and novel research, while adding world-class faculty to our department and empowering our team to further the mission of the Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, and Texas A&M AgriLife.
The department is strong and will continue to make an impact because of the exceptional people supporting our efforts. Thank you to our students, faculty, staff, industry partners, former students, donors and friends for helping us as we work passionately toward our noble mission.
Clay Mathis, Ph.D.
Professor & 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 Department of Animal Science 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.