Animal Science Extension

The Texas AgriLife Extension Animal Science unit is composed of faculty helping Texans learn about animal science through teaching research-based technologies throughout the state and nation. Our specialists are based in 10 different locations around Texas. We help Texans learn about areas such as beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep and goats, horses, meat science, food safety and swine through the delivery of innovative and applied research programs. Our mission is to equip producers with the knowledge and resources needed to make sound economical and sustainable decisions for their operations. Browse the listing of animal science extension specialists and programs below.

Extension and Outreach Programs

The extension and outreach programs cover a wide range of disciplines designed to teach research-based information and technologies throughout the state, nation and world.

Beef Cattle Extension Programs

Texas ranks first in the nation in total cattle numbers and also has the broadest spectrum of producers and variation in production environments. The beef cattle industry is by far the largest sector in the Texas agriculture industry. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension beef specialists are located in regional offices across the state to meet the needs of Texas ranchers and cattlemen. The extension beef group provides adult educational programs such as the Beef Cattle Short Course and local and regional beef workshops and clinics throughout the year.

44 Farms-Texas A&M International Beef Cattle Academy

Dairy Extension Programs

Texas AgriLife Extension dairy specialists are strategically located in regional offices to meet the needs of dairy farmers. The extension group conducts applied research and delivers youth and adult educational programs tailored specifically for dairy farmers, industry stakeholders, and national and international communities. Through these efforts, they address challenges, foster collaboration, promote innovation, and ultimately contribute to the success and sustainability of the dairy industry.

Equine Programs

Through educational programs and workshops, extension horse specialists provide research-based management practices related to nutrition, breeding, management, care and use. Information developed by the extension equine group is available to individual horse owners, goods and service providers, and industry professionals.

Food Safety and Quality Extension Programs

Safety and Quality Extension works to provide agricultural safety across the state of Texas by engaging in quality safety programs and training to help reduce injuries, in addition to services such as internal management reviews to help protect personnel and the environment. 

Meat Science Programs

Meat Science Extension serves Texans by providing adult educational programs, conferences, workshops and courses taught by national leaders in meat science. Learn more about Meat Science Extension.

Sheep and Goat Programs

Texas ranks first in the nation in total number of sheep and goats with roughly 20 and 50 percent of national inventory, respectively.  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension small ruminant specialists are located in San Angelo and College Station with additional support from county agents and livestock specialist spread around the state.  The extension sheep group provides adult educational programs, such as the Livestock Guardian Dog Program, Sheep and Goat Ranching 101 Online Course, and Sheep Shearing and Pregnancy Ultrasound Schools.  Sheep and goat specialist also support district- and county-based programs, such as Sheep and Goat Expo, Lamb and Goat Validation, and Wool and Mohair Contests.

Swine Programs

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension supports the profitability and sustainability of the Texas pork industry through industry collaborations and by providing relevant educational material on swine husbandry and management.

Youth Programs

The department offers a wide variety of educational youth programs designed to teach youth of all ages. These programs are led by faculty, extension specialists and competitive teams coaches and members.