Food Animal Systems

group of ranchers herding cattle
This option is designed for students interested in careers related to the production management of all livestock species. The option provides a balanced study of animal nutrition, meat animal products, reproductive physiology, breeding and genetics, and business management of animal production systems. Completion of this option provides excellent preparation for those wishing to be involved in production agriculture and the abundance of allied industries that support animal agriculture.
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Program Features

Hands-On Experience

Work hands-on with animals without leaving campus. Gain valuable experience handling different species in the Animal Science Complex on campus and in classroom settings.
 

Study Tour Regionally or Abroad

Participate in our study tours that explore the equine, beef, and meat processing industries throughout our region or enjoy summer in January in New Zealand while learning about a country diverse in both agriculture and natural resources. See how this small country has become a major player in the agricultural export market including dairy, sheep, deer, cattle and wine.
 

Career Connections

Our close relationships with industry leaders throughout the region and country, you will have the opportunity to interact with professionals in all aspects of food animal systems.

Notable Courses

ASCI 210: Principles of Animal Products for Today’s Society

Learn about edible and inedible products sourced from animals with a particular emphasis on the production of red meat and how animal-sourced products are utilized in today's society.

ASCI 270: Fundamentals of Animal Behavior and Welfare

Examine various ways humans use and interact with animals in society. Focus on fundamentals of animal behavior, animal welfare principles and issues.

PLAS 240: Forage Crop and Pasture Management

Principles basic to the establishment, management, and utilization of forage crops and pastures. Plant identification and selection, seeding, fertilization, irrigation, forage quality and utilization, hay and silage preservation, and grazing management.

ASCI 456: Beef Cattle Merchandising

Develop skills to merchandise breeding cattle including advertising, genetic and phenotype selection, data collection, and conducting a bull sale.

VBMS 303: Principles and Prevention of Livestock Diseases

Management techniques in the control of metabolic, infectious, and parasitic diseases of domestic animals and understanding of basic concepts of the important diseases of livestock.

ASCI 341: Physiology and Management of Reproduction

Comparative anatomy and physiology of reproduction in domestic animals. Endocrine regulation of reproductive function, patterns of reproduction, economic consequences of sub-optimal reproductive performance, and more.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • US Business Channels Intern, Merck Animal Health
  • Cattle Operations Intern, Adams Land & Cattle
  • Livestock Intern, Lancaster, NE County Extension
  • Feed Sales Intern, Purina
  • Commercial Swine Production Intern, Pillen Family Farms
  • Dairy Production Intern, Tuls Dairy, LLC

Careers

  • A.I. Technician
  • Extension Educator
  • Livestock Producer
  • Manager of Livestock and Poultry Operations
  • Nutritionist

Graduate Schools

  • MS, Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • PhD, Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • MS, Animal Science, Kansas State University
  • MS, Animal Science, West Texas A&M

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Food Animal Systems, contact us.

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Contact Name
Alli Raymond
Contact Title
Admissions Coordinator
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