The scope of teaching and research and extension activities in Animal Sciences involves the production, marketing, and utilization of animals in agriculture, entertainment, and companionship.

The department offers undergraduate courses in animal production emphasizing either business or biological processes involved in genetics, nutrition and reproduction as well as in the practical business aspects of racing and livestock management. Students can select for an area of study animal industry (preparing students for careers in livestock-related agribusiness, management, and production), equine sciences, race track industry program, or science and pre-professional program (for students planning to seek degrees in veterinary medicine or other medical areas). A strong advising program and individual faculty attention are major strengths of the department.

Graduate studies leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree are offered. Department faculty teach and conduct research in a variety of areas ranging from animal production to recombinant DNA. Department faculty also participate in interdepartmental committees on genetics, nutritional sciences and physiological sciences.