Home | School of Animal Sciences

Dedicated to the Virginia Tech motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), the School of Animal Sciences pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. We invite you to bring your interest in animals and let us prepare you for your future. Where can the School of Animal Sciences take you? The choices are unlimited!

Academics

Design your experience

Learn how the School of Animal Sciences can help you create the path for your successful academic journey.

Graduate in cap and tassel blowing glitter from her hands. — Learn how the School of Animal Sciences can help you create the path for a successful academic journey based on your interests.

Discovery awaits

Researchers in the lab with test tubes, beakers and equipment. — Work with world-class researchers to identify solutions to the pressing issues of today—and help created a better tomorrow.

Core Areas

Breeding, Genomics, Modeling, and Data

Growth and Development

Immunology and Health
Neurophysiology and Behavior
Nutritional Biochemistry/Metabolism

Reproductive Physiology

Research Facilities
Recent Publications

Our Graduate Studies Program
Graduate Student Directory

Extension

Community Outreach

Students with laptops and large digital display board working on data analysis problems. — Bringing timely, useful, and applicable information to the state—and world-at-large—based on the latest research.

Beef
Companion Animals
Dairy
Equine
Poultry
Sheep
Swine

4-H Horse Program
Virginia 4-H Dairy Youth Program
Youth Livestock Program

Sales

Campus Facilities

AREC Units
Virginia Cooperative Extension

The Latest

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Milkshakes fuel a global learning opportunity , article
Nearly two dozen students in the Dairy Club at Virginia Tech traveled over 3,500 miles to explore agriculture across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and the cattle-breed birthplace islands of Guernsey and Jersey.
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Memorial Day tips for making a better burger from Virginia Tech meat science experts , article
For most Americans, Memorial Day is a time for remembering fallen service members, sunny summer weather, and family time, including grilling juicy burgers. David Gerrard, director of the School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech, and Matt Blankenship, manager of the Virginia Tech Meat Science Center, offer these tips to up your burger game this weekend.
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Alpha Gamma Rho celebrates 50 years of brotherhood, service, and agriculture at Virginia Tech , article
More than 400 alumni and friends of the Beta Eta chapter are expected to attend reunion events May 30-31 in Blacksburg.
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Researchers celebrated for innovating science for society , article
Virginia Tech faculty were recognized for their scholarship and ingenuity at Innovation and Partnerships’ fourth annual Celebrating Innovation event.

More News...

Class of 2025 - In the Spotlight

Black and white photo of Salem Sifford at a livestock judging event. Text: Salem Sifford, Outstanding Senior, Dairy Science. — Salem Sifford, Outstanding Senior, Dairy Science. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Sofia Killar at The Pylons in her graduation gown and stoles, smiling. Text: Sofia Killar, Outstanding Senior, Animal & Poultry Sciences. — Sofia Killar, Outstanding Senior, Animal & Poultry Sciences. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Jeffer Lin, Outstanding Ambassador Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Jeffer Lin in his graduation gown standing at a wooden fence with livestock in the background. Text: Jeffer Lin, Outstanding Ambassador Award, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences — Jeffer Lin, Outstanding Ambassador Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Brandon Duncan, Outstanding Ambassador Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Brandon Duncan on the football field at Lane Stadium wearing graduation regalia, smiling. Home of the VT Hokies sign in the background.Text: Brandon Duncan, Outstanding Ambassador Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. — Brandon Duncan, Outstanding Ambassador Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Makaia Haight, Outstanding Collaborator Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Montana "Monti" Hushon, Outstanding Mentor Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Montana Hushon in a white dress, smiling over her shoulder with honor stole. Montana Hushton, Outstanding Mentor Award. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. — Montana "Monti" Hushon, Outstanding Mentor Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Parker Epperley, Land-Grant Distinction Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Parker Epperley in a blue shirt and jeans leaning agains a red barn. Text: Parker Epperley, Land-Grant Distinction Award, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences — Parker Epperley, Land-Grant Distinction Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Will Bohnham, Outstanding Club Leadership Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Will Bonham wearing a VT Hokies t-shirt standing with a Texas Longhorn. Outstanding Club Leadership Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. — Will Bohnham, Outstanding Club Leadership Award. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

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Brandon Duncan , article
Giving back to his community has this Hokie feeling proud! Brandon Duncan has spent time helping new and prospective students as an ambassador for both SAS and CALS, as a content producer for VT Admissions, and as a residential well-being student leader. In the fall, Brandon will be attending the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
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Abby Greenwood , article
As a participant in the Dairy Science 3+1 program, Abby Greenwood is excited to attend the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine next semester. She has been an active member of the Dairy Club and will fondly remember her time at Virginia Tech and the friends she has made here.
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Cassie Borino , article
Cassie Borino has long dreamed of going to vet school and she believes her time at Virginia Tech has prepared her well. With research opportunities, studying abroad, and friends that can last a lifetime, Cassie has had four great years at Virginia Tech and is now looking forward to another four at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine!
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Sophia Cheng , article
With a minor in Biodiversity Conservation, Sophia Cheng has big hopes to combine her knowledge about wildlife and companion animals in the future to help many animals. Sophia plans to attend veterinary school to refine that knowledge before going into veterinary pathology or internal medicine.
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Daniela Garcia Llanos , article
Between volunteering at the Virginia Tech horse barns and a trip to Germany to learn more about the European horse industry, Daniela Garcia Llanos has realized her love of all things equine! Daniela is thrilled to pursue a career working with thoroughbred horses, and with a double concentration, her passion for animals extends to many species.
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Tyler Wood , article
Majoring in Animal and Poultry Sciences, this senior is reaching for the sky! Meet Tyler Wood, a VT Corps of Cadets member who plans to attend the U.S. Army Flight School. Tyler enjoys spending his free time fly fishing, camping, and hiking at various national parks.
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Makaia Haight , article
A double major in Animal and Poultry Sciences and Dairy Science, Makaia Haight is making the most of her time at Virginia Tech. Whether you see her at a women’s basketball game or reaching out to new students as an ambassador, Makaia is always moving!