Welcome to Animal Science
Message from the Department Head
Animal Science was one of the first disciplines taught at the University of Connecticut, established as the historical Storrs Agricultural School in 1881. Today the Department of Animal Science is the home of more than 400 undergraduate students (both 2-year and 4-year programs) as well as dozens of graduate students pursuing advanced degrees. The Department offers ample hands-on learning and student employment opportunities with a total of 1,000+ dairy and beef cattle, sheep, chickens, pigs, and horses all within minutes of walking distance on campus.
The Department's faculty are accomplished educators and scientists for winning university, regional and national teaching and research awards, for publishing in international scientific journals and for serving as leaders in professional societies. Together, they cover the diverse areas of animal genetics/genomics, breeding, biotechnology (genetic engineering and stem cells), animal reproduction, embryology, growth biology and endocrinology, food microbiology and safety, dairy technology and safety, equine science, dairy production and management, meat chemistry, laboratory animal science as well as diversified livestock.
CT Horse Symposium
Saturday, March 23, 2024 9AM – 2PM
Join Peter Whitmore for a fun and exciting versatility clinic where horses and riders will gain confidence and skills through the use of obstacles. By pushing the limits you and your horse will learn to work through fear and anxiety under Peter’s guidance.
News & Events
Animal Science Winter/Spring Newsletter
The Department of Animal Science Winter/Spring Student Newsletter is here! View all of our previous newsletters.
Upcoming Academic & Scholarly Events
No Seminar This Week (March 15) - Spring Recess
Spring 2024 Seminar Series Schedule
Upcoming Events
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Mar
22
ANSC Seminar: Gaurav Dutta 12:20pm
ANSC Seminar: Gaurav Dutta
Friday, March 22nd, 2024
12:20 PM
White Building
ANSC Seminar: Gaurav Dutta
Date: 03/22/2024
Time: 12:20 PM
Location: George White Building, Room 209If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Rich Mancini at 860-486-1775 or richard.mancini@uconn.edu at least 5 days in advance of the seminar
Contact Information:
Richard Mancini
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Department of Animal Science
Phone: 860-486-1775
Email: richard.mancini@uconn.edu -
Mar
23
Connecticut Horse Symposium 9:00am
Connecticut Horse Symposium
Saturday, March 23rd, 2024
09:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Horsebarn Hill Arena
Get some new ideas for the riding and driving season! No need to worry about preregistration for auditors or spectators, pay at the door.
Enjoy our heated lobby and arena seating and participating in a fun equine event! Take a break from the action by visiting the sponsors and vendors in our heated foyer.
Please park in the paved lot to the right of the arena. The dirt lot is reserved for horse trailers.
Please note our health requirements for visiting horses in the documents area at the bottom of this page.
3 Exciting Clinic Sessions with Peter Whitmore - Register for one, two or all three!
Join Peter Whitmore for a fun and exciting versatility clinic where horses and riders will gain confidence and skills through the use of obstacles. By pushing the limits you and your horse will learn to work through fear and anxiety under Peter’s guidance. This clinic is designed to challenge all levels of horse and rider in a safe and structured environment.Peter Whitmore has been training horses for 24 years. He specializes in starting young horses correctly and working with problem horses of all ages, breeds and disciplines. Through clear communication he can solidify the horse’s foundation and increase their confidence as our riding partners. Peter has successfully competed in the Extreme Mustang Makeover and currently runs the New England Youth Mustang Challenge. Find them on Facebook at: It’s A Pleasure Training
Session 1: In Hand Versatility (limited to 12 handlers) 9-10 AM
Designed to reinforce basic handling and ground manners and build trust between horse and handler.
Session 2: Basic Versatility (limited to 12 riders) 10-11 AM
Designed for riders who have never tried versatility or extreme trail. Obstacles can be altered to meet the needs of each horse and rider.
Session 3: Extreme Versatility (limited to 12 riders) 11 AM -12 PM
Designed for riders and horses who want to push the limits! More challenging obstacles that can be altered to meet the needs of horse and rider.
Lunch Available On Site - Pizza and Beverages - UConn Equine Club
12-1 PM Demonstrations by the UConn Teams! Dressage, Equestrian, and Polo
1-2 PM Demonstration by Alena Meacham, Director of Riding
Auditor Pricing: As Always, a Great Value!
$25/Adults All Day
$10/Adults 1-2 PM
12-2 PM $10/day Age 9-18/4-H leaders/UConn students/4-H members
Kids 9 & under free!
Money raised is used to directly support equine research and extension programs at the University of Connecticut! No pre-registration needed for spectators: pay at the door or online!
Contact Information:
Jenifer Nadeau
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Department of Animal Science
Phone: 860-486-4471
Email: jenifer.nadeau@uconn.edu -
Mar
28
UConn Spring Practicum Polo Session II Registration Deadline 11:59pm
UConn Spring Practicum Polo Session II Registration Deadline
Thursday, March 28th, 2024
11:59 PM
UConn’s Department of Animal Science offers a self-improvement, non-credit, extracurricular horse-riding program entitled “Horse Practicum.” The Practicum is open to all students enrolled at the University as well as faculty, staff and the community. Although priority for riding is given to Animal Science majors, all participants are welcome on a space available basis. Lessons are offered in Hunt Seat, Dressage, Trail, Polo and Western at a variety of levels.
The Deadline to Register for Session II Polo (April 1, 2024 - April 26, 2024 | 4 Weeks) is March 29, 2024 | 12:00 AM
Lesson Registration Now Open!
Make your payment and submit your registration forms to secure your spot! Spaces are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.Learn More & Register Today at s.uconn.edu/practicum
Contact Information:
Alena Meacham
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Department of Animal Science
Email: alena.meacham@uconn.edu
Phone: 860-486-3377 -
Mar
29
ANSC PhD Defense: Ms. Bruna Santana 9:00am
ANSC PhD Defense: Ms. Bruna Santana
Friday, March 29th, 2024
09:00 AM
White Building
ANSC PhD Defense: Ms. Bruna Santana
Date: 03/29/2024
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Location: HybridIf you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Dr. Breno Fragomeni at 860-486-1069 or breno.fragomeni@uconn.edu at least 5 days in advance of the seminar
Contact Information:
Breno Fragomeni
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Department of Animal Science
Phone: 860-486-1069
Email: breno.fragomeni@uconn.edu
I think the animal science program is phenomenal, and the material they cover is really thorough. It really is something you can’t get at a lot of other institutions.
Experiential Learning
Our students gain invaluable hands-on experience with a wide variety of species from their very first semester. All of our animal units are within walking distance on campus and students have the opportunity to work closely with them in class, through research and a variety of student employment opportunities.
During their time in our program, students will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects and hone their skills both in and out of the lab.
Extension & Outreach
Extension programs empower communities by building a network of awareness and knowledge.