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Students standing in front of the swine unit

Department of Animal Science

Building the educational foundation for future leaders in the animal industry

Tomorrow's animal and natural resources industries leaders gain the educational foundation they need in the Department of Animal Science. These future leaders study under a dynamic faculty who not only teach but also set the pace with important research and aggressive outreach via Extension.

Throughout our curriculum, a student-centered focus allows ample room for growth and success, including scholarship opportunities and several enterprising clubs.

With our multi-disciplinary approaches towards production efficiency, product enhancement and natural resources management, both our undergraduate and our graduate students gain strong skill sets. Graduates of our program see career options unfold in a diverse and growing range of employment areas, from animal-related industries to natural resources management.

Many graduate students devise their own research or partner with faculty in our many facilities and laboratories, to solve the challenges of 21st century animal agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Animal Science Department Newsletter is archived on

Department of Animal Science Events

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Jun 7

Livestock Judging Camp

Jun 8

Livestock Judging Camp

Jun 9

Livestock Judging Camp

Jun 11

Livestock Judging Camp

Department of Animal Science News

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Bob Thaler

Robert Thaler Named 2023 SDSU CAFES Teacher of the Year

Every year, a committee of students in the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) is tasked with selecting an outstanding teacher they feel has gone above and beyond in their role as an educator.

SDSU Announces 100th Little International Award Winners

South Dakota State University hosted the centennial celebration of Little International from March 31- April 1 at the Animal Science Arena in Brookings. Little International, or “Little I,” is a two-day agricultural exposition planned, organized and implemented by SDSU students.

SDSU Feed Mill Hires New Manager

Trent McKee, a 2016 South Dakota State University animal science alum, was recently hired as the new manager of the SDSU Feed Mill.