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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 News

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John Jaeger

John Jaeger named head of SDSU Department of Animal Science

John Jaeger began his appointment as head of the Department of Animal Science at South Dakota State University on Aug. 9.

James Krantz named 2023 SDSU Friend of the Beef Industry

James Krantz, of Howard, was recently selected as the 2023 recipient of the South Dakota State University Friend of the Beef Industry award for his contributions to the South Dakota beef industry.

Rosie Nold receives North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Educator Award

Rosie Nold, assistant department head and professor in the Department of Animal Science, has been recognized for her dedication to teaching by being selected as one of 21 individuals to receive the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Educator Award. ...