Animal Husbandry and Production
Overview
Programs in animal husbandry and production prepare people to breed, care for, and sell animals.Animal husbandry and production programs include topics such as:
- Biology and anatomy of livestock animals
- Animal nutrition
- Genetics and breeding
- Shearing and feeding
- Butchering and processing
- Business principles, including marketing, management, and sales
Concentrations
In animal husbandry and production programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Livestock husbandry and production
- Dairy husbandry and production
- Horse husbandry and production
- Livestock management
Schools
Several community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in animal husbandry and production. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in animal husbandry and production. Often this is offered as part of a animal science program. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Very few universities offer graduate degrees in animal husbandry and production. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Agriculture, General
- Animal Physiology
- Animal Sciences, General
- Animal Training
- Dairy Science
- Equestrian Studies
- Farm and Ranch Management
- Poultry Science
- Range Science and Management
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Worker Supervisors
- Farm and Home Management Advisors
- Farmers and Farm Managers
- Science Technicians
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Animal Breeders
- Animal Scientists
- Animal Trainers
- Farm and Ranch Workers
- University and College Teachers
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Agricultural Management
- Algebra
- Animal Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Probability and Statistics
- Wildlife Management
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Animal Sanitation
- Biology
- Breeding and Genetic Engineering
- Business Management
- Equipment Maintenance
- Livestock Anatomy and Physiology
- Livestock Food Products
- Livestock Growth and Development
- Livestock Housing and Care
- Microbiology
- Nutrition and Feeding
- Production and Processing
- Purchasing
- Sales and Marketing
- Supervision
Things to Know
Internships or supervised work experience may lead to employment or better job prospects and recommendations. Many programs coordinate internships with local farms, ranches, and meat and animal processing companies.
Many programs have on-site working farms and ranches. Students help keep barns and stables clean, care for newborn animals, and feed and monitor livestock daily.
A degree in animal husbandry and production is considered good preparation for veterinary medical school.
For information about farm occupations, opportunities, and 4-H activities, contact your local county extension service office.
Schools
East Side Area
Walla Walla Community College
- Agriculture--Animal Science
- Agriculture--Animal Science-Animal Management Emphasis
Washington State University - Pullman
- Agricultural and Food Systems--Organic Agriculture Systems
- Animal Sciences--Animal Management Option