The program is offered by .?Programs are flexible and designed to meet the needs and interests of the student and, as such, specific degree requirements are determined through individual consultation with an advisor and a special committee. The department maintains herds of dairy cattle, beef cattle, and swine for research and teaching purposes.

Student Opportunities

Graduates from our program are employed in a wide range of careers from applied animal production to teaching and research of molecular mechanisms in domestic and companion animals, as well as humans. Graduate students acquire cutting-edge knowledge and techniques in disciplines that are vital to the improvement of quality of life for animals and humans.

Examples of ongoing fundamental research include: the use of mammalian comparative and functional genomics in the search for genes of economic significance including identification of genes involved in disease resistance as well as production traits; understanding molecular events coordinating the physiology of uterine and testis biology using the mouse and domestic ruminants as model organisms; understanding and enhancing skeletal and cardiac muscle growth and development with stem cell and gene therapy approaches; developing deterministic models to evaluate the environmental impact of dairy and beef production systems; and examination of the bovine genome to examine the genetic x nutrition interactions associated with feed efficiency in beef cattle.

Career Opportunities

• National agricultural laboratories;
• management, allied and agricultural industries;
• Extension and technical positions;
• Teaching positions.