Programs in animal sciences provide up-to-date information on methods of rearing livestock and poultry, that produce meat, milk, eggs, wool, and other animal products. In addition, the department addresses the care of animals that enhance human well-being through companionship, recreation, and human aid such as horses and companion animals. Essential to this information is knowledge generated from the fields of animal behavior/bioethics, genetics, nutrition, and physiology. The various teaching and research programs explore modern areas of animal biotechnology and data processing and how they apply to present day livestock and poultry production. Study in these areas provides the core around which various curricula leading to the BS degree in Animal Sciences can be developed. To allow students flexibility in course arrangement, three specialized program options are offered.<br><br>Increasing demands for livestock and poultry products by a rapidly expanding human population mean potential employment for well-trained individuals in such areas as farm, ranch, feedlot operation, meat, poultry, egg and milk processing, meat grading with the USDA, Federal Cooperative Extension Service, county and 4-H work, sales or technical employment with commercial feed, seed, and chemical companies and pharmaceutical houses, agricultural loan officer, government agency positions at local, state and federal levels, the Peace Corps, animal welfare auditing, as well as in journalism, mass media, and public policy. The expanding support structure for companion animals has created a growing job market for graduates in areas such as animal behavior consultant, veterinary technician (animal nurse), and business management. In addition, students become prepared to go on to advanced studies in animal sciences, veterinary medicine, and education.