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Studies & Degrees in Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry is the breeding, feeding, care and management of farm animals. At universities it is usually called animal science or livestock production. The field covers cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry and horses, and the products that come from them: meat, milk, eggs, wool and leather. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics describes animal scientists as researchers who, with a focus on food production, explore animal genetics, nutrition, reproduction, diseases, growth and development.

The subject is not the same as veterinary medicine. A veterinarian diagnoses and treats animals. A graduate in animal husbandry manages herds and flocks, plans feeding and breeding, and runs or advises farms. The two overlap, and animal science is a common first step towards veterinary school.

What students learn

  • animal nutrition and feed formulation
  • reproduction, genetics and breeding
  • animal health, hygiene and welfare
  • production systems for dairy, beef, pigs, sheep and poultry
  • farm buildings, machinery and environmental management
  • farm economics and business management

McGill University describes its Livestock specialisation in these terms: students learn about the efficiency of livestock production and are exposed to animal nutrition, reproduction and breeding in a context that respects environmental concerns and animal-welfare issues. Practical work with animals is part of most programmes. Tennessee Tech University, for instance, has its own farms, a cattle operation and a poultry research centre.

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor's degrees. Tennessee Tech University offers a B.S. in Animal Science with three concentrations: Animal Science Industries, Poultry Science and Pre-Veterinary Science. At McGill University, animal science is studied inside the Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences), with specialisations such as Livestock, and Animal Biology and Health.
  • Master's degrees and doctorates. The M.Sc. in Animal Science at McGill is a 45-credit, thesis-based research programme that typically takes 2 years. The department also offers a non-thesis master's (M.Sc.A.) and a PhD.
  • Vocational training. Many countries train farm managers and technicians outside university. In Spain, for example, the higher vocational qualification Técnico Superior en Ganadería y Asistencia en Sanidad Animal lasts 2,000 hours, according to the Ministry of Education's TodoFP portal, and prepares for jobs such as livestock farm manager.
  • Short practical courses. Some ranches teach hands-on skills. Chilcotin Holidays, a ranch in British Columbia (Canada), runs wilderness training programmes of one or two weeks, including horseback guide training. These are short courses, not degrees; ask the provider what certificate, if any, is issued.

In some places the profession is regulated. McGill states that its Livestock specialisation, taken together with the Major in Agro-Environmental Sciences and the Specialisation in Professional Agrology, conforms with the eligibility requirements of the Ordre des agronomes du Québec.

Where to study it

Our directory lists 3 active schools for animal husbandry: 2 in Canada and 1 in the United States. They are McGill University (Montreal), Tennessee Tech University (Cookeville, Tennessee) and Chilcotin Holidays (Gold Bridge, British Columbia). All three teach in English. Animal science is also taught under other names, so it is worth looking at related subjects such as agriculture, agronomy and veterinary science as well.

Students who want to become veterinarians should check the route carefully. McGill does not offer a veterinary medicine programme, but its Animal Biology and Health specialisation prepares for further study in animal health. It notes that the farm animal category of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Université de Montréal requires, among other things, a minimum of 500 hours of experience working with livestock.

Careers

Graduates manage livestock farms and ranches, work for feed, breeding and animal health companies, advise farmers, inspect farms and food production, or go into research and teaching.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes figures for two related occupations in the United States. Agricultural and food scientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in animal science, food science, plant biology or a related field. Their employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, and the group included 3,400 animal scientists in 2025. Farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers typically need at least a high school diploma and work experience. Their employment is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, although about 70,800 openings a year are expected, mainly to replace people who leave the occupation. The Bureau adds that farm managers may benefit from post-secondary studies such as animal science.

Frequently asked questions

Is animal husbandry the same as animal science?

In practice, yes. Universities usually use the names animal science or livestock production for the study of breeding, feeding and managing farm animals.

Can I become a veterinarian with a degree in animal science?

Not directly. Veterinary medicine is a separate degree, but animal science is a common preparation for it. Tennessee Tech University, for example, has a Pre-Veterinary Science concentration in its B.S. in Animal Science.

How long does a master's degree in animal science take?

At McGill University the thesis-based M.Sc. in Animal Science has 45 credits and typically takes 2 years.

Do I need a degree to manage a livestock farm?

Not always. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, farmers and ranchers typically need at least a high school diploma and related work experience, though post-secondary studies can help as farm management grows more complex.