Animal Sciences
The Department of Animal Sciences delivers a science-based research and education program that supports the needs and interests of communities throughout Colorado, and around the world. We are driven by our collective goal to develop the next generation of industry leaders who prioritize the health of our animals, the landscapes that support them, and the people who work with them.
Our students develop their passion for animals through an industry-oriented approach to animal health, productivity, and shaping the future of sustainable agricultural and environmental stewardship.
What is Animal Science?
Together, we work to improve the wellbeing of animals, people and the environment.
The Department of Animal Sciences plays a pivotal role in the stewardship of Colorado’s large and varied equine, livestock and meat industries. Students experience a deeper connection with animals by taking an active role in their health and welfare.
Our approach to animal science starts by building a foundational understanding of the natural world through hands-on relationships between our students and animals. Through coursework and experiential learning, students develop the skills and knowledge to understand the intimate connection between animals and their environments.
Animal Sciences Research Programs
Our rigorous research programs challenge faculty and students to explore critical solutions to challenges faced by industry, communities, and the world. We prioritize our work with an emphasis on animal, human and environmental health, and focus on areas like livestock health and welfare, genetics, nutrition, animal management systems, and meat safety.
Outreach and Engagement
We give back to our Colorado communities by sharing research-based solutions through outreach and engagement programming like student-run livestock sales, state and national symposiums, and equine-assisted services through the Temple Grandin Equine Center.
Legends of Ranching Performance Horse Sale
Students are drawn to the Equine Sciences program for the opportunity to participate in the Legends of Ranching program, an immersive, experiential learning model within our curriculum. Through LOR, students engage directly with industry partners, established ranches, and consignors while applying natural horsemanship training principles in the colt development process. This program integrates technical skill development, professional communication, and industry collaboration to prepare students for successful careers in the equine industry.
Story of Impact
Libby Bigler
When your job title is Colorado Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator, an outside observer would likely imagine that you took a fairly predictable path to that assignment.
Rancher’s kid. Small town. 4-H participant. Animal lover. And in this state, Colorado State University alumnus.
Libby Bigler certainly checks most of those boxes. She grew up in tiny Elbert, an unincorporated town about 56 miles southeast of Denver. She was one of 20 in her graduating class at Elbert High School, and an active participant in 4-H activities. But even though she loved animals and often showed pigs, lambs and steers, she did not grow up on a ranch.
Upcoming Department Events and News
Stackhouse-Lawson, CSU alumni recognized as 2026 Leaders in Agriculture by Denver Business Journal
How Libby Bigler is elevating beef quality across Colorado
Animal Science Degrees and Programs
Undergraduate Degrees
Equine Science
Develop in-depth scientific knowledge of the horse and apply those principles to the growing industry. Gain a broad understanding of the business, recreational and production aspects of the industry.
Animal Science
Develop an industry-oriented, science-based education that focuses on food-producing animals while learning technical, practical, and business skills involved in livestock production.
Livestock Business Management Major
Use an interdisciplinary, systems approach to effectively manage livestock businesses for the benefit of humans and animals.
Graduate Degrees
M.S. in Animal Science
Develop an industry-oriented, science-based education that prepares you for careers in animal agriculture or one of many industries associated with livestock production.
Ph.D. in Animal Science
Study breeding and genetics, livestock/beef management systems, livestock behavior and welfare, meat science/food safety-microbiology nutrition and reproduction.
Master of Agriculture (M.Agr.) in Agricultural Sciences – Integrated Resource Management – Online
Understand how agricultural resource systems work together in a comprehensive way, and how to apply them in an agricultural management setting.
Get Started Today
Contact the Department of Animal Sciences
Animal Sciences Building
350 W. Pitkin St.
Campus Delivery 1171
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1171
(970) 491-6672
CAS_Ansci@mail.colostate.edu