Animal science

The discipline covering the science and technology of producing, managing and distributing animals, including those raised for food. It weaves together nutrition, genetics, reproduction, health and welfare to make livestock systems more efficient, sustainable and humane. For the food industry, animal science supplies the knowledge behind feed formulation, breeding for meat and milk quality, disease prevention, and low-stress handling and slaughter — all of which translate directly into the safety, quality and consistency of animal products. It also informs the environmental debate, from methane mitigation to the land footprint of livestock.