Animal Science (AS)

Clint Rusk, Head
Department of Animal Science
Animal Science Complex 103A
605-688-5166
e-mail: clint.rusk@sdstate.edu

Faculty

Professor Rusk Head; Distinguished Professor McFarland, Pritchard; Distinguished Professors Emeriti Costello, Wahlstrom; Professors Bruns, Clapper, Held, P. Johnson, Marshall, Smart, Wright; Professors Emeriti Bailey, Dearborn, Gartner, Gee, J. Johnson, Kohler, Libal, Plumart, Slyter; Associate Professors Gates, Olson, Perry, Walker, Wertz-Lutz; Associate Professors Emeriti Bonzer; Assistant Professors Bott, Gonda, Holland, Hostetler, Mousel, Scramlin, Underwood, Weaver; Lecturer Eide; Adjunct Professors Britzman, Casas, Cushman, Larson, Loe, Reeves, Rogen, Specker.

Programs

The Department offers instruction leading to the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Animal Science. The curricula are designed to prepare students for careers in livestock production, related agriculture business enterprises, farming and ranching, natural resource management on both private and public lands, or graduate study. Students are encouraged to supplement their class and laboratory instruction with internships and extracurricular activities. A minor in Equine Studies is also available through this department.

Animal Science Major
Majors receive instruction in animal breeding, feeding and nutrition, management, selection and evaluation, marketing, meats, and wool. Courses pertain to beef cattle, horses, sheep, and swine. Students choose one of two specializations: (a) Business and Production, or (b) Science. The applications of various disciplines to the breeding, feeding, management, and marketing of livestock and livestock products are stressed. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the basic principles of genetics, nutrition, physiology, range, and meats as they affect production and management of livestock. Students interested in veterinary  medicine should consider a dual major in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science/Science specialization.

Equine Studies Minor
The equine minor offers students instruction in equine management and care. Classes and hands on instruction are offered in management, nutrition, health, and reproduction. There is one-on-one interaction in training and management classes. Special topic courses including farrier science are also available. This academic minor requires an internship and 18-21 credit hours and gives students an opportunity to increase their understanding of equine management while pursuing their primary area of study.