2025-2026 Graduate Catalog
Department of Animal Science
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John Jaeger, Calvin and Mary Hayenga Endowed Department Head
Cody Wright, Professor and Graduate Coordinator
Department of Animal Science
Animal Science Complex 103A
605-688-5165
The Department of Animal Science offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Animal Science. An Animal Science Certificate is also offered. Faculty and graduate students are actively involved in basic and/or applied research in the fields of nutrition, reproductive physiology, animal breeding and genetics, meat science, gastrointestinal microbiology, and livestock production systems.
The department is committed to providing graduate students with quality educational and research experiences and preparing them to meet the challenges of a competitive job market upon graduation.
Graduate Faculty
Amanda Blair, Professor
John Blanton, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Associate Dean – Research, Director – South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, and Professor
Ethan Blom, Adjunct
Casey Bradley, Adjunct
Jameson Brennan, Assistant Professor
Anthony Bryant, Adjunct
Kristi Cammack, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Assistant Dean – West River Operations, Director – West River Research and Extension Center, and Professor
Joseph Cassady, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences South Dakota Corn Utilization Council Endowed Dean and Professor
Erin DeHaan, Assistant Professor
Jessica Drum, Assistant Professor
Wes Gentry, Adjunct
Michael Gonda, Professor
Judson Grubbs, Associate Professor
Elizabeth Hines, Adjunct
John Jaeger, Calvin and Mary Hayenga Endowed Department Head of Animal Science and Professor
John Killefer, Professor
Carter Kruse, Adjunct
Crystal L. Levesque, Professor
Hector Menendez, Assistant Professor
Ana Baiao Menezes, Assistant Professor
Richard Nicolai, Adjunct
Rosemarie Nold, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Assistant Dean, Director – Institute of Global Agricultural Leadership, and Professor
George A. Perry, Adjunct
Ira Parsons, Assistant Professor
Lucas Rodrigues, Adjunct
Rafe Royall, Assistant Professor
Warren Rusche, Assistant Professor
Chris Schauer, Adjunct
Zachary Smith, Associate Professor
Benoit St-Pierre, Associate Professor
Rebecca Swanson, Assistant Professor
Robert C. Thaler, Farm Credit Services of American Endowed Chair in Swine Production and Distinguished Professor
Keith R. Underwood, Associate Professor
Philip Urso, Assistant Professor
Julie A. Walker, Professor
Eric Weaver, Assistant Professor
Cody L. Wright, Professor
Programs
Master’s Degrees
Doctoral Degrees
Certificates
Facilities and Services
Training and experience in research methods are among the most important facets of a well-rounded graduate student education. Excellent facilities and large herds and flocks of livestock are available for Animal Science research at South Dakota State University. Modern research facilities, including state-of-the-art facilities for cow-calf management and ruminant nutrition, along with new swine education and research facilities, both on-site and off-site, were completed in 2016.
Student Engagement and Support Opportunities
The department conducts cutting edge research that creates opportunities for graduate students. Qualified students may apply for a Graduate Research Assistant position.
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