Animal Science

The history of animal production goes back to the earliest settlers at Jamestown. The animal industries in Virginia are diverse in nature, including beef cattle, dairy, equine, swine, small ruminants, poultry, and aquaculture. Animal production involves a high percentage of Virginia farms with impact upon every region of the state, and makes a significant contribution to the economy of Virginia accounting for 66.3% of the gross revenue generated in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the value added by related processing and service industries and the economic impact of the businesses that support the various animal enterprises is considerable. As a result, research and extension efforts to improve quantity, quality, profitability, and sustainability of animal production systems have played a significant role in Virginia agriculture for more than a century.

Virginia Cooperative Extension provides research-based information to you in a number of ways.

Want to learn more?  

Email your questions about beef, sheep, swine, goats, horses and forages to Corey Childs, Animal Science Extension Agent.