animal science

Dec 1, 2025

Why Researchers Are Studying Lipid Levels in Chimpanzee Blood

The research holds value for zoos, wildlife conservation and – maybe – human health. 

Jun 5, 2025

What Comes First: The Chicken or the Housing for a Cage-Free Egg?

For suppliers looking to help meet the rising demand for cage-free eggs, the solution may not be simply to do away with conventional hen houses. New research from NC State University suggests that not all hen breeds thrive in cage-free environments. 

Jun 5, 2023

How Studying Poop May Help Us Boost White Rhino Populations

Researchers have identified significant differences in the gut microbiome of female southern white rhinos who are reproducing successfully in captivity, as compared to females who have not reproduced successfully. 

May 31, 2023

Students Churn Out Dairy Creations From Farm to Table

NC State students help create Howling Cow milks and ice creams by caring for cattle, preparing products and serving frozen treats. They learn hands-on skills that support their coursework, research and future careers. 

Aug 23, 2022

Why Researchers Are Interested in Keeping (Some) Lionfish Healthy

TL;DR: accredited aquariums are dedicated to optimizing the health and welfare of all the animals in their care. 

May 16, 2022

‘We’re Stuck’ — Meet #NCState22 Best Friends Niambé and Kourtni

Best friends say 'goodbye' to NC State in the field where they first said 'hello' and started a lifelong friendship. 

May 10, 2022

Researchers Conduct First Assessment of Metabolites in African Savanna Elephants

The work advances our understanding of the relationship between metabolism and health in these endangered animals. 

Jan 24, 2022

Study Demonstrates Accuracy of Less Invasive Technique for Monitoring Elephant Health

The technique uses dried spots of blood to measure health indicators. 

Nov 30, 2021

Study Highlights Diversity of the Gut Microbiome in Gorillas

The study suggests that what constitutes a healthy microbiome can vary between individuals. 

Oct 12, 2017

The 150th N.C. State Fair

The 150th NC State Fair begins today and runs for the next 11 days. Check out NC State's participation at the fair, from the Food Science Club's Howling Cow tent to the Animal Science Club's State Fair Ark and cow-milking exhibit. 

Jul 13, 2017

Diving Into (Dr.) Poole

From cow births in the classroom to epic whiteboard sessions in his office, Daniel Poole loves to teach, and it shows: In 2017 alone, he's nabbed three teaching awards — one of them national. 

Jun 8, 2017

Made in the Shade: Research Focuses on Combining Forestry, Livestock Grazing

Silvopasture – the practice of combining forestry with forage and livestock production – is rare in North America, but the practice could bring both economic and environmental benefits on marginal lands where traditional row cropping hasn’t worked. 

May 15, 2013

Study Shines Light on Mules, Their Blood Chemistry

Offspring of female horses and male donkeys, mules are often associated with caution and hard work. While they’ll never be mistaken for thoroughbreds, mules play important roles in modern society – performing grunt work in areas from developing countries to the forests of Colorado. But even though mules have worked alongside people for countless generations,… 

Oct 19, 2012

Putting the State in State Fair

Cow milking, gardening tips and managing livestock are just some of the ways NC State supports the North Carolina State Fair. 

Sep 9, 2010

Faculty Win Animal Science Awards

The American Society of Animal Science honored Drs. Ken Esbenshade and Jack Odle with top awards this summer.