J. Anim Sci.
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Published online first on July 3, 2008
J. Anim Sci. 1910. doi:10.2527/jas.2008-1015
© 2008 American Society of Animal Science
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INVITED REVIEW: Animal Science Departments of the Future

J. H. Britt*, E. D. Aberle{dagger}, K. L. Esbenshade{ddagger} and J. R. Males§

* Institute of Agriculture, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37996 , {dagger} College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706 , {ddagger} College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695 § Department of Animal Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331

jbritt{at}tennessee.edu

Abstract

Departments of animal science were established in agricultural colleges of public universities just over 100 yr ago, shortly before the founding of today’s American Society of Animal Science. These departments and colleges have been remarkably resilient, changing little structurally. Yet, the future portends significant changes in these departments and colleges in response to shifts in how public higher education is financed and how society views the roles of animals in providing food and companionship. Funding for public higher education will continue to decline as a percentage of government appropriations. Public universities will garner more funding from gifts, endowments, grants, contracts and tuition, but will be held more accountable than today by public officials. Departments of animal science will retain strong constituencies and will be major units of most agricultural colleges; however their students and faculty will be more diverse. Departments of animal science will focus on more species of animals and on a greater role of animals in society. Disciplines of faculty members in departments of animal science will become broader and research projects will be more complex and have longer horizons, ultimately focused more on sustainability. Departments will share more resources across state and national boundaries and there will be less duplication of effort regionally. Departments of animal science will continue to be important academic units of universities into the 22nd Century.

Key Words: Animal Science • Department • Agricultural college • Future • Universities






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