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The field of animal sciences is the application of experimental investigation, cutting edge technology, and other scientific principles for the advancement of efficient and environmentally friendly animal agriculture and improved food quality and safety. The Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) offers graduate studies leading to the MS in animal sciences. The department offers training in both the basic and applied areas of genetics, nutrition, physiology, animal diseases, molecular biology of growth and metabolism, and animal muscle biology. The following areas of specialization are available:

• beef-cattle nutrition, grazing management, and genetics;
• dairy-cattle nutrition and physiology (especially the management of cattle in a hot climate);
• swine management;
• reproductive physiology and endocrinology of sheep, cattle, fish and swine;
• molecular biology of animal growth and metabolism;
• muscle biology and meat science;
• health and disease;
• nutrient/waste management;
• freshwater shrimp breeding, nutrition, and pond management systems.

The program of study emphasizes the application of scientific methods for both the development and improvement of animal industries in subtropical and tropical environments. There is also the opportunity for cooperative studies in the areas of care/welfare and management of pets and companion animals (including horses), marine mammals, exotic wildlife and/or zoo animals.

The department houses a computing center for maintaining and processing data, including a statewide database of production records for the department's producer clientele to support ongoing extension and research programs. A number of facilities and laboratories are available on campus for research on animals, biotechnology, nutrition, physiology, veterinary microbiology and pathology. The department maintains a poultry farm and two large-animal facilities on the north shore of O'ahu, as well as an experimental breeding herd of beef cattle at the Mealani and Hamakua Research Stations on the island of Hawai'i. Field areas are available for the study of tropical and subtropical forages. Aquaculture facilities such as prawn ponds, tanks, and hatcheries may be available through cooperation with other agencies or institutes.

Animal scientists pursue careers in management and production, veterinary medicine, food processing and marketing, animal biotechnology, zoo and wildlife management, the pharmaceutical and feed industries, teaching, extension education, and research.

Students may select either Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis).

• Plan A requires 30 credits (including 10 credits of thesis research), a written thesis and defense of the thesis.
• Plan B requires 30 credits, including four credits of directed research.
• Both plans require one semester of teaching experience, a general exam for advancement to candidacy, and a final exam.

Courses
To view a listing of courses offered by the department, please visit www.catalog.hawaii.edu/courses/departments/ansc.htm.