Animal Science Content

My Advice for Pre-Veterinary Medicine Students | 51�ԹϺ�� Davis

Abigail Julianna Loomis — April 24, 2023 - 2:28pm

My name is Orli Algranatti, and I'm a current undergraduate student at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis studying Animal Science. If you're a high school student interested in becoming a veterinarian, I'd love to share some advice with you about my experiences at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis and how you can make the most of your time here!

Map of Genetic Regulation in Chickens Could Help Fight Against Bird Flu

Andy Fell — April 09, 2025 - 10:38am

An international team of researchers led by Professor Huaijun Zhou from the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Department of Animal Science has created the first-ever detailed map of how genes are regulated in chickens — a breakthrough that could help scientists breed birds that are more resistant to diseases like avian influenza.

Animal and Veterinary Innovation Center Established at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis

Andy Fell — November 22, 2024 - 11:31am

51�ԹϺ�� Davis is one of four institutions nationwide selected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to establish Animal and Veterinary Innovation centers to help spur innovation and advance regulatory decisions.

The 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Intentional Genomic Alteration Innovation Center will focus on genome editing of livestock like pigs, sheep and cattle to support science-based regulations that demonstrate the safety of the technology and pave the way for human consumption of edited animals.

Bugs All the Time

Jocelyn C Anderson — August 19, 2024 - 10:15am

Alex Wild, Ph.D. ’05 moved to Davis in 1999 to pursue his passion for entomology.

He earned his undergraduate degree at Bowdoin College and spent a couple years working in South America for the Peace Corps. After discussing entomology with faculty at Stanford, Cornell and the University of Texas at Austin, Wild was encouraged by many to apply to 51�ԹϺ�� Davis. He emailed Professor Phil Ward about joining his lab, spontaneously relocated to Davis with a readjustment allowance from the Peace Corps and eventually secured a place at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis.

Understanding the Threat of Bird Flu

Russell L Thebaud — August 19, 2024 - 9:50am

Since 2022, a new, highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 influenza or “bird flu” has spread worldwide. In the U.S. it has affected over 100 million birds and for the first time, spread into dairy cows and a small, but growing, number of people. At 51�ԹϺ�� Davis, experts in One Health — an approach that considers the health of people, animals and the environment together — are on high alert.

Nothing but death

Dead silence met Marcela Uhart and her team when they arrived at the elephant seal colony at Punta Delgada, Patagonia on Oct. 10, 2023.

Flying High with the Black Phoebe Project

Malia N Reiss — August 19, 2024 - 9:45am

Sage Madden holds a 2-inch baby bird in between the middle finger and thumb of her steady hand. Her other hand paints the bird’s tiny toenails blue — its identifying trait for the next few weeks. Red, white and purple are lined up for the next nestlings.

How to Identify When a Dog Should be Spayed and Neutered

Russell L Thebaud — August 19, 2024 - 9:40am

When’s the right time to safely spay or neuter your dog?

Surgical neutering is usually carried out by six months of age to prevent pet overpopulation, euthanasia or reduce shelter intake.

A new, 10-year study by School of Veterinary Medicine researchers at the University of California, Davis, showed that certain dog breeds develop a higher risk of specific cancers and joint disorders if neutered or spayed within their first year of life. They even recommend two types of dogs never be altered.

10 New Alumni Books

Jocelyn C Anderson — May 21, 2024 - 2:41am

New or forthcoming titles by Aggies for your summer reading list.

A Winemaking Byproduct Can Reduce Dairy Cattle Emissions

Malia N Reiss — April 29, 2024 - 3:11pm

51�ԹϺ�� Davis researchers are feeding grape pomace, a byproduct of winemaking, to dairy cattle to reduce methane emissions.

Understanding Cattle Grazing Personalities May Foster Sustainable Rangelands

Emily C Dooley — March 27, 2024 - 9:00am

51�ԹϺ�� Davis research finds that not all cattle are the same when it comes to grazing, and knowing that could lead to better animal health and range conditions.