Our outreach efforts
Coupled with our research programs, our extension and outreach efforts help Animal Science faculty and staff teach practical education beyond the classroom and are aimed at discovering and developing new techniques, skills and information to benefit animals, agriculture and human health in an ever-changing world.
Extension
The goal of extension is to provide New York’s animal industries with information and technology to help them to be biologically efficient, economically profitable, sustainable and competitive in an increasingly challenging and environmentally conscious world. Disciplinary and interdisciplinary expertise is provided in genetic selection, nutrition, reproduction, growth and development, animal and systems management and nutrient management. Department programs include beef, dairy, goat, sheep and nutrient management and PRO-DAIRY, a joint venture of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Cornell animal science youth extension and NYS 4-H provide programs for youth interested in pet animals, as well as the traditional dairy and livestock species. Animal Science staff are responsible for independent programs such as Junior DAIRY LEADERS and Dairy Discovery, as well as state-wide 4-H programs including Animal Crackers, species-specific Quiz Bowl and Skillathon competitions, and the Youth animal shows at the New York State Fair.
Faculty are actively engaged in research and development of applications that leverage big data integration to improve animal production efficiency, lower environmental footprint, and enhanced animal health monitoring.
Community outreach endeavors include digital resources and publications, a Plants Poisonous to Livestock database and a principles of genetics resource.