Department Overview

The Poultry Science Department at Texas A&M University has a long and rich history, reaching back to 1910. The undergraduate teaching program of the department is the largest poultry science program in the United States and offers the most comprehensive and relevant curriculum. Departmental facilities include well equipped laboratories, classrooms and a wide variety of poultry facilities that support the broad range of research project conducted by faculty. As well, there are processing facilities, including a BSL2 processing laboratory which allows the study of pathogen and product interactions in poultry processing. The department is also home to the Center for Electron Beam Research which conducts research projects ranging from poultry health and product safety to space-bound food for NASA. Several faculty hold joint appointments In Poultry Science and the departments of Veterinary Pathobiology or Nutrition and Food Science. This cooperation greatly enhances teaching and research programs. As well, there are numerous cooperative efforts with USDA-ARS, TVMDL and several other state and federal agencies. The faculty and students of the department have national as well as international impact through a vast network of collaborators and stakeholders throughout the state, nation and world.

Mission

Our mission is to be a leading source for the discovery and dissemination of information, technology, and experience to students, the poultry industry, and society. We strive to accomplish this through programs that:

• Facilitate the positive interaction between the poultry industry, society, and the environment .
• Ensure a safe supply of poultry products for consumers.
• Maximize societal and industrial benefits from molecular sciences.
• Provide accurate, objective information about poultry care and well-being for the development of appropriate decisions and policies.
• Enhance the value and quality of poultry products through better processes and ingredients.
• Continued excellence in all of our educational programs.

Vision

The Department of Poultry Science strives to serve the agriculture, food, and health industries by improving poultry management, health, and welfare, the quality and safety of poultry products, and human health through excellence in education, discovery, scholarship, as well as extension-related service (translational), outreach and engagement to serve stakeholders and the world.