Department History

The Poultry Science Department at Texas A&M University has a long and rich history, reaching back to 1910. Throughout the years the department has undergone many changes that have facilitated the modernization of the poultry industry. Today, the department has research emphases in poultry management, intestinal health, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, feeding strategies, bird and human health, and food safety and quality. These research areas cross the broad spectrum of disciplines such as physiology, nutrition, microbiology, genetics, fundamental biology, genomics and medicine. Program focus of faculty ranges from adaptive field-ready research to fundamental cellular biology, all aimed at challenges affecting the poultry industry. The primary interface between the industry and the department is facilitated through the programs and activities of Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialists. These individuals provide a wide array of pertinent and timely programming tailored to the needs of the poultry industry.