SDState - Department of Animal Science

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

Proud to see our students gaining valuable industry experience! 👏

06/18/2026

SDSU expertise in action!

As New World screwworm cases re emerge in the U.S., SDSU Extension veterinarian Dr. Russ Daly is helping producers and pet owners understand what to watch for, from unusual wounds that won’t heal to the risks for livestock, wildlife and even pets. His interview with KELOLAND highlights how vigilance and early veterinary care can protect animal health as this parasite spreads.

Watch the interview here:

The US Department of Agriculture is confirming three new cases of animals infested by the New World screwworm fly.

06/18/2026

Today, 13 graduate students conducting research in areas ranging from bison management and reproduction to beef and swine nutrition met with Dr. Jeff Carter and Dr. Jeff Heldt with Selko for an engaging discussion on trace mineral sources and their bioavailability. The conversation also provided students with the opportunity to learn from their career experiences and gain perspective on opportunities within the industry.

Thank you to Drs. Carter and Heldt for making the trip to campus and sharing your expertise with our students!

Selko USA

06/17/2026

The Spring 2026 edition of Growing South Dakota is here.🌱

Dive into fresh stories, new research and learn more about the people shaping agriculture across the state. This issue features an in-depth look at the Agricultural Experiment Station and its six locations across the state, showcases groundbreaking research happening at SDSU and spotlights the students, faculty and staff who are making a difference in South Dakota agriculture.

Read the full digital issue: https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1043&context=growingsd

06/16/2026

If you’re showing a market lamb this summer, this is a quick read that explains average daily gain and feed:gain ratio in simple terms. It also covers why tracking these key metrics can help you make better nutrition and management decisions in preparation for the South Dakota State Fair. 🐑📈

Prepare for the state fair and better understand market lamb gains and weigh-backs.

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

Conducting research as an undergraduate provides valuable hands-on experience, strengthens classroom learning and can open the door to new career opportunities.

This year, 18 undergraduate students will take part in research projects they helped design, thanks to funding from the SDState - College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Among the awardees, four are Animal Science majors, and two others will conduct their research under the mentorship of faculty in our department.

Congratulations to:

• John Boerboom — “The Impact of Limited Milk Consumption on Lamb Growth and the Final Carcass Traits”

• Madelyn Caulfield — “Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Supplementation During Late Gestation on Colostrum Yield and Composition in Sheep”

• Ava Graham — “Characterizing Longitudinal and Diurnal Ruminal pH Variation in Bison”

• Jonathon Peterson — “Bison Myology: Characterizing the Tenderness and Juiciness of Grain-Finished Bison Muscles”

• Julia Rain — “Bison Myology: Characterizing the Color Stability of Grain-Finished Bison Muscles”

• Kyra Rimstidt — “Measuring Stress in Bison Caused by Handling”

🔗 Read more at: https://www.sdstate.edu/news/2026/06/eighteen-sdsu-undergrads-awarded-research-grants