BA/BS in Animal Biology

Animal Biology is a Bachelor of Science major in the Ontario Agricultural College focusing on the genetics, physiology, behaviour, welfare, and nutrition of domesticated animals used in agriculture. Coursework examines animal needs from an individual to a population level and covers how nutrition, genetics, and welfare practices affect animal wellbeing, the food supply chain, and the environment. Students study the biological mechanisms underlying growth, reproduction, and health in production and companion animal species, combined with the management practices used across the livestock and animal-care sectors. The program provides a science foundation applicable to careers in animal welfare, livestock production, veterinary-adjacent fields, and further graduate study in animal or biological sciences. Students take core science courses in biology, chemistry, and physiology alongside major-specific coursework in animal genetics, nutrition, and behaviour. The major is one of several offered within Guelph's Bachelor of Science in Agriculture programs, which share a common first-year science foundation before students specialize.