Celebrating 125 Years of Purdue Animal Sciences

The Purdue Animal Sciences Department is celebrating its 125th anniversary during the 2024-2025 school year! The department is planning additional stories and events to celebrate, so keep an eye out on this page and social media for forthcoming information.

As a part of our celebration, we are highlighting graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty and alumni throughout the school year. Click the link below to see the full page of spotlights:

Purdue Animal Sciences Spotlights

History

1899: Establishment of the Department

Purdue University officially established a department dedicated to animal agriculture. Dr. Charles Sumner Plumb was appointed Associate Professor of Animal Industry and Dairying, marking the first structured courses in this field. Assistant Professor Hubert Van Norman also joined to support dairying instruction, reflecting the growing interest in agricultural studies.

In 1899, Purdue's yearly fees totaled approximately $150, which included entrance fees, incidental fees, and costs for board, utilities, and supplies.

1911: Expanded Course Offerings

By 1911, Purdue offered courses in breeds, management, nutrition, breeding, anatomy, poultry housing and judging. Dairying evolved into Dairy Husbandry, introducing seven courses in milk and cheese processing.

1912: First Dairy Husbandry Department Head

Professor Otto Gred Hunzicke was named the first head of the Dairy Husbandry Department.

1919: Establishment of Poultry Husbandry

Allen Griffith Phillips became the first head of the newly established Poultry Husbandry Department, which offered ten courses.

1921: Department Numbers

• Animal Husbandry: 3 professors, 1 associate professor, 3 assistant professors, 3 instructors, 57 students.
• Dairy Husbandry: 2 professors, 2 associate professors, 3 instructors, 32 students.
• Poultry Husbandry: 1 professor, 1 assistant professor, 2 instructors, 8 students.

World War II

During the 1940s, Purdue adapted its curriculum for wartime needs, allowing students to complete degrees in just 2 years and 8 months. Dairy Husbandry introduced two specializations: Dairy Production and Manufacturing.

1944: Specialized Production Courses

Courses in reproductive physiology and genetics were added, along with specific courses for beef cattle, swine, sheep and horses.

1955–1957: Renaming Departments

• 1955: The Animal Husbandry Department became the Department of Animal Sciences.
• 1957: The Department of Poultry Husbandry was renamed Poultry Science.

1962: Department Consolidation

Professor Fred Andrews led the integration of Animal Sciences, Dairy Husbandry and Poultry Science into the Department of Animal Sciences. The curriculum required 66 hours of agriculture core, 32 hours of animal sciences core and 38 hours of electives.

1968–1970: ASREC Relocation

The Animal Sciences Research and Education Center (ASREC) moved to its current location, 10 miles from campus. Initial facilities were built for poultry and swine units.

1980s–2000s: Modernization and Specialization

• 1980s: Four plans of study—Animal Agribusiness, Animal Sciences, Animal Production, and Animal Products—were introduced.
• 1998: Pre-Veterinary and Biotechnology specializations were added.
• 2002: A Well-Being and Behavior specialization was introduced.

2017: Creighton Hall Opens

The Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences opened, offering state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and offices. Adjacent facilities include the Land O’ Lakes Center for Experiential Learning and the Purina Pavilion.

Today

The Department of Animal Sciences continues to grow, with around 700 undergraduates, over 70 graduate students, and 96 faculty and staff members. Its impact on education, research and the animal agriculture industry remains profound.