Animal Science and Aquaculture

Hands-on learning. Real world impact.

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Programs

The Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture in Dal's Faculty of Agriculture offers you the opportunity to learn about some of the most valuable resources on our planet. You can pursue a rewarding, hands-on education in animal production, aquaculture, or agricultural biotechnology at the technical, degree, and graduate studies levels.

Located on Dalhousie's beautiful Agricultural Campus in Truro, you will be able to work with actual animals, study freshwater and seawater environments and observe in natural settings. Many of our world-class facilities are unique to the Atlantic region and include state-of-the-art technologies, a functional farm, expansive fields and an aquaculture centre.

Our Aquaculture Centre is an 8,100 square-foot facility with wet and dry labs and high-performance technology.

Our campus farm features the Ruminant Animal Centre, which houses dairy cattle and sheep, as well as state-of-the-art poultry and fur animal research centres.

The Boulden Animal Facility provides small and companion animal housing and veterinary clinical facilities to support teaching in our Veterinary Technology Program.

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Research

Our department is connected with many national and regional research centres and institutes. From poultry research to striped bass, dairy cows to crabs, our faculty and students are involved in research that impacts local and global resources.

Dalhousie's Faculty of Agriculture hosts organizations like the Atlantic Poultry Research Institute and the Atlantic Canadian Pasture Research Group (link to research group page). Beyond our campus, the research of our faculty and students in agriculture, aquaculture and animal studies is helping to innovate new technologies that will help feed the world sustainably. Opportunities can also be found in our variety of collaborations and initiatives with industry and government both nationally and internationally.

Two people in white lab coats looking into a basin of swimming fish in an indoor space.

Faculty and staff

Our faculty members are recognized around the world as leaders and experts in their field. Most of our professors and instructors are actively involved in research, giving you the opportunity to learn from current observations and relevant findings. In addition, our classes are small enough that you can have personalized interaction and instruction with the faculty.

From professors and research scientists to technicians and administrators, our faculty and staff make essential contributions that enrich students' learning experiences, support teaching and enable Dal to keep our position as one of Canada’s leading research universities.

A group of four students wearing coveralls and wellies standing in the middle of a barn. They are flanked on both sides with rows of black and white spotted cows.

News

Balancing Boots and Books: Dr. Jolene Vermeulen’s life as a vet, farmer, and educator

Jolene graduated from NSAC with a BSc (Agr) in 2010, after which she completed an MSc in animal behaviour and welfare at the University of Guelph. She graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 2019 with her diploma in veterinary medicine.

Living authentically in agriculture: Jon Raymond Dykstra’s story of pride and passion

A love for cows brought Jon Raymond Dykstra (Class of ’09) to NSAC for his post-secondary education.

Man wearing a grey shirt stands in front of solar panels.

Celebrating 15 Years of Partnership: The Road to 150

Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture is on the Road to 150 having celebrated a significant milestone, marking the delivery of the 141st tractor in its highly successful partnership with Case IH and Tidal Tractor.

A group of nine individuals stands in a row in front of a large red tractor.

View all Agriculture news and events

Stay connected

As an alum, you’re part of the faculty’s long history. Dal Agriculture alumni are developing technology and solutions, feeding their communities, managing natural resources, and changing the way we deal with food waste.

Connecting with Faculty of Agriculture alumni gives you the chance to access special events, Agricola magazine, class reunions, and more.

Visit our alumni page to stay in touch

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Contact us

Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture

Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture
58 Sipu Road
PO Box 550
Truro, Nova Scotia
B2N 5E3

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