Animal Sciences
Benefits of 4-H Animal Science Programs
Projects are available for horses, sheep, beef and dairy cattle, swine, goats, poultry, veterinary science, and cat & dogs. 4-H animal science projects represent the single largest project area nationally and are popular with Illinois youth as well. Illinois 4-H youth gain many benefits from participating in 4-H animal science projects. The knowledge and skills learned in livestock projects greatly benefit members who decide to produce livestock or enter an allied field. The skills youth learn in presenting animal science projects also apply to many experiences outside the livestock arena, such as how to get along with others, responsibility for living things, perserverance to stick with a task until completed, initiative, detail organization, decision making, coping mechanization, and real-life consequences for choices and actions.
Learn the science of hatching chicks in your classroom or home through the 4-H incubation and embryology program
4-H Horse projects and activities provide an interactive, hands-on way for youth to explore raising and showing horses while developing life skills.
State and Federal laws dictate the production and exhibition of livestock. Know what's required of you as an Illinois 4-H livestock producer and exhibitor. Check out the 2020 Exhibition Health guidelines for county and state fairs.
Improve your livestock herd by learning which traits are important for a healthy, fast-growing, and efficient animals.
4-H members are required to take this online training when they sign up for horse, dog, cats, rabbits, and poultry projects
Members enrolled in dairy and beef cattle, swine, sheep, and goats must take the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals certification annually.