Animal Science Merit Badge Merit Badge Getting Started

Introduction & Overview

From the barnyard to the research lab, animals have been part of the human story for thousands of years. The Animal Science merit badge takes you inside the world of livestock — the breeds, the biology, and the people who care for them. Whether you dream of running a ranch, becoming a veterinarian, or simply want to understand where your food comes from, this badge has something for you.

Animal science is about more than just knowing one end of a cow from the other. It covers genetics, nutrition, disease prevention, and the technology that drives modern agriculture. You will explore seven major livestock categories, learn how their bodies work, and discover what it takes to raise healthy animals responsibly.

Then and Now

Then — Partners in Survival

Humans began domesticating animals roughly 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East. Goats and sheep were among the first, followed by cattle and pigs. Horses came later, transforming transportation, agriculture, and warfare. For most of history, farmers improved their herds through careful observation — picking the biggest, healthiest, and most productive animals to breed the next generation. There was no genetic testing, no ultrasound technology, and no artificial insemination. Just a keen eye and generations of hard-won experience.

Now — Science Meets the Farm

Today, animal science is a high-tech field. Researchers use DNA analysis to predict which animals will produce the best offspring. Sensors monitor an animal’s health in real time. Nutritionists design precise feeding programs based on an animal’s age, weight, and purpose. The United States alone produces over 27 billion pounds of beef, 226 billion pounds of milk, and 9 billion broiler chickens each year — and the science behind that production is constantly evolving.

Get Ready! You are about to explore one of the oldest and most important partnerships in human history — the relationship between people and animals. From tiny chicks to towering draft horses, the diversity of livestock is incredible.

A Scout in a clean uniform walking through a well-kept livestock barn, observing cattle and sheep in their pens

Kinds of Animal Science

Animal science covers many species and production systems. Here is a look at the major categories you will explore in this badge.

Beef Cattle

Beef cattle are raised primarily for meat production. The United States is one of the world’s largest beef producers, with operations ranging from vast Western ranches to smaller Midwestern feedlots. Breeds like Angus, Hereford, and Charolais have been developed for specific traits like marbling, hardiness, and growth rate.

Dairy Cattle

Dairy cattle are bred and managed for milk production. A single high-producing Holstein cow can give over 23,000 pounds of milk per year — that is nearly 2,700 gallons. Dairy farming requires strict sanitation, precise nutrition, and careful health monitoring.

Horses

Horses serve many roles — from working ranch stock to competitive show animals, from therapeutic riding partners to beloved companions. Different breeds excel at different jobs. A Quarter Horse can sprint short distances faster than any other breed, while a Clydesdale can pull loads that weigh thousands of pounds.

Sheep

Sheep provide wool, meat (lamb and mutton), and milk. They are raised on every continent except Antarctica. Sheep are especially well-suited to rugged terrain where cattle cannot easily graze, making them valuable in mountainous and arid regions.

Goats

Goats are one of the most versatile livestock species. They produce milk, meat, and fiber (such as mohair and cashmere). Goats are browsers rather than grazers — they prefer to eat shrubs, weeds, and brush, which makes them useful for land management and clearing overgrown areas.

Hogs

Pork is the most widely consumed meat in the world. Modern hog production focuses on efficient growth, lean meat quality, and animal welfare. Breeds like the Yorkshire, Duroc, and Hampshire have been refined over generations to produce high-quality pork.

Poultry

Poultry includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese raised for meat and eggs. Chicken is the most popular meat in the United States. Poultry science covers everything from egg production and incubation to nutrition and flock health management.

A collage showing six types of livestock: beef cattle in a green pasture, a dairy cow being milked, a horse in a paddock, sheep on a hillside, a goat browsing shrubs, a pig in a clean pen, and chickens in a well-ventilated coop

Now let’s dive into the first requirement and explore the many breeds of livestock!