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Animal Science is a popular project in 4-H. It involves all the aspects of STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Animal Science projects also build responsibility, leadership and resilience. You don't need to own an animal to do an animal science project - please check with your county for the project you are interested in.
4‑H Animal Science also includes agricultural science topics such as veterinary science, animal health, showmanship, animal training, biosecurity and zoonotic diseases.
Animal Science Projects
Animal Science Projects
The availability of animal science projects varies by club and county. Please check with your club and county to see what is available.
Livestock and Other Large Animal
Livestock and Other Large Animal
Ages 9 and up
Animal Husbandry
Beef cattle
Dairy cattle
Goats
Project Sheets
Goats (ages 9+)
Goats: Dairy (ages 9+)
Goats: Meat/Market (ages 9+)
Goats: Nigerian
Goats: Pygmy
Sheep
Swine
Livestock Judging
Alpacas
Llamas
Therapeutic Animals
Therapeutic Animals project sheet Large Animals
Equine Hippology/Judging
HIPPOLOGY contests allow 4-H youth to exhibit their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry in a friendly but competitive setting.
HORSE JUDGING contests allow 4-H youth to evaluate and rank horses based on specific physical characteristics or performance. Youth learn to evaluate horse conformation, muscling, balance, structure, breed type and other factors. Advanced youth learn how to give oral reasons to justify their placement and explain the reasoning for their decisions.
Avian
Avian
Avian Bowl (ages 9 and up)
The California 4-H Avian Bowl is a knowledge-based competition that encourages you to expand your understanding of avian science. In this quiz-bowl format event, teams of 2-4 members answer questions from the National 4-H Avian Bowl Manual. The contest lets you demonstrate your expertise, develop teamwork skills, and foster a deeper interest in poultry and avian species.
The California 4-h State Avian Bowl is a qualifier for the National 4-H Avian Bowl contest.
Embryology
Poultry: Market
Small Animal and Other Animal Science Projects
Small Animal and Other Animal Science Projects
Service Animals/Therapeutic
Pets and small animals
Rabbits
Rabbits: Market/Meat
Marine Biology
Zoology
Animal Science event calendar
Animal Science event calendar
The Animal Science event calendar includes livestock and poultry events in California. Please contact Erica Pettey at eapettey@ucanr.edu to get your event added to the Google calendar. Events must be in line with California 4-H policy to be included.
State Qualifier - Horse Bowl
State Qualifiers & National Contests
State Qualifiers & National Contests
To compete in national contests 4-H youth must first qualify at a State Qualifying Event. Participants who qualify for national competitions will receive additional information from the State 4-H office.
Roles & Responsibilities for staff, coaches, chaperones and youth for National Contests (PDF)
Guidelines from National 4-H Headquarters for Multi-state Competititve Events (PDF)
Questions?
Questions?
Please contact Erica Pettey at eapettey@ucanr.edu.
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