Animal Science
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
The availability of animal science projects varies by club and county. Please check with your club and county to see what is available.
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
State Qualifiers
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.
California State Poultry Judging Rules (PDF)
Poultry Judging
Contest cancelled for 2025 - UC Davis Field Day
Avian Bowl
New for 2025 - contest will be held at the 4-H State Field Day
Website and information will be available soon
Greater California Society of Poultry Fanciers Show (GCSPF) - Senior 4-H team members can qualify for the 4-H National Poultry and Egg Conference. Contest Date: May 17, 2025
National Competitions
Livestock & 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
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.
State Qualifiers
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.
California 4-H State Livestock Judging Rules (docx)
California State 4-H Dairy Contest Rules (PDF)
Livestock Judging
UC Davis Field Day - The top three teams in the Senior 4-H division will qualify to participate in a national 4-H competition. Contest Date: March 8, 2025
Livestock Skillathon
California Youth Ag Expo (CYAE) - The top 4 youth in the 14-18 year old category will be eligible to qualify for the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon. Contest Date: July 31, 2025
Dairy Cattle Judging
New for 2025 - hosted by Modesto Junior College
4-H Dairy Judging Contest - Information - The top four 4-H youth in the Senior age division will qualify for the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest. Contest Date: March 15, 2025
National Competitions
Roles & Responsibilities for staff, coaches, chaperones and youth for National Contests (PDF)
Guidelines from National 4-H Headquarters for Multi-state Competititve Events (PDF)
Livestock Judging & Livestock Skillathon
North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) (Louisville, KY)
American Royal (Kansas City, MO)
Western National Roundup (Denver, CO)
Dairy Cattle Judging
National 4-H Dairy Judging competition at the World Dairy Expo (Madison, WI). The World Dairy Expo is the international dairy meeting place, a five-day event showcasing the finest in dairy genetics and the newest technologies available to the dairy industry.
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
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.
Questions?
Please contact Erica Pettey at eapettey@ucanr.edu.