Objectives: Youth in Animal Sciences projects will:
Opportunities for non-animal owners exist. There are statewide leasing
programs established for Horse & Pony as well as Dairy Cattle 4-H projects.
Many 4-H activities do not require the ownership of animals for participation.
The "Horseless Horse" is one such project.
For individuals owning animals, there are projects involving the raising of market animals, breeding animals, and often, companion animals. In many cases, the project animal need not be purebred and/or registered.
4-H Projects in Animal Science:
PRODUCTION ANIMALS
Beef Cattle
Where's the Beef! This project will give you experience in beef activities and adventures. You will learn how to feed and care for steers, learn the fine art of breeding cattle, and all of the many other parts of the beef industry. (Beef Cattle Publications)
Dairy Cattle
Ice cream, cheese and milk are important products of this industry. The dairy project gives you opportunities to learn about the dairy industry, raise cattle, and make life long friends. (Dairy Cattle Publications)
Goats
Two-thirds of the world population uses goats as their primary sources of food and fiber. You will learn about dairy goats, meat goats, and all of the important products goats produce. (Goat Publications)
Sheep
Baa! Baa! Black Sheep. Have you any wool? is a nursery rhyme familiar to all of us. You will have the opportunity to learn about the wool industry, raising sheep; marketing them and learning about the economic impact the sheep industry has had on the development of this country not to mention the rest of the world. (Sheep Publications)
Swine
To market, to market, to buy a fat pig! This age-old rhyme is a good introduction to the 4-H swine project. You will learn all about the swine industry and how it has changed over the years. You will experience the joys of raising one of the world's smartest animals. (Swine Publications)
COMPANION AND SMALL ANIMALS
Cats
Meow! Meow! Meow! 4-H'ers will learn how to care for your cat and take care of all of its needs. Training and exhibiting are exciting possibilities. (Cat Publications)
Dogs
Wow! There are lots of opportunities in this project. You will learn training and exhibiting skills, and health care issues. You will learn the important roles that dogs play in the world assisting folks in a variety of situations. (Dog Publications)
Horses and Ponies
Hi Ho Silver! This project is filled with opportunities for 4-H'ers with ponies and horses and those who do not have them. You can learn riding skills, care and handling, health issues, science skills and a variety of other things. This project provides lots of opportunities to participants. (Horse & Pony Publications)
Poultry
Old MacDonald had a farm. EIEIO! 4-H'ers, you will learn about Maryland's largest agricultural industry. Opportunities are available for meat birds, laying projects, judging, food safety issues, and exhibition. (Poultry Publications)
Rabbits
Everybody loves Br'er Rabbit! You will have the opportunity to learn about rabbits, and how to care for them, and exhibit them. Rabbits are an important part of the food economy in many countries. (Rabbit Publications)
Small Pets
This area includes guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, lizards, snakes and birds to name just a few. You can learn about how to feed and care for them, how to be safe around them, and how to breed and market them. (Small Pets Publications)
VETERINARY SCIENCE
Explore how animals function, their normal body signs, safety factors,
and how they impact human and animal health. Thinking about a career as
a veterinarian? This is a perfect place to start! (Veterinary
Science Publications)
