Ancilla is launching a new animal science degree this year, designed to teach students about animal biology and genetics, nutrition, physiology, growth, behavior, and the management of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and horses.
“We started with crop science, which is natural. When you think about Indiana agriculture, most people imagine vast fields of corn and soybeans. And while those crops are extremely important to Indiana, the state produces so much more, and Ancilla is located right in the center of everything,” Tim McLochlin Ancilla’s agriculture program director said.
“Animal science was the logical next step. Indiana is in the top five for crop production, thanks to the richness of our corn and soybean production, but it’s also ranked fifth in the nation for swine production and third for poultry,” he said.
“Offering both animal science and crop science, supported by the farmers at the Ancilla Beef & Grain Farm, means that Ancilla College can open the door to earning a college degree that accelerates students into their chosen profession with real hands-on experience,” said Ancilla president Dr. Ken Zirkle.
“These are important degree programs for us, but really they are extremely important for our region and the communities surrounding Ancilla. Business owners and community leaders have told us over and over that they need people who can help staff and grow local and regional businesses—many of which are agriculture related,” Zirkle said.
The new animal science program will also feature Boer goat development, physiology, and management. The school received a donation of Boar goats this spring and they have already been producing offspring (called kids) that students are taking care of.
“We’ve had huge interest in both programs already,” McLochlin said. “I can see us expanding the programs and enrolling a lot of talented students. The new scholarships will also help gain attention for us as we expand the number of courses we’re offering.”
