CSU Department of Animal Sciences

10/03/2026

Way to go team! 👏🏻 Congratulations on a great first contest!

10/01/2026

Hands-on learning at the Dr. John Matsushima Livestock Research and Teaching Complex! 🐑

We recently welcomed students from the Front Range Community College Veterinary Technology program to ARDEC for a large animal learning experience.

Students gained hands-on practice moving and handling livestock through our working facilities, performing physical exams, and estimating a sheep’s age by examining their teeth.

We’re glad to share our animals and facilities to help provide hands-on learning opportunities for future animal health professionals!

Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences

09/29/2026

Through a clinical drug trial, students in the Department of Animal Sciences are examining ties between the immune system and pregnancy in horses. Their findings may apply to reproductive problems in other animals – including people.

09/23/2026

New research from CSU Equine Sciences!

A new study from the Fedorka Lab was published in July 2026 in Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology.

Led by Rebecca Crook, the CSU research team investigated how a mare’s immune system adapts during the earliest stages of pregnancy - and whether the type of semen used for breeding may influence that response.

A successful pregnancy requires the mare’s immune system to recognize the developing embryo while also learning to tolerate and support it. Researchers found that mares gradually increased immune signals associated with pregnancy tolerance after breeding. In contrast, mares that did not become pregnant had higher levels of a pro-inflammatory immune signal early in the breeding period.

Interestingly, mares bred with fresh semen also showed stronger expression of some immune signals associated with pregnancy tolerance compared with mares bred using cooled or frozen semen. This suggests that seminal plasma - the fluid portion of semen - may play an important role in preparing the mare’s immune system for pregnancy.

Congratulations to MS graduate Rebecca Crook and the CSU Equine Sciences research team on this work advancing our understanding of equine fertility and early pregnancy!

09/22/2026

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Help inspire the next generation of leaders in Animal Science, Equine Science, and Veterinary Medicine!

The CSU Department of Animal Sciences is building our Industry Partner Network to connect passionate professionals with students through mentoring, guest lecturing, and our NextGen Career Connect event on September 30th.

Whether you’re a veterinarian, livestock producer, researcher, business leader, or proud CSU alum, your experience makes a lasting impact.

👉 Join our network and sign up today: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.cloud.microsoft%2FPages%2FDesignPageV2.aspx%3Fsubpage%3Ddesign%26FormId%3DAoi1r3r_sUurITZ_8uz8ixc4l44c-g5KpQDlFgSpm4RUQjA3MUJHWURURExVMFhWU0xBTjUyREtCRC4u%26Token%3D18695919c18147e5acef02fb885fb352&data=05%7C02%7Cmillicent.laboube%40colostate.edu%7Cb227d83517714656e64c08dee9de21af%7Cafb58802ff7a4bb1ab21367ff2ecfc8b%7C0%7C0%7C639205337412750684%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mCT9kQsZsz97utqGdGQcO1yaIykxbP1mwqlMyH7s4A0%3D&reserved=0

Questions? Reach out to Steph Lebsock at [email protected] or (970) 491-8013

09/21/2026

We’re proud to have the Delmore’s as part of our Ramily! A fun look back at a great Ag Day BBQ.

09/18/2026

Research in CSU Animal Sciences isn’t just focused on animals, we’re also studying how we can better support the students learning about them!

Malei Tipton, Dr. Jason Ahola, Quinn Scott, and Dr. Catie Cramer recently examined factors associated with student success in our introductory Animal Science course at CSU.

Their findings showed that students who connected with faculty and got involved in extracurriculars outside the classroom were less likely to earn a D or F. Regular class attendance and students’ confidence in their study and note-taking strategies were also associated with course success.

The takeaway? Student success extends beyond simply spending more time studying. Building connections, getting involved, and developing effective learning strategies all matter.

📖 Read the full article here:

09/16/2026

🧑‍🎓 👨‍🎓 Students! Thinking about how to meet your internship requirements? We’ve got you covered!

Two internship sessions are happening back-to-back next Tuesday, September 22 in the Animal Sciences Building!

3:00–4:00 PM | ANSCI 135
Equine/Animal Internship Info Session with Faculty Member Tiare Santistevan: learn about the why, what, and how of internship requirements within the department.

5:30–6:30 PM | ANSCI 161
Dive even deeper with the peer mentor club and a guest speaker from the career center. Learn where to find internships, how to approach the search and application process, and get your materials ready.

Whether you’re looking for an internship now or starting to plan ahead, these are great opportunities to learn what’s out there and how to get started!

And keep scrolling—we’re sharing a few current internship opportunities, too! 👀

Spy Coast Farm: https://www.spycoastfarm.com/opportunities-internships

SITZ Angus: https://www.sitzangus.com/internship-opportunities

Valley Equine: https://valleyequinerepro.com/internships/

Kentucky Equine Management: https://www.kemi.org

Crocker Ranch: https://www.crockerranchep.com

CSU Equine Sciences
Department of Animal Sciences Peer Mentors- CSU

09/12/2026

What a special day celebrating the naming of the Dr. John K. Matsushima Livestock Research and Teaching Complex at ARDEC.

Thank you to Dr. John “Johnny” Matsushima for the extraordinary legacy he has built through decades of research, teaching, mentorship, and service to animal agriculture. We are honored to have his name permanently associated with a place where the next generations of students, researchers, and industry leaders will continue that work.

Thank you as well to everyone who joined us this evening to celebrate this milestone, and to Ram Country Meats for an outstanding meal!

We’ll see you tomorrow for Ag Day, another CSU tradition that is part of Dr. Matsushima’s remarkable legacy. 🧡🐏

Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences