Animal Science and the Trail to Eagle
Animal Science is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Animal Science Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 7 main requirements for Animal Science. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Name two breeds of livestock in each of the following classifications: horses, dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, hogs, poultry, and goats. Tell their principal uses and merits. Tell where the breeds originated.
- 2
List two diseases that afflict the animals in each of the classifications in requirement 1. Also list five diseases of poultry. Describe the symptoms of each disease and explain how each is contracted and how it could be prevented.
- 3
Draw models of the digestive tracts of ruminants, horses, pigs, and poultry. Explain how the differences in structure and function among these types of digestive tracts affect the nutritional management of these species.
- 4
Select one type of animal and tell how you would properly manage it. Include in your discussion nutritional concerns, housing, disease prevention, waste control/removal, breeding programs, and biosecurity as appropriate.
- 5
Do the following:
- a.Explain how agricultural producers make desired improvements to their stock through breeding practices and programs.
- b.Explain the terms pure breeding and cross breeding.
- c.List two modern technologies used in the production of livestock and tell what the advantages are of using the technology.
- 6
Complete ONE of the following options: Beef Cattle, Dairy, Horse, Sheep or Goat, Hog, or Avian.
- 7
Find out about three career opportunities in animal science. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required. Discuss this with your counselor.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Animal Science Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Animal Science, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Animal Science is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 6 weeks for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 10 Animal Science requirements for you.
Animal Science Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Animal Science merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Animal Science is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Animal Science merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Animal Science in about 6 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Animal Science merit badge?
Animal Science is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Animal Science can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Animal Science merit badge have?
Animal Science has 7 main requirements with 3 sub-requirements, for 10 items in total.
