The goal of the 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Initiative is to address America's critical need for more scientists and engineers by engaging 150,000 youth by 2013. 4-H SET activities and projects combine non-formal education with hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a positive youth development context to engage youth in improving their SET knowledge, skills and abilities. 4-H SET activities and projects combine the strengths of 4-H Youth Development non-formal experiential-based delivery modes and strong youth-adult partnerships to address SET content as defined by the National Science Education Standards.

4-H Animal Science

4-H Animal Science projects provide opportunities for youth to develop citizenship, leadership and life skills through learning about and regularly caring for animals. 4-H members in Animal Science projects learn about animal health, behavior, proper nutrition, and reproduction. 4-H members learn about animal breeds, uses, and how to identify species. Animal science projects teach 4-H members valuable skills about industry practices and the economy.

In animal science projects, 4-H members ...

• Learn about animals, animal behavior, proper feeding and care, and other skills specific to the species.
• Practice leadership skills and roles, take part in community affairs, and demonstrate citizenship responsibility.
• Explore career, job and productive leisure opportunities. Develop skills, knowledge and attitudes for lifelong use.
• Learn to use accepted practices for mental, physical and emotional health, and to respect yourself and others.
• Develop personal integrity, a sense of sportsmanship, and team cooperation, and ability to speak in public through participation in related activities, such as demonstrations, talks, judging events, field days, tours and exhibits.
• Share acquired knowledge and skills with other 4-H members.
• Show their animal science projects at county fairs and expositions (more information).

Animal Science Education Advisory Committee

California Fairs and Expositions

Veterinary science is the research and application of medical, diagnostic, and therapeutic principles to companion, domestic, exotic, wildlife, and production animals. Veterinary science is vital to the study and protection of animal production practices, herd health and monitoring the spread of disease. Veterinary Science 4-H projects help 4-H members develop and appreciation for the discipline. 4-H members are taught basic practices in veterinary medicine.

Livestock judging is a process of evaluating, selecting, placing, and learning the various livestock species. Selection of project animals is actually judging livestock, comparing the merits of one animal against the merits of other potential project animals. Livestock producers, breeders, feeders, buyers, and packers evaluate livestock for their potential as either breeding or market animals. In 4-H, livestock judging contests are held to test the knowledge of 4-H members. 
State 4-H Livestock and Dairy Judging Contest

Service animals are trained to do work for persons with disabilities other than blindness or deafness. Therapeutic animals are trained to provide comfort and emtional support to persons in need. Although dogs are primary used as service and therapeutic animals, some types of capuchin monkeys, horses and domestic cats are also used. 4-H collaborates with Guide Dogs for the Blind to allow 4-H members to assist in training service dogs.

Large Animals

Cattle - Cattle are raised as livestock for meat (called beef), dairy products (milk) and as draft animals (pulling carts, plows and the like). Cattle today are the basis of a many billion dollar industry worldwide. 4-H members primary engage in either beef or dairy cattle projects.

Goats - Domestic goats are a longtime domesticated species. For thousands of years, goats have been used for their milk, meat, hair, and skins over much of the world.  4-H members may elect to learn and care for angora, dairy, pygmy, meat, or nigerian dwarf goats.

Horses and Ponies - Horses have long been among the most economically important domesticated animals. Horses can perform work such as carrying humans on their backs or harnessed to pull objects such as carts or plows. However, hundreds of distinct horse breeds were developed, allowing horses to be specialized for certain tasks; lighter horses for racing or riding, heavier horses for farming and other tasks requiring pulling power. Some horses, such as the miniature horse, can be kept as pets. Because horses and humans have lived and worked together for thousands of years, an extensive specialized vocabulary has arisen to describe virtually every horse behavioral and anatomical characteristic with a high degree of precision. 
4-H Equine Education Website

Llamas - Llamas are generally very friendly and pleasant to be around. They are extremely curious and most will approach people easily. Llamas have historically been used as pack animals and for their wool. 4-H llama projects are an option for 4-H members, however, they are not as common.

Sheep - Sheep were one of the earliest animals to be domesticated for agricultural purposes, and are primarily valued for their fleece and meat. A sheep's wool is the most widely used of any animal. 4-H members primary select between either market or breeding 4-H sheep projects.

Swine (Pig) - The domestic pig is farmed for its meat called pork. Pigs are exhibited at agricultural shows, judged either as stud stock, or in commercial classes where the animals are judged primarily on their ability to provide premium meat. Pigs are known to be intelligent animals and have been found to be more trainable than dogs or cats. 4-H members in swine project select between market or breeding projects.

Small Animals

Birds - While many species of birds are of economic importance, mostly as sources of food acquired through hunting or farming, some species, particularly songbirds and parrots, are popular as pets. Many types of 4-H projects are available to 4-H members who are interested in birds. For those interested in production of meat and eggs, there are 4-H poultry, game bird or embryology projects. For those interested in pets, there are 4-H exotic bird projects.
UC Davis Poultry and Egg Information

Cavies (Guinea Pigs) - In Western societies, the guinea pig has enjoyed widespread popularity as a household pet. Domestic guinea pigs generally live in cages, come in many breeds, and become amenable to being picked up and carried. 4-H members may keep guinea pigs as pets and bring them to shows.

Dogs - The dog has developed into hundreds of varied breeds. Dogs are very social animals, but their personality and behavior vary with breed as well as how they are treated by their owners and others who come in contact with them. Dogs are highly social animals who are trainabile, playful, and have an ability to fit into human households and social situations.  4-H members may engage in dog care and training 4-H projects.

Entomology and Bees - Entomology is any form of scientific study in which the organisms studied happen to be insects. Insect identification is an increasingly common hobby, with butterflies and dragonflies being the most popular. 4-H members may choose to take an entomology or bee keeping project.

Rabbits - Historically, rabbits have been used as food and clothing (hair). However, many people now keep rabbits indoors as pets. Rabbits can live indoors in a pen and a rabbit-safe place to run and exercise, such as a living or family room. Rabbits are easily trained to use a litter box and can learn to come when called. Rabbits are a favorite project for 4-H members with limitations on available space for animals.