USDA Animal Husbandry Division Photograph Collection

Collection

Identifier: MS0248

Staff Only

Content Description

The USDA Animal Husbandry Division Photograph Collection contains acetate and glass negatives with photographs of animals such as cattle, pigs, swine, poultry, sheep, quail, hare, rabbits, and mink. Also included are images of Bureau of Animal Industry employees. Photographs were taken in Beltsville, Maryland, and other locations within the United States and foreign countries.

Dates

Creation: 1904-1954
Creation: Majority of material found within 1923-1954

Conditions Governing Access

Contact Special Collections for access.

Organizational History

Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture had recognized animal husbandry as a unique sector in 1901, it was not until 1910 that the Animal Husbandry Division was established under the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). The research performed in the division focused on the breeding and feeding of animals that were of most importance to agricultural and military productivity and food production. Key areas of research included cattle, horses, and poultry production.

Soon after its establishment, the Animal Husbandry Division moved its research facilities to the new research center in Beltsville, Maryland. It remained directly under the BAI until the formation of the Agricultural Research Service, which abolished the BAI and split its functions accordingly. The former Animal Husbandry Division is now under the current Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services.