Applied Animal Science Syllabus

Texts and References

Modern Livestock and Poultry Production, 5th Edition; Delmar, 1997.

    Small Animal Care and Management, 2nd Edition; Delmar, 2002.

    Various other Agricultural Education and FFA videotapes, computer software programs, and related materials.

Course Description

    In this course, we will cover a wide array of subjects.  Our main area of focus will be knowledge of animal science.  We will discuss the different breeds and characteristics of beef cattle, swine, sheep, dairy cattle, poultry, equine, and small animals.  Cuts of meat, genetics, production, quality and yield grades are a few of the more narrow areas that will be discussed.  FFA knowledge and opportunities, careers in agriculture, and SAE opportunities will also be topics discussed.  We may get to do some welding or woodworking if time permits.  Group and individual projects will be done in the shop.

Instructional Philosophy and Delivery Plan

    The most frequently use education delivery method will utilize hands-on learning.  There will also be lecture, demonstration, guest speaker, and content reading methods of education.  Students are expected to meet all of the course goals and demonstrate an understanding with a minimum of 70% accuracy in order to pass this course.  Grading will be accomplished through the use of tests, quizzes, projects, class participation, and personal progress.

Course Goals

Students Will Be Able To…

bullet Identify many different breeds of cattle, sheep, swine, equine, poultry, and small animals
bullet Evaluate livestock for breeding and feeding purposes
bullet Recognize market grades
bullet Identify digestive system parts, reproductive system parts
bullet Balance a ration
bullet Describe the process for artificial insemination, embryo transfer, pregnancy testing, and estimation of parturition dates
bullet Identify the wholesale and retail cuts of beef, sheep, and pork
bullet Recognize and implement safe meat handling procedures
bullet Develop and/or extend a SAE project
Course outline

Safety

    1. Shop safety
    2. Tool Safety
    3. Animal Safety

The livestock industry

    1. History of domestic animals
    2. Livestock’s impact on the environment

Beef

    1. Breed Identification
    2. Identification of external parts and functions
    3. Reproduction
    4. Beef nutrition
    5. Diseases, parasites, and animal health
    6. Selection, judging, and grading of beef cattle and carcasses
    7. Management
    8. Beef processing, marketing
    9. ID of wholesale and retail beef cuts
    10. Career opportunities

Sheep

    1. Breed ID
    2. Identification of external parts and functions
    3. Reproduction
    4. Sheep nutrition
    5. Diseases, parasites, and animal health
    6. Management
    7. Lamb processing and marketing
    8. ID of wholesale and retail meat cuts
    9. Career opportunities

Swine

    1. Breed ID
    2. ID of external parts and functions
    3. Reproduction
    4. Swine nutrition
    5. Diseases, parasites, and animal health
    6. Pork processing and marketing
    7. Management
    8. ID of wholesale and retail meat cuts
    9. Career opportunities

Poultry

    1. Breed ID
    2. ID of external parts and functions
    3. Reproduction
    4. Feeding and management of poultry
    5. Diseases, parasites, and animal health
    6. Poultry / egg processing and marketing
    7. ID of wholesale and retail meat cuts
    8. Career opportunities

Equine

    1. Breed ID
    2. ID of external parts and functions
    3. Nutrition, feeding and management of horses
    4. Reproduction
    5. Diseases, parasites, and animal health
    6. Selection and judging of horses
    7. Career opportunities

Genetics

    1. Basic structure and function of DNA
    2. Animal Reproduction
    3. Biotechnology in livestock production

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