10090385 Principles of Animal Science and Management
Course Information
Description
This course provides animal science fundamentals including animal health, animal environments, anatomy and physiology, genetics and reproduction, animal feedstuffs, and animal-related safety. This course also emphasizes the skills, techniques and concepts of sound feeding management. Students will determine animal feed needs, evaluate nutritional value and economics of feed types and methods.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Define your land ethic
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Use Aldo Leopold’s vision for land ethic
    Demonstrate the connection to your animal management practices
    Develop your land ethic in connection with the principles of sustainable agriculture
    Explain how you demonstrate your land ethic in your animal management practices

  2. Develop a program to maintain biosecurity and livestock health
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Identify diseases common to livestock and dairy cattle in your area
    Estimate the economic impact of disease in a herd
    Describe how livestock and dairy cattle become diseased
    Outline ways to prevent disease in livestock and dairy cattle

  3. Assess livestock environment including housing, facilities and waste handling
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Identify the housing environment requirements of the livestock operation
    Describe adequate facilities for the livestock operation
    Outline an appropriate waste handling system for the livestock operation
    Determine the cost/benefit ratio of the environmental system

  4. Integrate safety practices into the livestock management program
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Describe how to store health related materials in a way that maintains their effectiveness and does not pose a threat to people or animals
    Use health related materials in a manner consistent with label and legal requirements
    Outline safe equipment operation principles
    Review facilities, equipment and procedures for safety on a regular basis
    Suggest incentive programs for maintaining a safe work place

  5. Evaluate the livestock feeding program
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Describe different feeds available
    Examine the method and timeliness of feed and water presentation
    Examine the feeding environment for lighting, ventilation, cleanliness and other factors that may affect feed and water intake
    Evaluate the economic returns of the feeding program

  6. Develop a genetic improvement program
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Identify genetic traits that improve the profitability of the herd
    Review USDA sire summaries
    Identify sources of genes
    Summarize various means of genetic improvement: AI, MOET, genetic markers, and young sire programs

  7. Analyze livestock reproduction
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Identify problems associated with herd reproduction
    Evaluate methods of heat detection in the herd
    Evaluate insemination efficiency
    Evaluate overall reproductive performance
    Suggest ways to improve reproductive efficiency in a herd

  8. Adopt a records analysis program to maximize profits
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    List personal and business goals for the livestock operation
    Identify components of a record keeping system
    Review record keeping systems
    Revise goals and objectives on a regular basis

  9. Develop a livestock marketing plan
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Identify the parts of a marketing plan
    Determine cost of production
    Review pricing methods
    Establish a pricing system that provides a reasonable return on investment
    Describe product merchandising options
    Explore opportunities for niche, value added and non-traditional markets

  10. Manage change and expansion in the livestock operation
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Determine if present facilities, labor, management and animals are producing at their greatest level of efficiency
    Develop a plan to maximize the production from existing facilities, labor, management and animals in your operation
    Outline the process for a feasibility study
    Determine size and level of expansion as supported by feasibility study
    Develop a plan that includes facility design, waste management, all governmental agency applications permits and approvals
    Develop a plan that includes increase in herd size, including replacement animals, labor and management requirements

  11. Communicate with the production/management team
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Develop a mission statement that reflects your land ethic
    Develop an employee handbook for the operation
    Develop a plan to find, hire, train, and retain qualified employees for the operation
    Develop a system of compensation that provides incentives for professional development and rewards performance that increases the profitability of the operation
    Design a system of communication that emphasizes the responsibilities of everyone involved in the operation and provides feedback at all levels