Survey of the dairy cattle and livestock industry, including beef, sheep, swine, and horses. Topics include breeding and feeding systems, disease control measures, housing and basic management practices; selection of animals for production, market, and breeding; characteristics of the major breeds, economic importance and marketing trends.
This course will provide the student with a basic understanding of reproduction and artificial insemination (A.I.) techniques in dairy cattle. The student will gain an understanding of the anatomy of the bovine reproductive tract through examination and palpation of both slaughterhouse specimens and live palpations. The student will learn to read sire summaries, use linear scoring, recordkeeping approaches and analysis of herd reproductive performance. Common reproductive diseases will be discussed as well as the latest information on heat detection and synchronization programs. The labs and two required field trips provide individual student A.I. training and practice sessions needed for the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) certification.
This course is a systems approach to the study of anatomy and physiology of common domestic animals, emphasizing Ruminant, Equine, Swine, Canine and Feline as the animal models. The online course materials will provide the student with a complete overview of how each body system functions in the maintenance of a normal healthy animal. The online course materials will be reinforced in the laboratory where skeletons, models and prosected specimen will allow the student to gain applied perspectives of the gross anatomy and normal physiology. Histologic slides, kodachromes, radiographs and live animals will also be used to enhance student understanding. Computer simulated dissection materials will also be used to provide the opportunity for the students to refine their understanding of the required information.
This course provides the student with an understanding of animal nutrition. Students will learn feeding farm animals for growth, production, and profit, nutrient content and physiological value of feeds; nutrient requirements of farm livestock; physiology of digestion and developing and evaluating rations.
Fundamental information on the nature of disease and its control and prevention are studied. Students are introduced to the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of common diseases as well as to the life cycles, damage, diagnosis, control and treatment of various internal and external parasites.
Dairy Cattle Production I is an introduction to specific subject matter which influences cattle production units today. Subject matter includes: on-farm disease control and biosecurity, calf and heifer management, milk letdown and physiology of lactation, udder health, basic herdsmanship skills and introduction to Dairy Comp 305 record keeping software.
Dairy Cattle Production III focuses on dairy farm management analysis to troubleshoot and prioritize production and profitability opportunities. The course includes: developing on-farm observation skills, production records analysis using Dairy Comp 305, monitoring cow and rumen health, nutrition and feeding management and employee management.
Dairy Cattle Production II is a continuation of specific subjects which influence cattle production units today. Subject matter includes: reproductive physiology, fresh cow management, housing, ventilation and animal comfort.
This course will provide the student with a basic understanding of the nutritional, environmental and health challenges a calf must go through from birth to yearling stage. Lab sessions will focus on mastering basic calf care skills. Field trips will be incorporated into the laboratories to expose students to different management approaches including custom calf raisers, and large and small herd replacement enterprises.
Students must have permission of their adviser and the department chair before enrollment. An outline of the study must be submitted before enrollment. Directed study provides an opportunity to continue study in an area of special interest. Study may be carried out within any program in the department in which the student is enrolled.