AGRI 110 - Introduction to Animal Science

4 Credit: (3 lecture, 2 lab, 0 clinical) 5 Contact Hours:

1. Discuss the history of animal agriculture. 
2. Explore the relationship between people and animals. 
3. Describe domestication of production animals. 
4. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of raising domesticated animals for humans. 
5. Describe the economics of the animal industry in the county, state, nation and world. 
6. Identify the major agencies involved in regulating the animal industry. 

Goal 2:  Describe the characteristics of companion animals and domestic livestock. 

1. Define terminology and nomenclature respective to each species. 
2. Discuss species specific characteristics, growth requirements, breeds, etc. 
3. Identify measures of performance and assessment in each species. 
4. Identify the external anatomical features of each animal. 

Goal 3:  Describe the digestive, nutritive, and reproductive physiology of companion animals and domestic livestock. 

1. Compare digestive systems between poultry, monogastric, hind-gut fermenters and ruminant animals. 
2. Describe the basic nutrients required by all animals. 
3. Discuss specific nutritional needs of animals based on type or activity of that animal. 
4. Identify conformational and structural requirements of these animals. 
5. Describe reproductive characteristics and behavior in these animals. 
6. Identify methods of reproduction used in the animal industry. 
7. Identify health issues particular to each species in production systems. 

Goal 4:  Describe the variety of products obtained from the animal industry. 

1. Discuss meat inspection, carcass traits and dressing percentages of meat animals. 
2. Identify wholesale and retail cuts of meat in beef, swine and sheep. 
3. Identify inedible animal products used by humans. 

Goal 5:  Identify equipment that is used in the safe and efficient management of domestic animal production. 

1. Identify animal-specific equipment within each industry. 
2. Relate specific species behavior to equipment and handling requirements. 
3. Compare different types of equipment and technology required in various large scale production systems in the animal industry. 
4. Describe the manure handling systems required for production animals. 
5. Describe required biosafety requirements and concerns in animal production systems. 

Goal 6:  Acquire “hands-on” experience working with livestock and companion animals. 

1. Discuss difference in animal behavior and handling of each type of animal at production sites. 
2. Participate in site-visits or animal demonstrations. 
3. Use (or view) available animal-specific equipment at various production sites. 
4. Explore career opportunities in animal production/science. 
5. Discuss how different career paths in animal science are available, including transfer to a 4-year program (i.e. MSU). 

Goal 7:  Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method as it relates to research in animal agriculture.   

1. Identify hypothesis and independent, dependent and control variables in a given data set or experiment. 
2. Describe the steps of the scientific method. 
3. List characteristics of good scientific methodology and experimentation. 
4. Interpret data presented in different formats (text, table, graph, etc.). 
5. Draw valid conclusions from data (i.e. from the animal and food industry). 
6. Discuss applications of research to animal agriculture.