AGRI 110 - Introduction to Animal Science

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

Objectives:

1. Discuss the history of animal agriculture.
2. Explore the relationship between people and animals.
3. Identify animal products used by humans.
4. Describe the economics of the animal industry in the county, state, nation and world.
5. Identify the major agencies involved in regulating the animal industry.

Goal 2:  Describe the characteristics of companion animals and domestic livestock: dairy, beef, horse, poultry, swine and sheep.

Objectives:

1. Define terminology and nomenclature respective to each species.
2. Discuss species specific characteristics, growth requirements, breeds, etc.
3. Identify measures of performance.
4. Identify the external nomenclature of each animal.
5. Describe reproductive characteristics and behavior in these animals.

Goal 3:  Identify equipment that is used in the safe and efficient management of beef, dairy, horses, poultry, sheep, swine and companion animals.

Objectives:

1. Identify animal-specific equipment within each industry.
2. Use available animal-specific equipment at various animal sites (or view it being used).
3. Compare different types of equipment and technology required in various 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 4:  Describe the physiological parameters of companion animals, dairy, beef, horse, poultry, swine and sheep.

Objectives:

1. Compare digestive systems between poultry, monogastric, hind-gut fermenters and 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. Identify health issues particular to each animal in production systems.
6. Discuss meat inspection, carcass traits and dressing percentages of meat animals.
7. Identify wholesale and retail cuts of meat in beef, swine and sheep.

Goal 5:  Acquire “hands-on” experience working with livestock and companion animals.

Objectives:

1. Discuss difference in animal behavior and handling of each type of animal.
2. Participate in site-visits or animal demonstrations.

Goal 6:  Explore career options in animal science.

Objectives:

1. Identify species specific career opportunities.
2. Discuss transfer requirements for an animal science degree from MSU.
3. Introduce different types of research in the animal & food industry.

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

Objectives:

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