Department/Grade: Agriculture/Grades 9-12    Course:  Animal Science I    Revision Date:  4/2008

 

Required/Elective:  Elective                   Course Length:  1 year  Pre-requisite:  None

 

Course Description:  This course focuses on the importance of livestock in today’s society as well as an in depth study of the various species of large animal livestock.  Significant breeds in each species will be studied as well as the career opportunities available in the large animal industry today. Evaluation of livestock for breeding and marketing purposes as well as marketing strategies will also be covered.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

CONTENT OUTLINE

Describe the characteristics of the various Animal Science Industries

·          Explore the economic impact of each of the Large Animal Livestock species in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania and across the United States.

·          Discuss the history related to each of the livestock species.

·          List and explain the functions of each of the livestock species.

·          Recognize correct terminology for animals in each of the groups of livestock

 Explore Livestock related Industries and Careers

·          Explain the value of a farm background for an individual seeking employment in a livestock related occupation.

·          List employment opportunities that require knowledge of Animal Science.

·          Describe the process of choosing an occupation.

·          Identify employer expectations and good worker skills.

·          Conduct a Career Search

·          Conduct an in depth study on one or more jobs related to the animal science industry.

List economically significant beef cattle, sheep, and swine breeds and areas of production.

·          Identify the most common breeds of livestock found in the United States and their characteristics.

·          Identify the top states in regards to production of each of the livestock species.

·          Describe each of the significant breeds and their development.

·          Recognize parts of the world that have made significant contributions to the development of livestock breeds.

Explore Safety hazards related to Large Animals

·          Explain the importance of safety when working with livestock.

·          Discuss four types of hazards related to livestock production.

·          Create a livestock safety checklist.

·          List the safety practices to be followed when working with beef cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, horses and poultry.

Identify animal contributions to human needs

·          Describe uses of the various livestock species by humans.

·          Explain the importance of domestication of livestock.

·          Develop a presentation on the impact that large animal livestock have made on society today.

Identify retail and wholesale meat cuts of all species and how this knowledge relates to meat preparation and consumption.

·          List and identify each of the retail cuts of the carcass.

·          List and identify each of the wholesale cuts of the carcass.

·          List and Identify the USDA Grades of market livestock.

Identify livestock confirmation and how it relates to function

·          Identify the parts of each of the livestock species.

·          List the desired traits of each of the livestock species.

·          Recognize the evidence of muscling verses fat on a carcass.

·          Distinguish the difference between selection traits for a market animal verses a breeding animal.

·          Evaluate classes of livestock based on their conformation.

·          Interpret EDP’s (Expected Progeny Difference)

Name marketing strategies and market classification of livestock.

·          Discuss the Dairy, Beef and Pork Checkoff Programs.

·          Define the terms supply and demand.

·          Identify the various markets for selling livestock.

·          Compare the market process for livestock over the last year.

In a group setting, discuss issues affecting consumer awareness to animal welfare, food safety and the environment.

·          Discuss the difference between Animal Welfare and Animal Rights.

·          Recognize legislation that has been put into place regarding animals.

·          Explain the safety measures in place regarding Food safety in the US.

·          Identify various concerns related to Food Safety in the US.

·          Describe methods of handling livestock wastes that reduce environmental pollution and are within the guidelines of current laws and regulations.

·          Describe livestock production problems relating to the environment.

·          Explain farmer liability under animal trespass law.

·          Describe the proper way to dispose of dead animals.

       Record of practicum skills development

·          Students will keep a record of skills acquired through the SAE Practicum skills book.

·          A diary will be kept of activities held in class as well hours accumulated outside of class that pertain to animal science.

RESOURCE MATERIALS

ASSESSMENT

·          Modern Livestock & Poultry Production 7th ed. James R. Gillespie 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·          Unit Tests

·          Cumulative Tests

·          Midterm Exam

·          Final Exam

·          Open-Ended Assessments

·          Quizzes

·          Projects

·          Oral Presentations

·          Observation

·          Evaluation of written work

·          Class Participation