Ag - Animal Science (AGS)

Introduces students to the various species and breeds of domestic animals and to create an understanding of the principles of food animal production, product marketing, and issues confronting the animal industry. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Studies the comparative anatomy and physiology of the major body systems of cattle, sheep, swine and horses. Includes laboratory exercises involving physiology and anatomy of animals in healthy and diseased states. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Covers the fundamentals of preparing for successful livestock sales, including advertising, photography, livestock preparation, sale guidelines and customer support. Students participate in one to three livestock sales. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Examines the selection of breeding and meat animals based upon performance and visual appraisal. Students will use Kirkwood farm laboratory livestock and may include off-campus assignments. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Examines the nutritional principles, digestive systems, composition, and nutritional characteristics of common feedstuffs, ration formulation, and recommended animal feeding programs. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Develops skills of artificial insemination, heat detection and supportive background knowledge of beef and dairy herds, and discusses recommended nutrition, management and genetics. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Studies applications of basic animal behavior principles to ensure optimum performance and well being. Examines the effects of environment, stress, disease, and nutrition on animal physiology and performance. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Meets concurrently with Livestock Behavior and Welfare. Examines the effects of environment, stress, disease, and nutrition on animal physiology and performance. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Corequisite: Take AGS-356.

Identifies records needed in swine production and record keeping techniques. Students prepare budgets and cash flows as they relate to swine production. Also, various marketing opportunities and practices are examined and analyzed. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Studies the design and management of livestock facilities to limit stress and optimize performance. Teaches methods to minimize the environmental impact of livestock operations. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Presents an overview and introduction to the entire beef industry. Relates and applies methods of starting cattle on feed and fall management of weaned calves. Deals with feedlot budgeting, determination of 205-day weights, ratios and fall management of the beef cow herd. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Meets concurrently with Beef Industry Feedlot Management. Works with Kirkwood cattle and custom-fed cattle to practice low stress cattle handling, effective bunk management, and proper receiving and processing. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Corequisite: Take AGS-500.

Participates in calving of the Kirkwood Community College herd. Deals with proper nutrition, health, solving obstetrics problems, and preparation of cow's return to estrus. Also includes records, identification, and pasture management. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Meets concurrently with Beef Cow/Calf Production. Observes and assists with calving the Kirkwood Community College cow herd. Practices baby calf health and management along with preparation of the cow herd for rebreeding. Plans and implements early lactation nutrition for the cow herd. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Corequisite: Take AGS-502.

Studies the anatomy and physiology of the female and male reproductive systems. Develops an understanding of proper use of heat synchronization, A.I., super ovulation, embryo transplants, and new developments in biotechnology. Deals with health, heritability, and nutritional problems. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Meets concurrently with Beef Breeding/Reproduction/Nutrition. Develops reproductive strategies and management plans along with practicing principles to enhance reproductive efficiency. Develops and implements nutritional programs for beef cattle herds. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Corequisite: Take AGS-512.

Works with evaluation management by identifying, measuring and selecting commercially important traits of beef cattle. Provides the basic information needed to understand terminology and predict performance through the use of sire summaries. Allows students to improve average performance of offspring by matching genetic potential to feed resources through multiple trait selection. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Meets concurrently with Beef Science Management. Collects and analyzes beef cattle data for management and marketing use. Prepares cattle for sales and exhibition. Includes genomic, identification, phenotypic evaluation, and preparation for photography and videos. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Corequisite: Take AGS-516.

Recognizes swine reproductive characteristics and reproductive functions of swine breeding stock, and identifies type and confirmation necessary for economic production. Deals with breeds, breeding programs, breeding systems, including A.I., and appropriate management techniques. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Meets concurrently with Swine Reproduction and Management. Teaches breeding systems, including heat detection, AI methods, and current industry breeding practices. Explains equation for proper collection and extension, as well as methods for processing and packaging. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Corequisite: Take AGS-531.

Includes an agreed-to development plan for an applied problem solution. Allows student to pursue exploration and fact gathering of special-interest projects. Student and instructor meet weekly for discussion, observation and evaluation of the project development. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B