Animal Science I

Credit: 1.00
Course Preface
Core Code: 30-02-00-00-040
Printable Version: Animal Science I (pdf)

Course Description
Students will be exposed to a wide range of scientific principles, such as genetics, anatomy, physiology/nutrition, disease, pests, and management practices. The scientific processes of observation, measurement, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis, and application are stressed. Career opportunities and educational preparation are examined. Learning activities are varied, with classroom, laboratory, and field experiences emphasized.

Core Standards of the Course

Standard 1
Students will develop an understanding of the role of FFA in Agricultural Education Programs.

• Explain how, when, and why the FFA was organized.
• Explain the mission and strategies, colors, motto, parts of the emblem, and the organizational structure of the FFA.
• Recite and explain the meaning of the FFA Creed.
• Explain the purpose of a Program of Activities and its committee structure.

• Describe how the FFA develops leadership skills, personal growth, and career success.
• Identify major state and national activities available to FFA members.

• Explain the FFA degree areas.
• Identify the FFA proficiency awards.
• Explain various team and individual Career Development Events.

Standard 2
Students will understand the benefits of a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Program.

• Explain the importance of goals and career ladders.
• Define supervised horticultural/agricultural experience.
• Explain the benefits of supervised horticultural/agricultural experience programs.

• Explain the difference between entrepreneurship and placement SAE's.
• Describe research/experimentation and exploratory SAE's.
• Explain the characteristics of a good SAE program and student responsibilities that are involved.

• Identify career interest areas in agriculture.
• Identify skills needed for career success.
• Explain opportunities for SAE programs.

• Identify the steps in planning an SAE program.
• Identify the parts of an annual SAE program plan.
• Discuss the function of a training plan and/or agreement in an SAE program.

• Discuss the importance of keeping records on an SAE program.
• Explain the types of financial records needed to support a chosen SAE program.
• Identify standards to follow in keeping records on an SAE program.

Standard 3
Students will understand animal anatomy and physiology as it relates to nutrition, health, and management of domesticated animals.

• Skeletal system.
• Muscular system.
• Respiratory system.
• Digestive system.
• Circulatory system.

Standard 4
Students will determine nutritional requirements of ruminant and non-ruminant animals.

Standard 5
Students will explain animal genetics and reproduction.

Standard 6
Students will describe meat grading.

Standard 7
Students will understand livestock science and production.

• List the common breeds of beef animals.
• Explain how to select beef animals.
• Identify types of beef production setups.
• Describe beef marketing options.
• Discuss facility needs for beef cattle.
• Determine how beef product prices are affected by federal price supports and marketing orders.

• Describe major internal parts of dairy cattle.
• Discuss selection of cattle to encourage herd improvement.
• Explain dairy marketing options.
• Explore the seven major breeds of dairy cattle used for milking.
• Describe how milk is produced, processed and graded.
• Describe basic approved practices in the care and management of dairy cattle.
• Discuss the cheese making process.
• Discuss the controversy surrounding the use of Bovine Somatotropin (BST).
• Determine how dairy product prices are affected by federal price supports and marketing orders.

• Describe common swine breeds.
• Explain selection of superior animals.
• Contrast various pork production systems and methods of marketing hogs.
• Identify facility needs of swine.
• Determine how pork product prices are affected by federal price supports and marketing orders.

• Discuss terminology associated with sheep and goat production.
• Describe sheep and goats as organisms and compare them externally.
• Identify common breeds of sheep and goats.
• Explain methods of producing sheep and goats.
• Identify facility needs of sheep and goats.
• Determine how sheep and goat product prices are affected by federal price supports and marketing orders.

Standard 8
Students will identify current topics in animal science.

Standard 9
Students will identify career opportunities in animal science.