Animal Science
About the Animal Science Program
Courses in this two-year program are designed to provide students with continuous hands-on learning activities that enhance classroom discussions related to the livestock industry. The work skills environment provides students with opportunities to make continuous management decisions. Each year has a main topic that will be discussed, while introducing ongoing management practices involved with the school’s livestock and facility. Livestock available to work with are horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and different types of poultry.
NOTE: Students enrolled in Animal Science courses are required to adhere to the CTE Department’s safety policy. Safety testing will be required for all students enrolled in courses involving equipment use.
Students who complete both years and successfully meet state required competencies while maintaining a “C” average will achieve “Completer” status in the program.
Course Years
ANIMAL SCIENCE I
Prerequisite: None
Full Year
2 Credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is dedicated to the study of the equine. Students will be presented with several different units related to equine science including, but not limited to: anatomy, nutrition, reproduction, equine uses, equine breeds, selection of equine, proper care and diseases associated with the species.
- Students will also be involved in maintaining the livestock facility as well as tractor safety and farm management.
- Students must take and pass safety tests prior to utilizing any equipment or tools.
This course is also a study of smaller species of animals—both farm and pets. Students will research and study a variety of small animal species and their needs. Students will be exposed to and maintain the health of the larger species of animals housed in the school’s animal facility. Additionally, students will develop insight into the requirements of careers in the veterinary career field, specifically related to small animals. Topics covered include but are not limited to: tractor safety, small and large animal handling, diseases, breeding and industry education.
ANIMAL SCIENCE II
Prerequisite: Animal Science I
Full Year
2 Credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students will identify various species of farm animals and learn about their reproductive cycles. This will be accomplished through a variety of classroom and hands-on activities and projects. Students will be required to work in the school’s animal facility as they learn proper animal husbandry skills. Students will be in charge of specific animals as they move through their reproductive cycles. Other topics covered include: tractor safety, animal safety, judging of livestock, artificial insemination, breeds of livestock, farm management, livestock selection and breeding schemes. Students must take and pass safety tests prior to utilizing any equipment or tools.
Another focus of the class is on the variety of diseases associated with animals. Identification of symptoms and proper treatment of diseases will be studied. The second year is devoted to the nutritional needs of animals as well as developing proper feeding schedules for the animals housed in the school’s animal facility. This will include the investigation and study of the nutritional values of different feeds. Other topics covered include, but are not limited to: tractor safety, animal health, small animal diseases and health, and livestock handling.