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T.E. Marshall, Ph.D.
3078 Magruder Hall
785-4281
temarsh@truman.edu


CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION

A comprehensive introduction to the role of animals in agricultural systems. Emphasis on the biological principles applicable to animal production and methods of exploiting this knowledge for more efficient and humane production. 4 hours. (Offered spring and fall)

PREREQUISITES

One course in Biology and sophomore standing

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

This course is the animal component of the agriculture core curriculum. The objectives of the course can be placed into two broad categories. The first objective will be to look at the role animals play in world agriculture, U.S. agriculture and the agriculture of Missouri. The second objective will be to study the biology associated with animal growth, genetics, reproduction and nutrition. The format of the course will be a combination of lecture, discussion and quantitative problem solving. By the end of the course students should be familiar with various sources of information pertaining to animal agriculture and feel comfortable applying this information to solve complex problems.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

Successful completion of and participation in:
  1. Three problem/short answer exams (300 points total)
  2. Ten short weekly quizzes (100 points total)
  3. Five individual homework assignments (problem solving/critical thinking; 100 points total)
  4. One group homework assignment (computer application/collaboration)
  5. One problem/multiple choice answer final (200 points)
  6. Assigned readings (information sources pertaining to animal agriculture)
  7. Class discussions (communication)
Final grades will be awarded on a straight scale: 90+ = A, 80 - 90 = B, 70 - 80 = C, 60 - 70 = D, LESS THAN 60 = F.

COURSE OUTLINE

Introduction
  1. The importance of animal agriculture
    • world
    • United States
    • Missouri
  2. History of animal agriculture
Genetics and animal improvement (Chapter 17-20)
  1. Fundamental principles of quantitative genetics
  2. Selection and heritability
    • information on individual only
    • information on individual and relatives
  3. Heterosis and mating systems
    • inbreeding
    • crossbreeding
Reproduction (Chapter 14,15)
  1. Anatomy and physiology
    • male
    • female
  2. Techniques used in the animal industry to control reproduction
Nutrition (Chapter 3-7,9)
  1. General nutritional principles
    • carbohydrates
    • proteins
    • fats
    • minerals
    • vitamins
    • water
    • feed additives and growth stimulants
  2. Anatomy and physiology of digestion
    • ruminants
    • monogastric
    • feeds and ration formulation
Animal health and disease (Chapter 12)
  1. detection
  2. prevention
  3. major disease of livestock
TEXT

Animal Science and Industry (Acker and Cunningham)