Agricultural Science Curriculum

 

AGSC 355: OVINE REPRODUCTION PRACTICUM

Dr. Tom Marshall
3078 Magruder Hall
 785-4281
temarsh@truman.edu


COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to familiarize students with the reproductive physiology and anatomy of the ewe and the ram, as well as the technical aspects of sheep breeding. Students will apply their knowledge of reproductive anatomy and physiology to management situations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The objectives of AGSC 355 are as follows:

• to consider the practical aspects of breeding sheep;
• to learn first-hand about the lambing process and the care of newborn lambs;
• to learn about artificial insemination of ewes;
• to further learn about the anatomy, physiology and endocrinology of the ewe and ram.

PREREQUISITES

AGSC 352: Animal Reproduction

TEXTBOOK

None.

COURSE OUTLINE

Students will learn about reproductive anatomy, endocrinology and the estrous cycle, seasonal breeding behavior, increasing ovulation rate, parturition and obstetrics, breeding management of rams, factors affecting lamb survival rates, tube feeding of lambs, and diseases of young lambs. In addition, a major focus of the hands-on portion of the class will be ewe and ram handling techniques, lambing procedures, semen collection and analysis, artificial insemination techniques, estrous synchronization and detection, and record keeping.

EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING

• Two written quizzes, 50 points each
• One problem set, 50 points
• Comprehensive written lab final, 100 points
• Final lab practical, 100 points
• Participation, attendence, 50 points