Students learn the importance and characteristics of the U. S. swine industry. Special emphasis is placed upon selection, breeding, and feeding processes, as well as knowledge of the facility and equipment needs. Students acquire knowledge of the marketing and management expertise required for a profitable swine enterprise. During laboratory periods, students acquire management skills associated with swine production. Students gain a thorough knowledge of the comparative judging of swine, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep and horses as well as defend their ratings in written and oral presentations.
Students identify and characterize various breeds of livestock.
Students acquire a full understanding of breed characteristics of the modern beef cattle. Special emphasis is placed upon the selection, breeding, nutrition, and feeding, equipment needs, marketing and management required for a profitable beef cattle enterprise. Students acquire a basic understanding of approved management systems of dairy cattle, lactation physiology, and the care and handling of milk on the farm. Feeding, judging, and selection of dairy cattle skills are enhanced. Students apply their knowledge of chemistry and physiology in determining the nutrient requirements for the maintenance, growth, reproduction, work, and lactation needs of livestock and companion animals.