AGS 225 - Swine Science

1. Evaluate industry production trends
   1. Examine production shifts among states
   2. Analyze changes in type of facilities
   3. Discuss contract production in swine
2. Examine basic genetic principles
   1. Identify genetic symbols
   2. Diagram a pedigree
   3. Review phenotype and genotype
   4. Calculate genotype from genetic problems
   5. Explain homozygous and heterozygous
3. Calculate genetic improvement
   1. State formulas used in calculating progress
   2. Demonstrate the ability to determine improvement
4. Perform sire and dam selection
   1. List desirable characteristics
   2. Review heritability estimates
   3. Explain EPD’S
   4. Select seedstock sources
5. Interpret production indexes
   1. Describe production indexes
   2. Compare test station performance indexes
   3. Select potential hersires using performance indexes
6. Assess various breeding systems
   1. Define crossbreeding
   2. Outline a rotational crossbreeding system
   3. Cite the advantages of buying herd replacement gilts
   4. Define a terminal cross
7. Critique major seedstock and semen suppliers
   1. Prepare a list of major seedstock suppliers
   2. Prepare a list of major semen suppliers
8. Evaluate the processes and implications of artificial insemination
   1. Explain how semen is collected in swine
   2. Review the method of processing boar semen
   3. Summarize proper storage of boar semen
   4. Describe proper insemination technique in swine
   5. Contrast the use of artificial insemination with natural service
9. Differentiate the major types of production systems
   1. Describe pasture farrowing
   2. Outline various confinement systems
   3. Select a system best suited to a given situation
10. Determine a production schedule
    1. Prepare a schedule for a 500 sow herd
    2. Calculate the timing of each phase of the operation
11. Organize a schedule for the breeding herd
    1. Estimate the number of and timing to obtain replacement gilts
    2. Predict the number of boars needed
    3. Calculate number of new boars should be obtained
12. Examine proper baby pig management from birth to weaning
    1. Organize a handling program for new born pigs
    2. Diagram an ear notching system
    3. Select the proper time to wean pigs
13. Evaluate feeding and nutrition of the growing and finishing pig
    1. Defend the corn/soy diet for swine
    2. Explain the protein level needed in rations for different stages of production
    3. Justify adding lysine to the swine diet
    4. Compare the use of antibiotics in the ration at different stages of production
14. Explain the implications of producing and marketing hogs under contract
    1. List the types of contracts used
    2. Name the advantages and disadvantages of contract feeding
15. Assess methods of feed processing available to the pork producer
    1. Show the value of grinding feed for swine
    2. Compare methods of grinding feed
    3. Review the value of a pelleted diet for swine
16. Determine factors influencing the proper environment for swine production
17. Demonstrate knowledge of waste handling and disposal
    1. Describe the laws affecting waste handling and disposal
    2. Review the value of manure as a fertilizer