AGS 113 - Survey of the Animal Industry

1. Analyze the history of the development in the United States
   1. Discuss the use of animals in the first century of American history
   2. Review the influence of the Civil War on the development of animal agriculture
   3. List the factors opening the Midwest for cattle production
   4. Outline the rapid development of swine production
   5. Describe the rise in wild horse populations and the changes in the use of horses
2. Compare the economic impact in the state, nation and the world
   1. List the rank among states of Iowa Livestock production
   2. Outline the comparison of production in the United States to the rest of the world
   3. Review the dollar value and percentage of both exports and imports
   4. State the share of Gross National Product contributed by animal agriculture
3. Compile animal industry production trends
   1. Describe the movement to larger operations
   2. State the changes in geographical location of production for each species
4. Compare trends in consumer preference
   1. Discuss the influence of human health concerns on animal agriculture
   2. Explain how consumer preference influences both selection and production methods
   3. State the latest United States Department of Agriculture nutritional evaluation of animal products
5. Identify desirable traits in animals
   1. Name the parts of animals
   2. Review heritability estimates and their influence on genetic progress
   3. Distinguish economically important traits from fads
   4. Calculate performance and carcass measurements
   5. Calculate genetic progress by utilizing heritability estimates of economically important characteristics
6. Examine the reproductive process and its manipulation
   1. Label the parts of the reproductive system
   2. State the function of the major reproduction organs
   3. Outline the reproductive cycles of the female
   4. Define the terms associated with reproductive physiology
   5. Describe recent advancements in reproduction
7. Compare major breeds and their contribution to genetic progress
   1. List major breeds as to origin and identification
   2. Identify the most popular breeds and their contribution to animal agriculture
   3. Prepare a crossbreeding program and justify the choices
8. Assess various animal breeding systems
   1. Define terms such as purebred, crossbred, inbreeding, crossbreeding and F-1
   2. Diagram a crossbreeding system for one species
9. Analyze the major types of production systems
   1. Describe production systems used on livestock farms in Iowa
   2. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of various systems
   3. Select a system for given circumstances and defend the selection
10. Discuss correct timing of practices like castration, docking, and weaning
    1. Identify desirable practices for each species
    2. Outline the importance of each practice and impact of improper timing
    3. List the practices and the stage of production in which they should be carried out
11. Examine the impact of artificial insemination and embryo transfer
    1. State the history of artificial insemination for the different species
    2. List the advantages and disadvantages of artificial insemination
    3. Describe the technique utilized with embryo transfer
    4. Outline generation turnover and opportunity for genetic improvement with embryo transfer
12. Summarize the process of milk secretion and milk letdown
    1. Describe the internal anatomy of the udder
    2. Review the physiology of milk secretion
    3. List the factors influencing milk letdown
13. Review proper care of dam and offspring at parturition
    1. State the length of gestation for each species
    2. Name the indicators that parturition is imminent
    3. Describe proper presentation of the fetus in a normal delivery
    4. Outline methods of resolving improper presentation of the fetus
    5. Explain handling of the newborn animal the first two days of life
14. Explain the evaluation of the end product in the market place
    1. Name the quality grades and the yield grades of carcasses
    2. Summarize the factors affecting carcass grades
    3. List the measurements often taken on carcasses for evaluation and the minimum standards
15. Outline production testing procedures available to livestock producers
    1. Identify procedures often used in testing livestock
    2. Name central testing facilities available in Iowa
    3. Calculate adjustments for age, size and sex in performance data
    4. Outline a production testing program for a producer in one species