AGS 114 - Survey of the Animal Industry

1. Analyze contributions of domestic animals and animal agriculture to humanity
   1. Characterize the roles of domesticated animals in the development and advancements of civilization 
   2. Discuss the role of animal products in the global food supply and the impact of trends in the production and use of animals and animal derived products throughout human history 
   3. Compare the nutrient value of beef, pork, lamb, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products
   4. Describe the domestic and international nonfood contributions of livestock 
   5. Acknowledge the existence and sentiments of groups opposed to animal agriculture and prospective challenges to animal production and utilization
   6. Identify careers within animal agriculture and affiliated industries
2. Examine the international and domestic beef, dairy, horse, poultry, sheep, goat and swine industries and nontraditional livestock enterprises
   1. Describe differences in food production and agricultural productivity between regions of the world
   2. Quantify the economic impact of the U.S. livestock industry and the role of international trade on livestock and livestock products
   3. Recognize innovations, natural advantages and other factors contributing to improved U.S. agricultural productivity
   4. Explain factors influencing domestic consumption patterns of red meat, poultry and eggs, milk and dairy products
   5. Identify common production goals and decision making dynamics influencing each segment of vertically integrated livestock production systems
3. Assess the cumulative worth of animals products progressing through available market channels
   1.  Contrast marketing alternatives for red meat, poultry and eggs and milk products
   2.  Describe the physical structure and composition of animal products
   3.  Summarize processing of red meat, poultry, egg, milk and dairy products
   4. Recall wholesale and retail cuts of beef, veal, pork and lamb
   5. Outline the factors affecting production, processing and value of wool and mohair
   6. Identify major edible and inedible by-products from livestock and the role of the rendering industry
   7. Differentiate animals and animal product value according to market classes and calculated USDA grades
   8. Infer conformational and compositional characteristics of market animals from visual appraisal
4. Evaluate productive capabilities of livestock utilizing application of basic biological and management principles
   1. Identify common terms and functions of primary anatomical structures and hormones associated with the reproductive process
   2. Compare and contrast standard life-cycles including duration, timing and potential manipulation of reproductive benchmarks for the major livestock species 
   3. Understand the conditions required to achieve pregnancy, the normal birthing process, proper management of newborn animals and implications of abnormal parturition
   4. Describe the potential advantages, possible disadvantages and processes involved when employing various reproductive technologies
   5. Recognize basic principles of inheritance, available predictive information and strategies to generate genetic change in a population 
   6. Categorize breeds according to original purposes, biological type and expected genetic contributions to animal agriculture
   7. Discuss applications of alternative selection methods and mating strategies by improvement oriented animal breeders
   8. Indicate the role of nutrients necessary for support of animal health and productivity
   9. Contrast digestive tract variation between species and corresponding differences in consumption and utilization of common feed ingredients
   10. Articulate animal health management and environmental conditions conducive to achieving optimum growth and productivity
5. Outline fundamental life cycle differences among domestic animal species and justification for varying types of production systems
   1. Recognize common performance goals and ambitions of all livestock producers regardless of management style
   2. Describe production systems used on livestock farms in Iowa and around the world
   3. Explain the challenges presented by alternative housing, rearing and management methods and the influence of those decisions on productive expectations
   4. Summarize the symbiotic relationship between livestock production and other agricultural endeavors
6. Compare organizations who support, promote and oppose animal agriculture