AGS 225 - Swine Science

1. Assess the evolution of the swine industry
   1. Review the origins of swine production in the United States and around the world
   2. List the factors influencing establishment of breeds
   3. Describe relative strengths and weaknesses among breeds
   4. Articulate regional differences affecting where and how swine are raised
   5. Give examples of industry trends driving historical production shifts among states
   6. Summarize rationale for changing production methods over time
   7. Discuss the implications of contract production and integration in the swine industry
   8. Describe market and social dynamics influencing the current state of the pork production industry
   9. Envision production advancements in response to current and impending issues concerning consumer acceptance of pork products.
2. Examine the different stages of a pork production system.
   1. Describe the life cycle of various categories of swine
   2. Review performance indicator traits measured and recorded in each segment to assess production efficiency
   3. List production goals and benchmarks utilized in each productive phase
   4. Describe factors determining value progressing through each segment of the swine industry
   5. Give examples of factors influencing cost of production in each segment of the swine industry
   6. Describe purchasing and marketing methods available to pork producers in each phase
   7. Discuss opportunities and challenges inherent in various marketing methods utilized to establish price as pigs move through industry segments
   8. Utilize currently available information to calculate predicted break-even, profit or loss in relevant production scenarios
3. Evaluate management skills crucial to a modern swine operation
   1. Establish bio security protocols for a modern swine farm considering current challenges
   2. Perform sire and dam selection considering multiple genetic lines and seedstock sources utilizing available tools and pertinent information
   3. Schedule reproductive performance in various sized herds to maximize utilization of available facilities
   4. Justify common reproductive and management practices utilized in the gestation and farrowing phase
   5. Compare individual sow care and group housing options in the gestation and farrowing phase
   6. Develop a vaccination program designed to insure optimum health and performance of the sow herd and pigs moving to the next phase of production
   7. Develop health, management and nutritional protocols for starting pigs
   8. Develop an appropriate nutrition and management plan for pigs in the finishing phase
   9. Visually appraise pigs as individuals and groups for optimum market readiness recognizing relationships among frame, muscularity and finish in addition to weight
   10. Evaluate available marketing options for fed pigs to make informed selling decisions
   11. Describe appropriate animal care and handling criteria for pigs under various conditions
   12. Diagnose common problems in each phase of production in a timely manner to maximize available solutions or minimize potential for loss
4. Evaluate consumer impacts on the swine industry
   1. Describe the historical and current utilization of pork products worldwide
   2. Identify consumer preference trends affecting pork consumption over time
   3. Discuss the contributions and concerns of pork products in a healthy diet
   4. Review pork quality improvements made through producer efforts to enhance demand
   5. Give examples of issues other than consumer acceptance impacting the future swine industry
   6. Evaluate various sources of information regarding swine industry effects on the environment
   7. Discuss the existing and potential influence of synthetic imitation products on pork consumption
   8. Formulate informed and appropriate responses to common discussion topics relating to swine production
5. Consider careers in and affiliated with swine production
   1. Describe the roles and daily responsibilities of those working in various industry production segments
   2. Discuss opportunities and obstacles to start a swine production enterprise from scratch
   3. Establish basic requirements to start and sustain a swine production enterprise
   4. Identify potential niche production and alternative marketing arrangements
   5. List all potential sources of value in adding or expanding an existing swine operation to a crop production enterprise including enhanced soil fertility, increased yield, decreased input costs and shared labor.
   6. Relate the interdependence of swine production and agronomy.
   7. Relate the reliance of swine production on agricultural businesses including construction and manufacturing.
   8. List sales, service and additional careers associated with swine production
6. Perform basic skills and tasks associated with swine production in a safe and effective manner
   1. Describe basic animal behavior and handling considerations
   2. Develop familiarity with animal handling tools and equipment
   3. Apply knowledge of animal behavior to read, move and restrain animals prioritizing safety for both animals and handlers
   4. Apply knowledge of animal behavior to read, move and restrain animals appropriately for the situation
   5. Give examples of common animal health protection, treatment and management practices
   6. Actively participate and contribute to completion of swine production and management tasks