This module introduces the foundations of animal genetics. Students will explore early discoveries in heredity and predict the traits of offspring from different types of crosses.

Animal reproduction is essential to the entire field of animal science. This module discusses the basics of livestock animal reproduction processes in the United States and why they are important for producers to earn a profit.

This module explores the complexity of animal nutrition. Students will learn about several aspects of animal nutrition and feed, from the nutrient composition needed for healthy livestock diets to the anatomy, physiology and metabolic processes of animal digestive systems.

Each breed of dairy cattle has different physical and internal characteristics that affect the way milk can be utilized by consumers or made into dairy products.

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• identify multiple breeds of dairy cattle
• differentiate between dairy production system operations and their products and by-products
• assess consumer perceptions and expectations of dairy cattle production.

This module discusses the intricacies of beef production in the United States, including characteristics and origins of different breeds of beef cattle, production system operations, products and by-products, and the difference between grain-finished and grass-finished beef cattle.

In this module, students will learn about each breed of swine and how their production characteristics contribute to efficient and effective production of pork products. This module also explores the differences between male and female swine production characteristics and examines the global significance of swine production and consumption.

When producing horses, it is essential to understand the many breeds of horses and their purposes. In this module, students will first investigate coat colors and markings of horses using proper terminology. They will then learn to identify and classify 10 common breeds of stock, racing, saddle, pleasure and draft horses based on phenotype and significant production characteristics.

In this module, students will learn about poultry production systems, various poultry breeds and the significance of biosecurity and health measures for effective poultry production.

Students will receive an introduction to the similarities and differences between sheep and goats, popular breeds of each, and the purposes, products, and by-products of sheep and goat production.

Meat science is a complex topic. Learning about the meat industry helps students become informed consumers and understand the end uses of many animals.

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• describe the relationship between color and quality of meat products
• explain the factors impacting quality grades and yield grades
• identify nutritional components and health benefits of meat consumption
• understand the components and controversies of lab-grown protein
• identify laws and governmental regulations of the United States meat industry
• recognize and describe principles and methods of food safety in meat processing systems.

This module introduces students to the basics of livestock evaluation. Students will learn to recognize ideal traits of animals used for breeding herds or sold for market, as well as the practice of judging beef, sheep and swine.

Animal housing is a vital part of the livestock production industry. Proper livestock housing provides shelter from weather and predators and provides a physical structure to maintain and evaluate production animals for proper health and welfare.

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• analyze various forms of livestock housing, facilities, fencing and waste management practices
• assess physical and mental animal welfare concerns, consumer concerns and environmental factors related to livestock production.