Department of Animal Science
Department Chair: Bill Torngren
Department Secretary: Vione Migel (208) 496-3170
Department Faculty: Nick BaldwinMark OrchardKerry Powell

 
Department of Animal Science
The  Department  of  Animal  Science  has  two  programs  that  prepare  students  for  work  in  the  agricultural  livestock  industry,  a  two-year  Associate  degree  in  Beef  Production  Management  (209)  and  a  four-year  Bachelor  of  Science  degree  (645).

For  students  interested  in  the  Pre-Veterinary  minor  see  the  Dean  of  the  College  of  Agriculture  and  Life  Sciences.
 
Internship
Programs  in  both  Beef  Production  Management  and  Animal  Science  offer  students  on-the-job  training  in  a  wide  variety  of  settings.    Students  must  maintain  a  GPA  of  2.0  or  better  to  qualify  for  an  internship.    The  students  are  exposed  to  numerous  concepts  and  techniques  by  participating  ranch  and  industry  managers.
 
Associate Degree in Beef Production Management. (209)
This  option  prepares  students  to  apply  practical,  state-of-the-art  management  techniques  as  ranch  managers.    Skills  in  practical  veterinary  medicine,  feedlot  operation,  nutrition,  animal  reproduction,  farming  and  the  business  aspects  of  cattle  ranching  are  stressed  in  the  courses.    This  program  extends  over  two  academic  years,  plus  one  summer  term.    A  four  to  eight-week  internship  is  required.
 
Bachelors of Science with Major in Animal Science. (645)
This  option  is  designed  for  students  who  plan  to  complete  a  four  year  university  program  in  Animal  Science.    Students  in  this  major  will  be  exposed  in  greater  depth  to  a  variety  of  industry  related  courses  and  be  prepared  to  go  directly  in  to  the  work  force  or  continue  in  graduate  programs.    Two  four-to-eight  week  internships  are  required  for  this  major,  one  at  the  end  of  the  freshman  year  and  another  during  the  senior  year.
 
Facilities
The  Department  of  Animal  Science  is  housed  at  the  Brigham  Young  University-Idaho  Livestock  Center  located  five  miles  west  of  Rexburg.    Facilities  include  indoor  and  outdoor  arenas,  a  feedlot,  a  horse  barn,  corrals,  meat  processing  lab,  teaching  stations,  and  about  a  250  acre  farm.

Travel  to  and  from  this  facility  is  the  responsibility  of  the  student.
 
Career Outlook
The  employment  opportunities  for  students  graduating  in  Beef  Production/Animal  Science  are  promising.    Graduates  primarily  find  jobs  as  ranch  managers,  herdsmen,  marketing  specialists,  financial  advisors,  ranch  consultants,  feedlot  managers,  or  store  managers.
 
Program Description
 


S.A.  in Beef Production Management (209)


General Education Requirements

In addition to the classes listed below, fulfill the University requirements listed on the General Education page.

Basic skills requirement for GE requirement.
 Take all of these courses
 IS 140


AND
 Take 1 Course
 CHEM 100
 CHEM 101


Major Requirements

 Take all of these courses 

 AGBUS 102
 AGBUS 347
 AGRON 220
 AGRON 220L
 AGRON 330
 AGSYS 220
 AGSYS 240
 AGSYS 320
 AS 100
 AS 215
 AS 215L
 AS 220
 AS 236
 AS 260
 AS 298R
 AS 315
 AS 315L
 AS 355
 AS 355L
 AS 360

Sample Sequence of Courses

Consult with your advisor as you plan each semester.
 
S.A.  in Beef Production Management
First Semester
AS 1001
AS 2154
AS 215L0
IS 1403
Religion2
Mathematics3
Reading and Writing (English)3
Total Credits16
Second Semester
AGBUS 1023
AS 2203
AS 2363
CHEM 1004
Religion2
Total Credits15
Third Semester
AGRON 2203
AGRON 220L1
AGSYS 3203
AS 3153
AS 315L0
AS 3603
Religion2
Total Credits15
Fourth Semester
AGBUS 3473
AGRON 3303
AGSYS 2402
AS 3553
AS 355L0
Total Credits11
 


B.S.  in Animal Science (645)


General Education Requirements

As you fill the General Education and University Requirements take the classes listed below and then go to General Education for a complete listing of the requirements

 Take 1 Course 

 ENG 111
 ENG 111C
 ENG 111H

AND
      Take 1 Course      

      ENG 316
      ENG 316C


AND
Recommended courses:
Basic Skills: IS 140,
Biological Science: BIO 100&102 OR BIO 121&122,
American Institutions: Econ 111,
Social Science: Econ 112
 Take 1 Course 

 CHEM 101
 CHEM 105


Major Requirements

 Take all of these courses 

 AS 100
 AS 150
 AS 215
 AS 215L
 AS 220
 AS 236
 AS 298R
 AS 315
 AS 315L
 AS 355
 AS 355L
 AS 498
 AS 499


AND
At least 20 credits must be earned from the list below. No more than 4 of these 20 credits can come from the following courses: AS 140, AS 145, AS 240, AS 245, AS 247, AS 440, AS 490.
 Take 20 Credits 

 AGBUS 102
 AGBUS 102L
 AGRON 220
 AGRON 220L
 AGRON 330
 AGSYS 320
 AS 140
 AS 145
 AS 233
 AS 240
 AS 245
 AS 247
 AS 330
 AS 340
 AS 360
 AS 420
 AS 430
 AS 440
 AS 490
 CHEM 150

Sample Sequence of Courses

Consult with your advisor as you plan each semester.
 
B.S.  in Animal Science
First Semester
AS 1001
AS 1503
ENG 1113
Religion2
Major Courses6
Total Credits15
Second Semester
CHEM 1014
Religion2
Mathematics3
Major Courses6
Total Credits15
Third Semester
AS 2154
AS 215L0
AS 2203
AS 2363
Religion2
Major Courses3
Total Credits15
Fourth Semester
AS 298R4
AS 3153
AS 315L0
Religion2
Major Courses6
Total Credits15
Fifth Semester
AS 3553
AS 355L0
Religion2
Letters3
Major Courses7
Total Credits15
Sixth Semester
ENG 3163
Religion2
Major Courses10
Total Credits15
Seventh Semester
Religion2
Arts3
Major Courses10
Total Credits15
Eighth Semester
AS 4984
AS 4991
Major Courses10
Total Credits15



Minor in  Animal Science (140)



Minor Requirements

 Take all of these courses

 AS 150
 AS 220
 AS 236
 AS 260
 AS 315
 AS 315L
 AS 355
 AS 355L

AND
      Take 1 Course

      AS 340
      AS 360

     AND
      Take 4 Credits

      AS 140
      AS 145
      AS 233
      AS 240
      AS 245
      AS 247
      AS 330
      AS 340
      AS 360
      AS 420
      AS 430
      AS 440
      AS 490
      CHEM 150

 
Course Descriptions

AS 100 Animal Science Orientation (1:1:0)
An orientation to university life, techniques used by successful students, explanation of animal science department offerings and expectations, as well as career exploration in the evolving world of animal science.
 
AS 140 Basic Equitation (1:0:2)
Fee:  $100.00
Western riding skills emphasizing establishment of a balanced seat and proper use of aids. Instruction in handling, grooming, saddling, and control of the horse.
 
AS 145 Trailriding (1:0:2)
Fee:  $100.00
Prerequisite: AS 140 or an equivalent amount of riding experience/consent of instructor
This course is designed to help those who have had some experience riding horses expand on those experiences by learning first hand appropriate trail etiquette, proper trailer techniques, appropriate tack, and how to enjoy many of the beautiful sights and sounds of Southeastern Idaho from the back of your favorite horse.
 
AS 150 Intro to Livestock Production (3:3:0)
Overview of various livestock enterprises, including beef, dairy, sheep, swine and horse industries. Basic principles used in the various industries are presented. Emphasis given to current and future trends in animal science.
 
AS 165 Live Animal & Carcass Evaluation (2:1:2)
Judging, grading, and methods of selection of market animals and carcasses. This course will provide students with guidelines for evaluation and selection procedures as applied to breeding, feeder and market swine, beef cattle and sheep. Will also provide principles for livestock and meat judging.
 
AS 215 Anatomy & Physiology (3:3:0)
Fee:  $20.00
A systems approach to the study of animal anatomy and physiology. Includes structure and function of the cell, skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive and reproductive systems. Practical applications of anatomy and physiology and their relation to diseases and disorders.
 
AS 215L Anatomy & Physiology (1:0:2)
Laboratory experience covering microscopic cellular anatomy, cadaver dissection and live animal palpation. Two hours per week studying the systems of the animal body being covered in the lecture portion of the class.
 
AS 220 Feeds & Nutrition (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: Math 110 & Chem 105
The study of the principles of animal nutrition as applied to nutrient digestion and metabolism, feedstuff characteristics, and principles for formulating nutritionally balanced diets.
 
AS 225 Range Ecology I (3:3:0)
Fee:  $10.00
Introductory study of the management of dynamic systems including the study of both large and small living organisms and their impact on ecological processes. This course is designed to teach students basic understanding of systems thinking, problem solving and the four processes making up an ecosystem including; water cycyling, mineral cycling, energy flow and biotic state. Students will investigate the unique relationship of large and small living organism impact on these processes in creating a healthy, sustainable ecosystem. Undergraduates will discover the different tools used to enhance these processes for long term economic return.
 
AS 240 Intermediate Equitation (1:0:2)
Fee:  $100.00
Prerequisite: AS 140
Instructor level skills in horsemanship. Horsemanship skills in trail riding, western riding, barrel racing, pole bending, team penning and team roping.
 
AS 245 Packing & Outfitting (2:2:1)
Fee:  $100.00
Techniques of horse and mule packing in wilderness areas, including equipment and stock management, route planning, camp set up, cooking and first aid.
 
AS 247 Animal Handling and Behavior (2:1:3)
 
AS 248 Draft Horses - for Work and Pleasure (2:2:4)
Fee:  $40.00
This course is to prepare students to safely hitch and drive a variety of horse drawn vehicles with draft animals for work or recreational purposes.
 
AS 265  (2:2:2)
 
AS 315 Animal Health (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: AS 215
Introduction and categorization of livestock diseases and basic principles of disease prevention programs.
 
AS 315L Applied Animal Health Lab (1:0:2)
Hands-on procedures of animal handling and health practices. Techniques such as restraint, injections, calving assistance, dehorning, vaccination, etc.
 
AS 320 Feedlot Management (2:2:0)
Prerequisite: AS 220
Designed for students interested in pursuing a career in beef feedlot management or other related agribusiness areas.
 
AS 320  (3:2:0)
Prerequisite: AS 220
 
AS 325 Range Ecology II (3:5:2)
Fee:  $10.00
Prerequisite: AS 225
 
AS 330 Artificial Insemination (2:1:2)
Fee:  $10.00
Prerequisite: Recommend AS 215 or AS 336
Development of manual skills required for cattle insemination using frozen semen. Subject matter includes principles related to selection criteria for sires, semen storage, estrus detection and synchronization. Class time is combined with practice time using live cattle.
 
AS 333 Livestock Genetics (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: AS 150
Study of animal breeding principles involved in improving livestock through genetic selection methods. Exploration of genetic theories and mating systems currently used in animal agriculture.
 
AS 336 Animal Reproduction (3:3:2)
Study of reproduction in cattle, sheep, horses and pigs. Instruction in basic reproductive anatomy, and the processes involved in prenatal development, puberty, conception and parturition. Application of reproductive principles as used in estrus synchronization, insemination, ultrasonography and embryo transfer.
 
AS 340 Horse Production (3:3:2)
Production practices in the selection, care and evaluation of horses. Designed to provide students with better understanding of the modern equine industry. Students will learn principles of horse health, breeds of horses, their characteristics, and their uses, as well as equine behavior, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and reproduction.
 
AS 350 Small Animal Production (3:3:2)
Fee:  $10.00
Prerequisite: AS 150 & 220
This course provides a hands-on, in-depth study of how to make money in swine, sheep, goats and poultry. The goal of this course is for the student to learn how to transform their investment of dollars and time into profitable and rewarding farm enterprises. The course will be centered on the production of swine, sheep and goats, as well as poultry production.
 
AS 355 Meats / Live Evaluation (2:2:0)
Prerequisite: AS 215, taken in conjunction with AS 356
 
AS 356 Meat Practicum (1:0:3)
Prerequisite: Taken in conjunction with AS 355
The study of meat science including harvesting, processing, identifying specific cuts, and retailing of beef, lamb and pork. Live and harvested evaluation of beef, hogs and lambs. Course includes meat identification, economic structure of the meat industry, supply and demand models, human nutrition, US & Global consumption, production & marketing.
 
AS 360 Beef Production (3:2:2)
Fee:  $10
Prerequisite: AS 150, 220 & 336
Applied techniques and principles of beef production and management. Lectures will be designed to help students better understand the demands, trends and management tools of the beef industry and they will receive hands on training concerning health care, reproduction, nutrition, cattle selection, breeds, best management practices and economical tools used in management decisions.
 
AS 420  (3:3:2)
 
AS 425 Ruminant Nutrition (3:3:2)
Fee:  $5.00
Prerequisite: AS 220
A study of digestive physiology, including intake, digestion, absorption, utilizations and factors affecting the nutritional status of the ruminant animal.
 
AS 430 Advanced Reproduction (4:3:3)
Fee:  $20.00
Prerequisite: AS 215, AS 336, AS 330 or proficiency in artificial insemination, consent of instructor
Development of skills involved in livestock reproduction technologies such as estrus synchronization, pregnancy detection, ultrasonography and embryo transfer. Cattle are the focus species.
 
AS 435 Equine Nutrition (3:3:2)
Prerequisite: AS 220
A study of the various factors influencing equine nutrient requirement for maintenance, growth, reproduction, lactation and work. Feeding practices, determination of appropriate feedstuffs and economical feeding principles will be applied.
 
AS 440  (2:0:2)
 
AS 455 Rangeland Inventory & Analysis & Lab (3:1:3)
Prerequisite: AS 225 & Bio 302
Rangeland ecology and vegetation measurements including condition, trend, utilization, suitability and production.
 
AS 466 Rangeland Vegetation Manipulation and Improvement (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: AS 225
Rangeland habitat improvement by manipulating plant communities. Techniques include: prescribed fire, biological control, herbicide treatments, mechanical treatments and manipulation by herbivory.
 
AS 490 Individual Studies (1-3:0:0)
Independent study, special assignment and/or advanced inquiry in an area of special interest; approved after consultation with instructor in charge. (Upon request)
 
AS 498R Internship (1-4:0:0)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Work experience in agricultural related setting. Students work under employer supervision, submitting weekly reports as well as a final report. Many of the internships are student-located and may provide financial compensation.
 
AS 499 Senior Seminar (1:1:0)
A course designed to enhance student communication and presentation skills prior to entering the work force.