Exploring animal science

Abstract

Exploring Animal Science is designed for use in introductory animal science courses at the middle school and early high school levels. It emphasizes readability, organization, and practical applications in animal science. Th is text includes traditional livestock and poultry as well as exotic animals, such as rabbits, large game animals, ratites, game birds, llamas, and alpacas, and companion animals, such as dogs and cats. By integrating the study of exotic and companion animals with livestock and poultry, this text presents ideas that can be related to both traditional and nontraditional animal science students. Th e text is based on the most up-to-date information available and is applicable to all areas of the United States. Section 1 includes an overview of the animal science industry- its history, the career opportunities available, safety and biosecurity, and environmental concerns. Section 2 introduces the concepts of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and feeding as they apply to the study of animal science. Section 3 is centered on animal reproduction with information regarding genetics, biotechnology, and different animal breeding systems. Sections 4, 5, 6, and 9 detail the production, management, selection, judging, fi tting, and showing aspects of beef cattle, swine, sheep and goats, and dairy cattle respectively. Section 7 discusses the management and training associated with horses. Section 8 includes an overview of the poultry industry. Sections 10 and 11 contain overviews of companion and exotic animals.