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Course Syllabus

Course: AGBS 2500

Division: Business and Applied Tech
Department: Business
Title: Applied Animal Reproduction & Breeding

Semester Approved: Summer 2021
Five-Year Review Semester: Spring 2026
End Semester: Spring 2027

Catalog Description: This course introduces students to animal reproduction. The course will cover the anatomy, function and regulation of livestock reproductive cycle. Breeding systems and processes, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, semen evaluation and collection, synchronization, pregnancy diagnosis, parturition and lactation, will be covered. Students will be introduced to genetic selection principles and methods of genetic and production measurement for the improvement of livestock.

Semesters Offered: Fall
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0

Justification: Knowledge of reproduction and the factors that influence reproduction processes are critical for efficient management of livestock businesses. Livestock production continues to increasingly be more intensively managed. The need to produce genetically functional and superior animals that can cope with today's management systems is increasingly important. The class covers reproductive anatomy and physiology, hormonal control of the reproductive system and a review of practical animal genetics and selection principles. Students seeking employment in livestock production and related careers will gain a foundation of large animal and companion animal applied reproduction and breeding practices. As students move to a four-year program this class prepares them for the advanced reproductive classes needed for animal science and equine science majors.


Student Learning Outcomes:
As a result of taking this course, students will know and describe the anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive tracts of domestic animals and their basic function.  Assessment will be through demonstration on livestock reproductive tracts, assignments and exams.

Students will be exposed to reproductive management techniques of artificial insemination, estrus synchronization, embryo transfer, and semen evaluation and collection.  Student knowledge will be assessed through discussions, demonstrations, integrated project, and exam.

Students will distinguish the various phases of the complete reproduction cycle, estrus, pregnancy, gestation, and parturition. Knowledge will be assessed through assignments, an integrated project, and exams.

Students will become aware of the variation in economically important reproductive traits and selection and management for improved profitability.  Students will be assessed through an integrated group project of applying selection indexes and exams.

Students will recognize the constantly increasing knowledge base in reproduction management and application in livestock systems.  Assessment will occur through a written technical research paper.


Content:
Course objectives will be accomplished by providing students with the following learning experiences: Anatomy and physiology of domestic animal reproductive tracts for both male and female; Determining puberty, estrus, fertilization, gestation and parturition; Synchronizing estrus, artificial insemination and embryo transfer; Parturition and caring for the young; Genetics and environmental interactions on reproduction; Animal performance measures; Performance testing and evaluation; Simple statistical evaluation of group performance; AI breed books and sire analysis. Students will complete a technical research paper from a selected group of current reproductive practices and topics.

Student experiences with livestock and companion animals will be solicited to provide diverse insight and greater understanding of the application of reproductive management. This will broaden the student’s knowledge base across a variety of student experiences, farm and nonfarm, traditional and non-traditional.

Key Performance Indicators:
Written tests and exams 10 to 20%

Homework assignments and quizzes 10 to 20%

Individual projects and discussions 25 to 45%

Group projects and presentations 25 to 45%

Technical research paper 10 to 40%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Text: Applied Animal Reproduction: H. Joe Bearden, John W. Fuquay, Scott T. Willard (any edition)


Pedagogy Statement:
Content will be taught through lectures, class discussions, and demonstrations. Class projects, both individual and group, are designed to align with a variety of student interests, backgrounds and experiences from companion animals to livestock for achieving puberty, breeding, parturition and nurturing of the young. Each student's variety of experiences in raising animals will be drawn upon to add inclusivity and applicability to understanding and application of reproductive management in animals.

Instructional Mediums:
Lecture

Maximum Class Size: 30
Optimum Class Size: 24