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Animal Science majors in the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture (RHSA) receive both theoretical and hands-on education in the management of livestock, dairy cattle, poultry and horses. Students interested in dairy or livestock production concentrate on the influence of genetics, physiology, nutrition, and health on the economic production of animals. Courses are designed to maintain a balance between theoretical and practical aspects of animal production. Species studied include dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, swine, poultry and horses.
The Associate of Applied Science degree program allows students to select from a variety of animal science and related courses. Formal and informal learning settings offer students the opportunity to design a unique educational experience, with exposure to all aspects of the industry. Students work directly with animals on campus, and may also choose to pursue off-campus work experience or internship opportunities in production or related enterprises.
The Dairy/Livestock program in the Ratcliffe Hicks school is offered by the Department of Animal Science. The department undertakes comprehensive teaching, research and outreach activities.
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Program Objectives
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The Dairy/Livestock option in Animal Science is designed to prepare students for a successful career in the dairy or livestock industry. Graduates should be able to:  |
• integrate the knowledge and skills required to efficiently manage dairy, beef, sheep, poultry, and swine operations
• demonstrate the ability to think clearly and critically about farm management issues and problems, and make appropriate decisions in a variety of situations
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and integrate appropriate management techniques, such as milking, feeding, young animal care, and disease control into production operations
• recognize the importance of genetics, physiology, nutrition, health, and other factors which contribute to the efficiency and quality of animal production
• use appropriate computer applications to increase the efficiency of production enterprises
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The Dairy/Livestock program provides students with a challenging and well-rounded education and combines the latest scientific knowledge with practical skills and hands-on experience. The Directory of Courses in the undergraduate catalog provides descriptions of all of courses in the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture.
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Facilities
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The Department of Animal Science has excellent teaching facilities, all within walking distance of campus. Recent renovations include additions to the horse barn, high-tech classrooms and laboratories, and expanded meat science and food science facilities. The new and spacious dairy bar provides a pleasant environment for students, employees, and visitors to enjoy our famous UConn ice cream. The new Agricultural Biotechnology building offers opportunities for faculty and students to be involved with, and contribute to, the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology.
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Dairy cattle are housed at the Kellogg Dairy Center; a modern free-stall facility. Cows are milked three times daily in a herringbone parlor, which utilizes computerized cow identification and milk production recording equipment. Computerized feeders are also used to ensure that each cow receives sufficient nutrients to maintain optimum milk production. Course work and employment opportunities allow students to improve their knowledge and skills by working with our dairy herd. The Kellogg Dairy Center includes a housing unit where a few selected students choose to work approximately ten hours per week to obtain housing. This is an excellent opportunity for students to be exposed to all aspects of dairy management.
The Department of Animal Science also maintains 60 beef cows, 150 sheep, 30 sows and a variety of poultry species for use in classroom instruction. Replacement beef heifers, sheep, swine and poultry are raised and maintained on campus. Students manage and exhibit animals as part of course requirements and extracurricular activities.
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Graduation Requirements
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Students who complete the Dairy/Livestock program earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Animal Science. In order to earn the AAS degree, students must:
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1. Earn a total of at least 64 credits applicable toward the degree - including at least 32 credits in RHSA courses taken at UConn
2. Earn at least a 2.0 total grade point average
3. Adhere to registration requirements and restrictions of the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture
4. Pass all required courses as outlined on the current AAS Plan of Study and also in the Academic Regulations section of the undergraduate catalog. The following categories are included in AAS requirements for Animal Science majors:
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Writing
Mathematics
Arts and Humanities
Social Science
Animal Science Major - Core Courses
Animal Science Major — Area of Specialization
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In order to complete 64 credits in four semesters, students need to average 16 credits per semester. Students meet with advisors regularly to discuss appropriate registration, academic concerns, and their individual interests and goals. The following outlines a suggested four-semester sequence for students in the Dairy/Livestock program:
First Semester
| SAAG 090 |
Applied Mathematics |
3 |
| SAAS 004 | Anatomy & Physiology of Animals | 3 |
| SAAS 020 | Introduction to Animal Science | 3 |
| SAPL 003 |
Introduction to Plant Science |
3 |
| SAAG 050 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
| SAAS 070 | Livestock Production | 4 |
Second Semester
| ENGL 104 | Basic Writing | 3 |
| SAAS 005 | Anatomy & Physiology of Animals | 3 |
| SAAS 006 | Nutrition & Feeding of Livestock | 3 |
| POLS 173 |
Intro to American Political Processes |
3 |
| SAPB 015 | Health & Disease Mgmt. of Animals | 3 |
| | Other SAAS/SAPL Courses | |
Third Semester
| SAAS 040 | Animal Products | 3 |
| SAAS 076 | Dairy Herd Management | 3 |
| SAPL 041 | Plant Pest Control | 3 |
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Arts and Humanities Course |
3 |
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Other SAAS/SAPL Courses |
3 |
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Fourth Semester
| POLS 173 | Intro to American Political Processes | 3 |
| SAAS 007 | Animal Breeding & Genetics | 3 |
| SAAS 077 | Applied Dairy Herd Management | 3 |
| SAAS 094 | Seminar | 1 |
| SAAS 042 | Integrated Pest Management | 3 |
| SAPB 015 | Health & Disease Mgmt. of Animals
| 3
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Extracurricular Activities
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Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities including student organizations and intramural sports. Students may especially want to be involved with clubs that complement their academic endeavors in animal science. These include the Block and Bridle Club, the Poultry Club and the Dairy Club. Additional activities include equestrian, polo and judging teams, as well as several Greek academic and service organizations.
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Career Opportunities
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Many career opportunities are available to graduates of the dairy/livestock program. These include:  |
• Farm Manager
• Veterinary Assistant
• Herd Manager
• Breed Association Representative
• Livestock Breeder
• AI Technician
• Technical Representative
• Laboratory Animal Technician
• Animal Welfare Technician
• Feed and Animal Product Sales Representative
• Animal Sales and Marketing Specialist
• Meat and Food Processing Technician
• Breed Association Representative |
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