Animal Science Merit Badge

Program
Based Upon
Boy Scouts of America
Merit Badge Series
 Introductions
Your instructors
Our jobs
Our qualifications
 (Sample) Agenda for Today
Classroom instruction one hour
Break 15 minutes
Classroom instruction one hour
Break 15 minutes
Lunch 45 minutes
Livestock visit 90 minutes
Fun quiz and competition 30 minutes
Final questions and comments 15 minutes
Signing of blue cards
 Special Notes
Take notes right onto your worksheet when
possible
We will be doing the (INSERT SPECIES) track
Be prepared to tell us about the name and
location of your livestock operation, the Super
Breed youll create and why it will work for your
location and business model
Sounds hard, but by the end of this lecture, you
will have the answer!!!!
Livestock Breeding and
Breeds
 Breeds and Their Purposes
Beef cow: produces calves that will be
raised for meat
Milk cow: produces milk
Different breeds known for different
characteristics. For example:
Holstein, Jersey known for milk
Angus, Hereford known for good muscle,
which means good beef
 Livestock Breeding
Animal breeds result from generations of
breeding to develop animals with key traits
Breed associations set standards for
characteristics that make a true breed
Purebred = only animals of same breed
Cross-bred = animals of more than one
breed
 Beef Cattle
People dont eat
grass, hay or
coarse vegetation
Cattle do and
they can convert
grass and
roughages into
meat, milk and Cattle are the most efficient means to
derive food from wooded and
usable by- mountainous lands unsuited for crops
products
 Terms to Describe Beef and Dairy
Cattle
Bull a sexually intact (uncastrated) adult male
Bullock a young bull
Steer a male castrated before reaching sexual maturity
Cow a mature female
Calf a young animal of either sex
Heifer a young cow that has not produced a calf
Heiferette a young cow that has not produced more
than one calf
Springer a heifer or cow that is nearly ready to calve
Freemartin a female calf that is more as a twin with a
male and is sterile
 Major Breeds of European Beef Cattle

Limousin -- Developed in Angus -- From Scotland, came to U.S. in

France, came to U.S. in 1971. Noted 1873. Noted for high quality beef. Popular in
for extra thickness and muscling. central, southern and western U.S.

Shorthorn -- Originated in England, Hereford -- English breed, came to U.S. in

came to America in 1780s. Valued for meat 1817. Can graze on open range and known
and as draft animals. Adaptable, nurturing, for good mothering. Popular in West and
good reproduction, disposition and feed Southwest.
conversion.
 Major Breeds of European Cattle
Charloais-- Developed in France,
came to U.S. Known for ability to
grow rapidly and produce lean, tender
beef that is fine textured and of
excellent quality.
Chianina -- One of worlds oldest breeds.
Came to U..S. from Italy in 1971. Good beef
breed, well muscled with thin layer of fat.
Simmental -- Came to U.S.
from Europe In 1971. Often
crossed with Angus and
Charloais. Good beef animals.
 Major U.S. Breeds of Cattle
Polled Hereford
-- Bred to have no
horns (polled). Can
graze over vast range;
do well in Southwest.

Beefmaster -- Dual purpose breed:

excellent mothers and carcasses/beef yield.

Santa
Gertrudis --
Shorthorn cows
bred to Brhaman
bulls; do well in
hot weather.

Brangus -- Cross bred

Brahman/Angus, do well in hot
weather.
 Cross Breeding Example

Angus + Simmental = Simmangus

Rationale: Angus females have good milk supply; Angus males
produce good beef. Simmentals are large.
If cattle live in a desert environment, a
breeder might choose a Brahman (at
left) to cross because they can
withstand harsh conditions.
 Registered or Commercial?
Registered usually in smaller operations.
Purebred can produce superior, more uniform
animal that generates premium
Must be market for premium animals
Commercial operations typically use
cross-breeds for adaptability and
productivity
Less work to maintain pedigree
 Dairy Cattle
Produce milk, a high quality protein and
source of vitamins and minerals
California, Wisconsin, New York,
Pennsylvania and Minnesota lead way in
milk production
Older dairy cows that dont produce milk
any longer are processed for beef
 Major Dairy Breeds
Holstein
Descended from cattle developed in northern
Netherlands and Germany. Most popular dairy breed in
U.S. Noted for producing large volumes of milk with
low butterfat.

Jersey
From Isle of Jersey in the English Channel. Often were
kept aboard ships to provide milk on sea journeys and
probably came to America with early Colonists.
Produce rich milk with high butterfat and protein.

Milking Shorthorn
Dual purpose breed important to pioneers, who relied
on it for milk and meat. Modern Milking Shorthorns
raised mainly to produce milk.
 Major Dairy Breeds
Brown Swiss
One of worlds oldest dairy breeds,
Came to Massachusetts in 1869 from
Switzerland. Known for their calm
dispositions.

Ayrshire
Originated in Scotland. Today is found
mostly in Northeast and Midwest U.S.
Well built, strong and rugged. Calves
must be dehorned.

Guernsey
Originated on the Isle of Guernsey off the
northern Coast of France. Guernseys
found mostly in central states of U.S.
Medium sized, gentle and easy to handle.
 Horses
In 1920, 27 million
horses lived in the
U.S.
Today, there are
approximately 4
million.
Cars, trucks and
tractors caused the
decline.
 Horse Terms
Stallion a sexually intact male horse more
than three years of age
Stud a stallion used for breeding
Colt and intact male up to three years of age
Gelding a castrated male horse of any age
Mare a mature female
Filly a female horse age three years or
younger
Foal a male or female less than one year old
Weanling a just weaned horse of either age
 Terms to Describe Horses
Baldface a mostly white face
Blaze a large white patch on
the face
Star any small white patch on
the forehead
Snip any small white patch
near the muzzle
Sock a white patch above
the foot
 Horse Breeds
American Saddlebred
Developed during Colonial days in Virginia, Kentucky and
Tennessee. Popular for its easy, comfortable ride.
Appaloosa
Probably came to U.S. with Spanish explorers. In 1900s,
owned by the Nez Perce Indians of the Northwest. Mostly
stock and recreation horses.

Morgan
Founded by single outstanding bay stallion named Justin
Morgan, who was born in 1789. Renowned for strength,
speed and stamina and for his ability to pass traits to
offspring. Morgans are popular saddle horses, rotting
racers, carriage horses and show horses. Some used as
cow horses on cattle ranches.
 Horse Breeds
Arabian
Developed in Arabia and bred in the U.S. since the Colonial
period. Noted as an easy keeper, Arabians can be kept on less
than ideal pasture and grain rations, making it an economical
horse to keep.

Paint
From early human cave paintings, Egyptian wall murals, and early
Chinese statues, we known this horse has been around for a long
time. Spanish brought them to the U.S. in the 1600s. By 1800s,
Paints, also called pintos, were favorites of American Indians and
Cowboys. Well muscled, powerful animals that perform well
under saddle. Have calm disposition and intelligence.

Quarterhorse
First horse breed developed and established in the Americas.
Stallions of Arab, Barb and Turk Breeds shipped to Americas by
Spanish explorers were crossed with mares from England in
1611. Famous for cow sense. Used in ranch work and rodeos.
 Horse Breeds
Shetland
Shetland pony was developed in the Shetland
Islands 100 miles north of Scotland. It was originally
used in coal mines to pull heavy loads in tight
spaces. Widely used today as a childs mount and
show pony.

Standard Bred
A thoroughbred standard named Messenger bred in
the 18th century to native mares that were natural
trotters gave birth to this breed that is used mostly
in racing.

Tennessee Walking Horse

Known for smooth and easy gait, the breed was
founded in middle Tennessee. It is the favorite of
park rangers, mounted police, hunters, show ring
performers, competitive trail rides.
 Horse Breeds
Thoroughbred
Developed in England for racing, arrived
here in the 18th century. Used almost
exclusively for racing. Tend to be
nervous and excitable.

Draft Horse
Type of horse that includes several
breeds like Clydesdale, Percheron, Shire
and Suffolk. Known as the truck and
tractor of the 19th century, they work
animals primarily.
 Sheep
Good foragers that can be produced
economically on land that is useless for
crops.
Can graze on land that other livestock
cannot.
200 sheep breeds in the world and 35 in
the U.S. Most are of British and European
origin.
Produce lamb, mutton and wool.
 Terms to Describe Sheep
Ewes mature female sheep
Rams mature, sexually intact males
Wethers male sheep castrated before
sexual maturity
Lambs young sheep
 Meat Cuts of Sheep
Younger sheep
produce meat we
call lamb

Older sheep
produce mutton,
which is a more
strongly flavored
lamb not
commonly
consumed in the
U.S.
 Sheep: Ewe Breeds
Merino
First imported into the U.S. in the 18 th
century. There are three types A and B of
the American Merino, and type C of the
Delaine Merino. The major difference is the
skin wrinkles (Delaine is the smoothest).
They are strong, hardy and herd well.

Rambouillet
A good wool producer that offers acceptable
meat. Herd well and are popular in range
country. Breed was developed from Merino
stock imported from Spain into France in
1786. Came to the U.S. in the 19th century.
 Sheep: Ram Breeds
Suffolk
Developed in England and brought to U.S. in 1800s.
Large hardy breed tolerates heat well and adopts to
range conditions of western states. Ewes are
excellent mothers and lambs mature rapidly.
Hampshire
From southern England, Hampshire is a large,
active breed, well muscles, hornless and noted for
strength, vigor and mild disposition. Do well on the
range.
Columbia
Originated in Wyoming and Idaho from the crossing
of Lincoln rams (a long-wool breed) and
Rambouillet ewes. Produces high quality fleece.
Adapts well to range.
 Sheep: Ram Breeds
Shropshire
Developed in England and first appeared in U.S. in
1855. Good meat animal, grows rapidly and shears 8
to 12 pounds annually.

Oxford
Developed in south-central England, the Oxford
arrived in this country in 1846. Shears heavier than
other ram breeds with 10 to 12 pounds of wool each
year.

Southdown
Native to Southeastern England, Southdown arrived
in the U.S. by the 17th century. An excellent meat
breed, the Southdown also produces good wool but
in small amounts.
 Sheep: Ram Breeds
Dorset
Originated in England and found throughout U.S.
except in Mountain states and extreme Southeast.
Multiple births and out of season lambs are
common. Good carcass quality.

Corriedale
A dual purpose breed, the Corriedale was developed
in New Zealand from Lincoln rams and Merino
ewes. Breed imported into Wyoming in 1914.
Breed sheers 10-12 pounds of wool per year. Both
sexes polled.

Cheviot
Also a dual purpose breed, the Cheviot originated
on the border between Scotland and England and
arrived in the U.S. in 1838. Noted for its vigor, good
milking and nurturing and ability to adapt to rugged
grading conditions. Fleece is light at 5-7 pounds
annually. Legs have no wool. Both sexes are
polled.
 Goats
Goats are grazing animals that eat lots of
plants.
Some ranchers used them to clear plants
from pastures.
Thrive in harsh environments.
Domestic goats produce milk, meat,
leather and wool.
Goat meat is increasingly popular in the
U.S. among ethnic populations.
 Goat Terms
Billy goat or buck adult male goat
Nanny goat or doe adult female
Kid goat less than a year
 Goat Milk vs. Cow Milk
Both are 87 percent
water, 3 to 4 percent
protein, 3 to 5 percent fat
and 5 percent lactose
(milk sugar)
Goats milk has more
vitamin A but smaller
amounts of certain B
vitamins including B12
 Hogs
Came to the U.S. in the 1500s with explorer de
Soto.
Pioneers brought hogs to Jamestown in 1609.
By 1840, production moved to the Midwest
where much of it remains, although hogs make
contributions to every states economy.
Hogs are bred for meat primarily and quality
hogs are well muscled and lean.
 Meat Cuts of a Hog

Interesting Fact: The butt comes from the shoulder.

The ham comes from what we think of as the butt.
 Hog Breeds
American Landrace
From Landrace stock from Denmark and other
European countries. Long body size and large
litters.

Berkshire
English breed; oldest improved swine breed.
Long bodied and produces fine quality meat.

Chester White
Good mothering abilities, large litters, durability
and soundness. Mature earlier and can be
marketed at lighter weights. Carcasses are noted
for large hams.
 Hog Breeds
Duroc
Originated in New Jersey and New York in mid-
1800s. Popular, hardy breed known for excellent
rate of weight gain and feed efficiency. Large
litters and good nurturers.
Hampshire
Developed from English breeds in Kentucky in the
19th century, Hampshires are noted for leanness,
durability, carcass quality and efficiency. They are
large framed and deep bodied.
Poland China
Originated in Ohio (no connection to China!), and
was nicknamed by a Polish farmer. Known for large
hams.
Spotted Swine
Long-sided, hardy breed with excellent carcass
quality. Spot is noted for mothering ability, litter
size and muscling.
 Poultry
Poultry kept for human use include: turkeys,
geese, ducks, guinea fowl and chickens.
Chickens produce meat and eggs and are two
very significant sources of nutrition for
Americans.
Many poultry farms located in Georgia,
Arkansas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi,
Texas, California, Virginia, Pennsylvania,
Minnesota, Iowa and Ohio.
 Chicken Varieties
White Leghorn

White Plymouth Rock

Barred Plymouth Rock

Rhode Island Red

New Hampshire

Dark Cornish
 Types of Chicken
Broilers Chickens used to produce chicken
meat. Commercial poultry farms usually buy
chickens from companies that specialize in chick
production. They grow the chicks to full weight.
Layers Hens that are used to produce white
eggs from the White Leghorn breed or strains of
it. Commercial egg producers use high
producing hens that have been bred for egg
production.
External Parts of a Chicken
Chicken Cuts
Management Practices
 Feeding and Watering
Nutrition needs vary, but all animals require:
Water Fresh, clean water is a must. Cows, for
example, will drink about 12 gallons a day, more in hot
water than cold. Pigs dont sweat and fluids are critical
to temperature management.
Carbohydrates Sugars, starches and cellulose are
carbohydrates that the body burns for energy.
Fats Fats provide high amounts of energy and supply
fatty acids, which are required for proper growth.
Proteins These complex compounds provide amino
acids for an animals normal growth and functioning.
 Feeding and Watering
Nutrition needs, contd:
Vitamins Complex substances that are vital
to normal growth and health. Vitamins are
required in small amounts and play specific
roles in the body.
Minerals Normal body function requires iron,
copper, phosphorus, potassium, selenium,
calcium and iodine.
 Ruminant Digestive Systems
Ruminant chews food little before
swallowing.
Feed travels to rumen where it is
stored.
Cow regurgitates a cud of partially
chewed feed/fluid and chews again.
Once small enough, the feed flows
though the small opening of the
rumen and reticulum.
Next comes the omasum, which
removes the water.
Next stop is the abomasum, often
called the true stomach. Digestive
juices break food down into building
blocks, which are absorbed in the
small intestine. Cattle, sheep and goats are ruminants.
Undigested material moves through A ruminant stomach takes 72 hours
the large intestine and rectum and is
expelled as manure. to empty.
 Non-Ruminant Digestive Systems
Feed is chewed and moistened
to ease feed down esophagus
and into stomach.
In the stomach, it mixes with
gastric juices that break down
fats in proteins.
In small intestine, enzymes
break down proteins, fats and
sugars into substances that can
be absorbed.
Food passes through the cecum
and colon. In the cecum,
microbes break down forage into
absorbable nutrients.
Undigested fiber and wastes are Examples of non-ruminants are
expelled through the rectum. horses, pigs and poultry.
 Feeding Cattle
Feed rations depend upon goal:
fattening a steer for market,
feeding diary cows to increase
milk production, feeding show
cattle or wintering cattle.
Rations are prepared with
computers and complicated
nutritional data.
Two percent of body weight
may be fed daily as hay or three
times this amount for silage
(fermented, moist feed).
 Feeding Cattle
For protein, cattle need
approximately 1 to 2 pounds of
oil meals or three times this
amount of alfalfa or other
leguminous hay like vetch or
clover.
To fatten cattle, feed at least 60
percent grains and 40 percent
roughage in amount equal to 3
percent of body weight.
Corn or grain finished cattle
typically spend 16-20 weeks in a
feedlot where they gain weight
and develop intramuscular fat,
which makes meat tender and
juicy.
 Feeding Horses
Horses can use high-energy
concentrate fees, but require
some bulk (forage) to keep food
from being compacted.
Linseed oil meal is a popular
protein meal because it
promotes a shiny coat, while
grains like oats provide energy.
Always feed in hay bunks. Hay
on the ground can lead to worm
infestations and sand colic, a
common horse digestive
disorder.
If no pasture is available, green
leafy forages may be substituted.
 Feeding Sheep
Sheep eat mostly roughages.
They thrive on food pasture.
Ewes need 4 to 5 pounds of
dry feed or equivalent each day.
Often, to 1 pounds are
added to daily diet during
pregnancy.
Finishing lambs (putting on
weight) will require 3 to 4
pounds of rations each day
containing 70 percent grain.
 Feeding Dairy Goats
Feed adult dairy goats good quality hay and
grain.
Kids can get milk from mothers or be raised by
hand using a model or pan.
They are 1 to 2 quarts of goats milk, cows milk
or goat or sheep milk replacer per day.
They need milk three to four times per day in
first week of life, then twice daily for three to four
months.
After weaning, they need 1 pound of grain a day
and all they hay they will eat.
 Feeding Hogs
Swine rations normally contain only
concentrates. Fiber content must be
less than 5 percent.
Protein in the diet:
Weaned piglets need 20 to 22 percent
protein.
At five weeks, they should eat 20
percent protein.
At 65 to 70 pounds, reduce to 16
percent protein until slaughter.
Or, put hogs weighing more than 120
pounds on finisher rations with 14
percent protein.
Lactating sows need 4 to 6 pounds of
feed per day per 1 pound of nursing
piglet with 16 to 17 percent protein.
 Feeding Hogs, Contd.
Roughage must be high
quality, like alfalfa leaf
meal, legumes or grazing
cereal grains.
Pigs eat 1 pound of feed
for each 30 pounds of
body weight from 120
pounds to market weight.
Finisher hogs (120-245
lbs.) while on full feed will
eat 4 to 6 pounds of
feed/day per 100 lbs. of
weight.
 Feeding Chickens
Corn is the most common
grain in chicken rations
followed by sorghum and
wheat.
Soybean oil meal is often
used as a protein
supplement.
Common calcium
supplements includes
crushed oyster shells and
ground limestone.
 Housing
Every kind of livestock needs
protection against severe weather
and predators, shelter for times of
illness and protection for its young.
For range cattle in most areas,
open shelters are adequate.
Sheep need weather shelter even
a plain open shed facing away from
wind can be sufficient for sheep
and goats too.
 Housing, Contd.
Hogs cannot sweat and do best in
sanitary, cool quarters.
People should wear clean
footwear in farrowing houses to
protect piglets who are highly
susceptible to disease.
Sanitation in these quarters is
especially important.
Contrary to popular belief, a pig
does not prefer to live in a mud
wallow. Swine are clean animals.
 Layer and Broiler Housing
Layer and broiler houses
protect birds from the
elements.
Houses today are well-
ventilated with controlled
temperatures, automatic
lights, feeders and
waterers.
 Grooming
Except for horses, most farm
animals are not groomed.
Grooming serves several
purposes:
Keeps animals clean
Stimulates blood circulation
Prevents skin disease
Hoof care essential for horses
and dairy cattle -- they stand
on feet for extended periods.
Livestock Diseases and
Prevention
 Diseases of Cattle
Each year, livestock losses from disease and parasites run
into the millions. Common diseases of cattle include.
Blackleg contagious disease caused by microorganism;
causes lameness, fever and eventually death. Preventable
through vaccination.
Bloat Abnormal swelling of the left side of the animal that
puts pressure on the diaphragm and lungs and causes
animals to gasp for breath. To help prevent bloat, feed cattle
dry hay before turning them out to graze legume pastures.
Brucellosis a contagious disease that typically causes
cows to spontaneously abort in the 5th month pregnancy.
Herds with brucellosis must be quarantined. It is not
transmitted to people through meat, but can be transmitted
through unpasteurized milk causing something called
undulant fever.
 Diseases of Cattle, Contd.
Calf scours Calf scours is a form of newborn diarrhea.
Calves that recover are often stunted for life. Can be caused
by bacteria and viruses and made worse with poor
management and sanitation. It is essential that newborn
calves be given colostrum milk (about 2 quarts) within one
hour after birth.
Foot Rot An affliction that can occur
in operations where cattle are confined
in muddy areas. The skin between the
toes becomes swollen and red and
sometimes breaks open. Cattle may
develop a fever and stop eating due
to pain.
Foot Rot
 The Scoop on BSE or Mad Cow
Disease
A prion disease neither virus
nor bacteria
First diagnosed in UK cattle in 1986
Disease transmitted through contaminated feed
Infected brains recycled into feed fed back to cattle
179,000 cases diagnosed in UK cattle
Epidemic has nearly ceased since feeding
practices changed
188,000 cases in cattle worldwide
3 cases in U.S. herd (one from imported animal)
 The Scoop on BSE or Mad Cow
Disease
Human version = variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease or
vCJD
Fatal disease similar to Alzheimers but occurs much
younger and is very rapid typically less than a year.
172 of 178 cases worldwide diagnosed in UK
BSE not transmitted through meat only found in neurological
tissues like the brain and spinal cord
Brits routinely ate brains as part of traditional dishes
More than 460,000 infected cattle are estimated to have entered
UK food supply before disease was understood
Americans dont traditionally consume brains and infected
animals are not believed to have entered food supply
Three people now living in U.S. diagnosed with vCJD, but they
spent time living abroad and most likely were infected outside
the U.S.
 Diseases of Dairy Cattle
Leptospirosis kidney disease
caused by microorganism. Can kill
young dairy animals. Vaccinations
recommended. Deer can carry and
infect cattle herds.
Mastitis caused by bacterial infection
in udder. Untreated can spread
throughout the body.
Milk Fever nutrition condition from
Mastitis
calcium deficiency. Cow is weak, wide-
eyed with low-body temp. May be
treated by vet.
 Diseases of Dairy Cattle
Pinkeye Bacterial infection that
causes a milky film to cover eyeballs.
Can blind cattle, cause weight loss and
decreased milk production. Treatable.
Prevention includes controlling flies and
dust and mowing pastures.
Shipping Fever Caused by stress,
bacteria and virus. May occur after
castration, vaccination, dehorning, Pinkeye
weaning and other stressful events.
Symptoms include high fever, difficulty
breathing, coughing, runny eyes and
nose and diarrhea.
 Diseases of Horses
Colic A digestive problem that may be
brought on by overeating, drinking too
much water or eating moldy feeds.
Intestine is blocked and horse feels pain.
Vet may give mineral oils to relieve
constipation.
Equine Encephalomyelitis (EE) Horse with colic (above)
Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and EE (below)
that causes fever, rapid heart rate. Horse
may act depressed, show compulsive
circling, muscle weakness and wall
leaning. Vaccination recommended.
Influenza much like flu in humans.
Causes coughing, runny nose, nasal
discharge and high fever. Vaccines
available for some strains.
 Diseases of Horses
Strangles contagious disease caused by microorganism
that causes high fever, coughing, pus discharge from
nose, swelling of glands under jaw. Glands can break
open. Isolate affected horse and call vet. Horses usually
recover, develop immunity.
Swamp fever Virus carried by flies/mosquitoes.
Symptoms include high fever, labored breathing, pounding
heartbeat and exhaustion. Most afflicted die with 30 days.
Can be prevented by keeping horses out of low land and
properly draining land.
Tetanus (Lockjaw) Puncture wounds may be infected
with tetanus organism, which produces powerful poison
that causes muscle contractions. Stiff legs, noise
sensitivity and folding of the inner eyelid over the eye are
symptoms. Death may occur within 24 hours. Vaccine can
prevent disease.
 Disease of Sheep
Bluetongue Symptoms are
depressed appetite, an inflamed
nose and blue mouth lining. Caused
by virus. Prevented with vaccination.
Circling Disease (Encephalitis) Caused by Blue tongue
bacterial infection of brain and prevented through
good sanitation. Animal walks in circles, staggers
and may be paralyzed.
Enterotoxemia (overeating disease) -- High level
of concentrate feeding can bring on condition
afflicting feedlot lambs with staggering and
convulsions, which may lead to death. Toxins
produced by bacteria in digestive tract cause
enterotoxemia. Vaccines are available.
 Diseases of Sheep
Lamb Dysentery (scours) Caused
by microorganism, good sanitation
can prevent lamb dysentery.
Condition leads to high death losses
in first few days of life. Sheep with scrapie
Scrapie A prion disease similar to sometimes rub their off
BSE (Mad Cow). Sheep scrape off their wool
wool because of unbearable itching,
walk with unsteady gait. Paralysis
Sheep with
and death follow. No treatment bluebag
known. Infected flocks must be or mastitis
destroyed.
Blue bag Mastitis of sheep which
causes swollen udders, infection,
pain.
 Diseases of Goats
Soremouth Contagious disease that causes sores in
the mouth.
Caprine arthritic encephalitis Causes arthritis in
goats and reduced milk production and can cause
paralysis in goat kids.
Tetanus Infection often from puncture wounds;
causes lock jaw. Preventable with vaccination.
Entero-toxemia Same as for sheep.
Worms Parasite that attaches to the walls of the
digestive tract and feeds off an animals blood, causing
anemia, or off ingested food, causing nutrition loss.
Goats may be treated by feeding a dewormer that kills
the parasite.
 Diseases of Hogs
Anemia Lack of iron most common among
confinement hogs. Symptoms are rough hair coat,
listlessness and pale eye and mouth membranes.
Labored breathing and rapid heartbeat may appear.
May be treated with iron supplement in feed.
Brucellosis Bacterial infection that causes sows to
abort. Herds should be tested annually. Pigs that carry
the infection should be destroyed.
Cholera Highly contagious viral disease that causes
lack of appetite, high temperature, diarrhea and weight
loss. May have eye discharge, wobbly gait. Infected
herds must be quarantined and destroyed. One of the
most serious diseases of swine that was eradicated in
the U.S. in 1978.
 Diseases of Hogs
Erysipelas Symptoms are red patches on skin,
fever, low appetite, sore muscles, tender feet, arched
back and shuffling gait. Pigs may remain lying down.
Caused by bacteria. Sanitation and vaccination can
prevent disease.
Mycoplasma Pneumonia Dry, rasping, persistent
cough caused by bacteria infection. Affected pigs
grow slowly. Producers should stock herds from
sources free of this disease.
Transmissible Gastroenteritis Infectious virus that
causes death in many young pigs. Symptoms are
poor appetite, vomiting, scours and weight loss.
Afflicted pigs pass whitish, yellowish or greenish feces
and soon die from dehydration. Prevention requires Erysipelas
strict sanitation, disinfection and vaccination.
 Diseases of Chickens
Chronic Respiratory Disease Microorganisms
cause respiratory disease, which causes air sacs to fill
with fluid and the lungs to harden. Isolating sick birds
and proper sanitation can help prevent spread.
Fowl Pox Birds with fowl pox have black, raised
scabs on the comb, wattles, shanks and feed. Egg
production drops, growth slows and fertility is reduced.
Disease causes by virus spread by infected birds and
mosquitoes. Vaccination can prevent.
Hysteria Birds subjected to loud noises, rapid light
Fowl Pox
changes and quick movements may panic, fly into a
corner and suffocate. Egg layers may break wings.
Playing of radio may help birds acclimate to noises.
Calm handling is essential.
 Diseases of Chicken
Infectious Bronchitis Coughing, sneezing
and difficulty breathing are common symptom of
viral bronchitis, a highly contagious disease that
often causes death. Vaccination is essential.
Newcastle Disease Viral disease that causes
difficulty breathing, gasping and sneezing.
Death losses can be high among broilers and
layers and fail to produce eggs. Vaccination
recommended.
 Bird Flu or Avian Influenza
Highly contagious disease that can infect chicken,
ducks and turkeys.
Infected birds act depressed, stop laying eggs;
watery diarrhea common. Heads appear dark and
fluid may build around eyes in, in the wattle and
comb.
High pathogenic and low pathogenic
Affects birds only rarely infects people.
Exception: those in extremely
close contact with infected poultry.
Not transmitted by handling or
eating poultry.
Production Notes
 Length of Estrous Cycle and
Pregnancy in Farm Animals
Length of Estrous Cycle Length of
Animal (Heat Period) Pregnancy
Cow 21 days 282 days
Sow 20 to 21 days 114 days
Ewe 16 to 17 days 150 days
Goat 19 to 20 days 150 days
Mare 19 to 23 days 336 days
 Beef Cattle Performance
Fattening cattle cattle are fattened with
roughage to increase muscle mass (beef)
Calves weighing 400 lbs in October can gain 1.5
pounds per day over winter.
In spring/summer, they are finished on roughage and
grain to increase muscle and meat marbling.
Carcass grading beef carcasses are graded
by USDA for quality and quantity.
Quality = Prime, Choice, Select. Prime is best. Less
than 3 percent of beef grades prime.
Yield Grade (1 5) = amount of salable meat on
carcass. 1 is best.
 Performance Characteristics
Carcass Merit
Feed Efficiency
Fertility
Longevity
Mothering and Nursing Ability
Rate of Gain
 Dairy Cow Performance
Diary cow normally produces milk for 305
days/60-day dry period.
May vary from a 270-day milking period to
lactation of more than 400 days.
Average cow produces 15,000 to 25,000
gallons of milk in a year or 50-100 per day.
Places huge demands on metabolism and
requires careful nutritional management.
 Horse Performance
Correlation between conformation and work
done.
Example: Quarter horse should have balanced,
muscled body, long straight legs and long
underline.
Eyes should be prominent and set well apart so
horse can see forward without moving head.
Nostrils should be large to allow intake of air for
hard-working horse.
 Sheep Performance -- Meat
Carcass classified as lamb for young
animals, mutton for older animals.
Carcass yields 46 to 53 percent meat.
Rest of the carcass produces glue, soap
and fertilizer.
 Sheep Performance -- Wool
Wool Wool-type sheep are larger, more angular and less
muscular, but have heavier fleeces than meat breeds.
Sheep are sheared once a year, usually in the spring.
Fleece examined and undesirable wool removed.
Shorter/coarser wool is sorted and bagged separately to prevent mixing
of wools of varying qualities.
Fleeces graded according to fineness (thickness) of individual fibers.
American or blood system of grading compares quality with that of
Merino wool.
Grades are fine for full-blooded Merino, half blood, three eighths blood,
quarter blood, low quarter blood, common and braid.
Fine wools make lightweight fabrics for clothing.
Coarser wools used in blankets and carpets.
Sheep skin is chamois, which are often used to dry cars in car
washes.
 Dairy Goat Performance
Produce up to 8 quarts of milk a day,
averting 2 quarts a day over 10 months.
Doe should be milked twice daily on a
regular schedule.
 Hog Production
Market hogs -- finished market hogs are barrows and
gilts (castrated males and young females). Reach
market weight at 200 to 250 pounds.
Sows usually weight more than 220 pounds. Produce
two litters of 10 market pigs each per year. Meat is
mainly for processing, like sausage.
Boars (uncastrated males) low in market value
because little of the carcass is suited to human
consumption due to boar taint. Used for breeding
primarily.
Grades carcasses are graded based on upon quality:
lean to fat ratio, firmness, color, backfat thickness, belly
fatness and loin marbling.
U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2, U.S. No. 3, U.S. No. 4 and U.S. utility.
 Poultry Production -- Eggs
Commercial hens produce 20 eggs a month
With good management, takes 4 pounds of feed to
produce a dozen eggs.
Layers seldom kept for more than 19 months
because production drops.
Eggs graded according to weight and quality.
Consumer Grades AA or Fresh Fancy; Grade A and
Grade B and Jumbo, Extra Large, Large, Medium,
Small and Peewee.
 Poultry Production -- Broilers
Weight -- Broiler weighs 5 pounds at 50
days of age.
Feed conversion -- should average 2
pounds of feed per pound of gain.
Live bird grades -- A or No. 1, B or No. 2
and C or No. 3
Dressed Birds (poultry cuts) -- U.S.
Grade A, B and C
 Humane Handling & Slaughter
Humane Methods of Slaughter Act
USDA inspectors in plants at all times to
oversee treatment
Animals must be stunned before slaughter
(religious exemption)
Plant Guidelines and Audits By Dr. Temple
Grandin
On-Farm guidelines in place
 Nature Isnt Always Kind

Modern production methods designed in part to protect livestock from predators,

disease and weather.
 Good Welfare = Good Quality
Studies show that animals that are
stressed produce meat that is of lower
quality
Dry, firm and dark
Pale, soft and exudative (watery)
Careers in Animal Science
 Farm and Ranch Managers
Oversee farm or ranch
Supervise care of livestock
Ensure that buildings are
clean and in good repair
Maintain financial records and production
records of herd of block
 Farm and Ranch Workers
Maintain facilities
Feed and water animals
Monitor for signs of disease
Vaccinate
Use machinery like tractors and milking
machines
Maintain and repair barns, fences and
equipment
 Researcher
Animal scientists study breeding, feeding
and marketing problems
Develop improved methods of
housing, sanitation and
disease control
Research technicians
help scientists with their
work
 Educator
Vocational teachers
teach secondary school
and adult education
classes in farm and
ranch management, ag
production, supplies
services, sales and related
areas.
 County Extension Agent
Community teachers
Provide information to individuals, families
and communities
Offer ed programs in ag and natural
resources,
Work with youth through 4-H and school
programs
Need bachelors or masters
in ag or related field
 Production Services and
Specialists
Farms and ranches are larger
and more complex
Specialists provide services
like artificial insemination
of cows, sheep shearing,
vaccination, etc.
 Graders
Inspect agriculture products to determine
quality and grade
Generally specialize in a commodity, like
dairy or eggs
Meat is graded in part based
upon marbling of fat and
muscle
 Inspectors
Meat and poultry inspectors work for
USDA or state inspection programs
Working under the supervision of a
vet, they inspect meat and poultry
slaughtering and processing
Ensure proper sanitation, food safety
and labeling
Plants that slaughter have inspectors
present at all times
Large plants may have 20-25
inspectors present each day
Processing plants have daily visits
 Colleges and Vet Schools
Some occupations require vocational
training
Offered at vocational schools or junior
colleges
Others require bachelors, masters or
Ph.D. in animal or meat science or doctor
of veterinary medicine
Questions?