College of AgricultureA four-year curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with options in preveterinary science/graduate school, animal industries/business management, and equine sciences. Animal health science is also offered by the department as a separate major.
Courses offered by the department are designed to fulfill career needs for men and women in the science and business phases of the animal industry.
Specialized laboratories are provided for meat, wool, and animal production. The department maintains 330 acres of range land and 100 acres of irrigated pasture. Livestock includes a purebred breeding herd of Aberdeen-Angus and Polled Herefords, and commercial feeder cattle; the Kellogg Arabian horses; flocks of purebred Rambouillet and Suffolk sheep, a herd of commercial breeds of swine.
A Master of Science degree in Agriculture with an option in animal science is offered. Specializations available within the degree are animal nutrition, animal breeding, meat science, and animal physiology.
Location of the university provides rich opportunities for students to obtain specialized and practical educational experience in production, management, feeding, marketing and processing. Cooperation of prominent local breeders, feeders, producers, marketing organizations and related animal industries offers additional opportunity for field study. Facilities for student-owned and operated livestock projects are made available by the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation. For the student interested in meat science and processing, specialized courses are available. A student may develop a program emphasizing meat science by consulting with the appropriate departmental advisor.
The Preveterinary Science/Graduate School option meets requirements for admission to schools of veterinary medicine, related medical technical fields, and for graduate study in animal nutrition, meat science, animal breeding and animal physiology.
The Animal Industries/Business Management option, Equine Industries track with emphasis in science or business, is designed to prepare students for employment as managers of equine enterprises and related agribusiness opportunities in the equine industry. The option combines course work in equine production, nutrition, breeding, genetics and diseases with studies in the management aspects of an equine enterprise.
The Animal Industries/Business Management option, Animal Business track, stresses preparation for management positions in the production and marketing of animal agribusiness products. Particular emphasis is given to animal industries needing animal specialists as part of their management and marketing team. This option is also useful for students planning to teach agriculture at the secondary level or to serve in developing countries.
Non-majors may elect to minor in Animal Science by completing a minimum of 32 units, 9 of which must be upper division.
The Physiology minor is an interdisciplinary program which can be elected by students majoring in any field. Its purpose is to improve the training and advising of students in order to facilitate their pursuit of careers in biomedical fields utilizing a knowledge of Physiology. It is particularly appropriate for students majoring in Animal Science. A full description of the minor is provided in the University Programs section of this catalog.
The Quantitative Research minor is an interdisciplinary program which can be taken by students majoring in any field other than Mathematics. Its purpose is to prepare students to conduct quantitative analyses in their chosen discipline. Students acquire practical experience using statistics, principles of experimental design, survey and data analysis techniques. This minor is particularly suited for students majoring in Animal Science. A full description of this minor is included in the University Programs section of this catalog.
Required of all students. A 2.0 cumulative GPA is required in core courses including option courses for the major in order to receive a degree in the major.
| Orientation to the College of Agriculture | AG 100 | 1 |
| Ethical Issues in Food, Agricultural and Apparel Industries | AG 401 | 4 |
| Feeds and Feeding | AVS 101/101L | 3/1 |
| Animal Science I: Food Animal Science | AVS 112 | 4 |
| Animal Science II: Companion, Laboratory and Exotic Animal Science | AVS 113 | 4 |
| Animal Science Laboratory I: Food Animal Management Laboratory | AVS 114L | 1 |
| Animal Science Laboratory II: Companion, Laboratory, and Exotic Animal Science Lab | AVS 115L | 1 |
| Animal Diseases | AVS 201 | 3 |
| Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals | AVS 350/350L | 5 |
| Animal Parasitology | .AHS 302/302L | 4 |
| Meat Science and Industry | AVS 303/303L | 4 |
| Applied Animal Feeding | AVS 303/303L | 4 |
| Or Animal Nutrition | AVS 402 | 3 |
| Genetics | .BIO 303 | 4 |
| Or Genetics of Domestic Animals | AVS 305 | 4 |
| Animal Breeding | AVS 404/404A | 4 |
| Mammalian Endocrinology | AVS 412 | 4 |
| Physiology of Reproduction and Lactation | AVS 414/414L | 4 |
| Biotechnology Applications in Animal Science | AVS 430/430L | 4 |
| Undergraduate Seminar | AVS 463 | 2 |
| Or Development of Leadership Skills | AG 464 | 3 |
| Computer Applications in Agriculture | AG 128/128L | 4 |
| College Chemistry | CHM 122/122L | 4 |
| College Chemistry | CHM 123/123L | 4 |
| Organic Chemistry | CHM 314/317L | 4 |
| Organic Chemistry | CHM 315 | 3 |
| Organic Chemistry | CHM 316 | 3 |
| Elements of Biochemistry | CHM 321/321L | 4 |
| College Algebra | MAT 105 | 4 |
| Trigonometry | MAT 106 | 4 |
| College Physics | PHY 121/121L | 4 |
| College Physics | PHY 122/122L | 4 |
| Basic Microbiology | MIC 201/201L | 5 |
| Vertebrate Zoology | ZOO 238/238L | 5 |
| Principles of Market Animal and Carcass Evaluation | AVS 240/240L | 3 |
| Meat Science and Industry | AVS 327/327L | 4 |
| Animal Parasitology | AHS 302/302L | 4 |
| Applied Animal Feeding | AVS 303/303L | 4 |
| Or Animal Nutrition | AVS 402 | 3 |
| Animal Breeding | AVS 404/404A | 4 |
| Or Genetics of Domestic Animals | AVS 305 | 4 |
| Physiology of Reproduction and Lactation | .AVS 414/414L | 4 |
| Biotechnology Applications in Animal Science | AVS 430/430L | 4 |
| Undergraduate Seminar | AVS 463 | 2 |
| Or Development of Leadership Skills | AG 464 | 3 |
| Accounting for Agribusiness | FMA 324 | 4 |
| Or Financial Accounting Decision Making | ACC 207/207A | 5 |
| Financial Analysis for Agribusiness | FMA 326 | 4 |
| Agricultural Enterprise Management | FMA 328 | 4 |
| Computer Applications in Agriculture | AG 128/128L | 4 |
| College Algebra | MAT 105 | 4 |
| Principles of Economics | .EC 201 | 4 |
| Managerial Accounting for Decision Making | ACC 208/208A | 5 |
| Legal Environment of Business | FRL 201 | 4 |
| Management Information Systems | CIS 310 | 4 |
| Food and Agribusiness Marketing | FMA 304 | 4 |
| Or Principles of Marketing Management | IBM 301 | 4 |
| Data Management for Agribusiness | FMA 375 | 4 |
| Or Managerial Statistics | TOM 302 | 4 |
| Operations Management for Agribusiness | FMA 376 | 4 |
| Or Operations Management | TOM 301 | 4 |
| Managing Agribusiness Organizations | FMA 201 | 3 |
| Or Principles of Management | MHR 301 | 4 |
| Managerial Finance | FRL 300 | 3 |
| Agribusiness Personnel Management | FMA 402 | 4 |
| Or Human Resource Management | MHR 311 | 4 |
| Animal Parasitology | AHS 302/302L | 4 |
| Principles of Market Animal and Carcass Evaluation | AVS 240/240L | 3 |
| Meat Science and Industry | AVS 327/327L | 4 |
| Animal Nutrition | AVS 402 | 3 |
| Or Applied Animal Feeding | AVS 303/303L | 4 |
| Animal Breeding | AVS 404/404A | 4 |
| Or Genetics of Domestic Animal | AVS 305 | 4 |
| Physiology of Reproduction and Lactation | AVS 414/414L | 4 |
| Biotechnology Applications in Animal Science | AVS 430/430L | 4 |
| Undergraduate Seminar | AVS 463 | 2 |
| Or Development of Leadership Skills | AG 464 | 3 |
| Accounting for Agribusiness | FMA 324 | 4 |
| Or Financial Accounting Decision Making | ACC 207/207A | 5 |
| Financial Analysis for Agribusiness | FMA 326 | 4 |
| Agricultural Enterprise Management | FMA 328 | 4 |
| Equine Enterprise Management | FMA 329 | 3 |
| Equine Investment Management | FMA 429 | 3 |
| Computer Applications in Agriculture | AG 128/128L | 4 |
| College Algebra | MAT 105 | 4 |
| Equine Management Science | AVS 125/125L | 4 |
| Farrier Science | AVS 234 | 2 |
| Farrier Science Laboratory | AVS 235L | 2 |
| Horsemanship | AVS 335L | 2 |
| Equine Genetics | AVS 345 | 3 |
| Equine Nutrition | AVS 355 | 3 |
| Equine Herd Health and Management | AVS 365/365L | 4 |
| Equine Exercise Physiology | AVS 435 | 3 |
| Equine Reproduction | AVS 434 | 3 |
| Pasture and Forage Systems | AGR 223/223L | 4 |
| Principles of Economics | EC 201 | 4 |
| Managerial Accounting for Decision Making | ACC 208/208A | 5 |
| Legal Environment of Business | FRL 201 | 4 |
| Management Information Systems | CIS 310 | 4 |
| Food and Agribusiness Marketing | FMA 304 | 4 |
| Or Principles of Marketing Management | IBM 301 | 4 |
| Data Management for Agribusiness | FMA 375 | 4 |
| Or Managerial Statistics | TOM 302 | 4 |
| Operations Management for Agribusiness | FMA 376 | 4 |
| Or Operations Management | TOM 301 | 4 |
| Managing Agribusiness Organizations | FMA 201 | 3 |
| Or Principles of Management | MHR 301 | 4 |
| Managerial Finance | FRL 300 | 3 |
| Agribusiness Personnel Management | FMA 402 | 4 |
| Or Human Resource Management | MHR 311 | 4 |
Students should consult the catalog website for current information regarding this requirement. Unless specific courses are stated below, see the list of approved courses under General Education Requirements, Areas A through E.
| Area A: | ||
| 1. Written Communication | 4 | |
| 2. Oral Communication | 4 | |
| 3. Critical Thinking | 4 | |
| Area B: | ||
| 1. Statistics with Applications | STA 120 | 4 |
| 2. College Chemistry | CHM 121/121L | 4 |
| 3. Basic Biology | BIO 115/115L | 5 |
| 4. The Animal Industry and Society | AVS 311 | 4 |
| Area C: | ||
| 1. Select one cours | 4 | |
| 2. Select one cours | 4 | |
| 3. Select one cours | 4 | |
| 4. Select one cours | 4 | |
| Area D: | ||
| 1. Introduction to American Government and United States History | PLS 201, HST 202 | 4,4 |
| 2. Agriculture and the Modern World | AG 101 | 4 |
| 3. Select one course | 4 | |
| 4. Select one course | 4 | |
| Area E: | ||
| Drugs and Society | AVS 211 | 4 |
| Introduction to Animal Nutrition | AVS 100 | 3 |
| Animal Agricultural Science | AVS 111 | 4 |
| Feeds and Feeding | AVS 101/101L | 4 |
| Meat Science and Industry | AVS 327/327L | 4 |
| Approved Animal Science Electives | 5 | |
| Select one management course out of the following | 4 | |
| Animal Science I: Food Animal Science | AVS 112 | 4 |
| Animal Science II: Companion, Laboratory and Exotic Animal Science | AVS 113 | 4 |
| Animal Science Laboratory I: Food Animal Management Laboratory | AVS 114L | 1 |
| Animal Science Laboratory II: Companion, Laboratory and Exotic Animal Science Lab | .AVS 115L | 1 |
| Select 9 units of approved upper division courses | ||
| Animal Science Electives | 9 |
CR/NC courses noted with a +
A practical, applied course which provides instruction in animal nutrition and the use of the nutritional values of feedstuffs and the nutritional requirements of animals in the formulation of least-cost, balanced rations for domestic farm animals. 3 lecture, 1 three-hour laboratory. Concurrent enrollment required.
A study of livestock industry and animal management techniques emphasizing the importance of management strategies, equipment and facilities, nutrition, selection, breeding principles and disease control to ensure scientifically based management decisions. 4 lectures.
An introductory course in the areas of nutrition, management, prevention of common diseases, behavior and breed identification of dogs, cats, laboratory animals, small mammals and reptiles. Emphasis on animals will be in the order listed. 4 lectures.
A study of the commonly applied animal techniques and practices used to scientifically manage livestock in the commercial food animal industry. The lab will emphasize the importance of evaluating business management strategies, equipment and facilities, nutrition, genetics and selection, breeding principles and herd health plans in order to evaluate scientifically based domestic animal livestock management methodologies. 1 three-hour laboratory.
An introductory laboratory course covering handling and restraint of dogs, cats, horses, birds, laboratory animals, small mammals, and reptiles. Emphasis on animals will be in the order listed. 1 three-hour laboratory.
The fundamentals of the art of equitation. The anatomy of the horse as it pertains to riding. Equipment utilized in training and riding, care of the horse and safety precautions emphasized. 1 lecture, 2 two-hour activities. Concurrent enrollment required.
A study of the horse industry emphasizing the importance of breeds, selection, evaluation, nutrition, breeding principles, disease control, equipment, and facilities to ensure scientifically-based management decisions. 3 lectures, 1 three-hour laboratory. Concurrent enrollment required.
Visual evaluation of various breeds of light horses at the halter and under saddle. Intensive training for intercollegiate horse judging competition. 1 lecture, 1 three-hour laboratory. Concurrent enrollment required.
Individual or group investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Graded only on a CR/NC basis.
Study of factors contributing to animal diseases and their control. 3 lectures.
An introductory course that identifies and explains the action of different drugs. The compounds discussed include over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, social drugs and drugs of abuse. Major emphasis on human pharmacology with some discussion of domestic animals. No prerequisites. Meets General Education Area E requirements. 4 lectures.
An activity riding class allowing students to develop proficiency in the riding skills they have been exposed to in prior experience. 2 two-hour activity periods.
Understanding the fundamentals of horseshoeing, anatomy and physiology of the horses foot, pastern and leg. Caring for the horses feet and legs, principles of horseshoeing and introduction to corrective shoeing. 2 lectures.
Fundamentals of horseshoeing, anatomy and physiology of the horses foot, pastern and leg. Trimming feet, fitting, milling shoes, principles of horseshoeing, an introduction to corrective shoeing. 2 three-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: AVS 234 or concurrent enrollment in AVS 234.
A study of the relationship between live meat animal evaluation and carcass evaluation. Visual appraisal techniques used in the quality and yield grading of live meat-type animals compared to the grading parameters used for carcass evaluation. Incorporates the effect of selection and management on body composition and live animal and carcass value. 2 lectures, 1 three-hour laboratory. Concurrent enrollment required.
Instruction in selection of beef cattle, sheep, swine, and horses according to utility, type and breed. 2 three-hour laboratories.
Group study of a selected topic, the title to be specified in advance. Total credit limited to 8 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter. Instruction is by lecture, laboratory, activity, or a combination.
This course addresses global issues and ethics relating to animal use in science and society, including the use of animals for food, research and companionship. The impacts of livestock production on environment such as global warming, soil erosion, forestry and rangeland resources, water resources and livestock-wildlife interactions will be considered. 4 lectures.
A study of the nutritional requirements for maintenance, growth, fattening, reproduction and lactation of domestic animals. The use of computerized formulation of rations to satisfy nutritional requirements. 3 lectures, 1 three-hour laboratory. Concurrent enrollment required. Prerequisite: AVS 101/101L.
Consideration of the etiology, symptomatology, and control of infectious, nutritional, and parasitic diseases of poultry. 3 lectures.
An introductory course dealing with the basic genetics of all species of livestock and common companion animals. Emphasis will be placed on inherited abnormalities, traits of economic importance, conventional methods of dealing with these traits, and technologies of the future. 4 lectures. Prerequisites: BIO 115/115L.
The course analyzes the application of science in the food animal industry and animal production systems, the role and use of food animals and animal products in resolving problems associated with humanity, and the influence of animal agriculture on history, civilization and human values. 4 lecture/discussions. Pre-requisites: one GE course from each of the following Sub-areas: A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, B3. GE Synthesis course for Sub-area B4.
Introduction to processing and utilization of fresh and value-added red meat products. Discussions on identity standards, factors affecting sensory, nutritional, and shelf-life qualities, food safety and inspection, and grading of red meats. 3 lectures, 1 three-hour laboratory. Concurrent enrollment required.
Introduction to the processing, marketing and utilization of fresh and value-added seafood and poultry products for the supermarket and food service industries. Examination of classification and standards to identify, marketing channels and forms, grading systems, factors affecting quality, food safety and public health considerations, and processing methods for the respective product types. 3 Lectures, 1 twohour activity. Concurrent enrollment required.
How the origins and evolution of the domestic dog and cat influence their behavior and unique nutritional requirements, how selection for desired traits leads to breed associated problems, emergency first aid, nutrition, calculation of caloric requirements, common diseases, vaccines and the immune system, zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted from animals to man), the benefit of pets in society, ethical issues including: euthanasia, pet overpopulation, cosmetic surgery and ownership vs guardianship. Meets General Education Sub Area B-4 requirements. 4 lectures. Pre-requisites: GE Sub Area B, subsection 1,2 and 3.
Theory and practice of basic training principles and methods. Handling, training, grooming of the young foal and yearling. Instruction in long line training and ground driving. 2 three-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: AVS 125/125L.
Intensive visual evaluation of breeding and market swine, sheep and beef cattle in preparation for intercollegiate livestock judging competition. Extensive training in the preparation and delivery of oral reasons. 3 three-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: AVS 241L.
Principles of inheritance for qualitative and quantitative traits. Inheritance of color in the horse. Genetically caused abnormalities; methods of detection of carrier animals. Mare and stallion selection; pedigrees and other types of performance information and their use. 3 lectures. Prerequisites: BIO 115/115L, AVS 125/125L.
An integrated approach to the structure and function of animal systems. Topics to be discussed include the cell, the muscular-skeletal system, the nervous system, the cardio-vascular system, the respiratory system, and the excretory system. 4 lectures, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 115/115L, one quarter of Chemistry. Concurrent enrollment required.
Anatomy of the digestive tract of the horse as it affects feeding practices. Nutrient requirements for maintenance, work, pregnancy, and lactation in the horse. Interpreting National Research Council Nutrient Requirements for Horses. Assessing recent advances in horse nutrition. 3 lectures. Prerequisites: AVS 101/101L, AVS 125/125L.
A study of the etiology, symptomalogy, and control of infectious, nutritional and parasitic diseases of horses. 3 lectures, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: AVS 125/125L. Concurrent enrollment required. +AVS 400 Special Study for Upper Division Students (1-2) Individual or group investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Graded only on a CR/NC basis.
Metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Relationship of proper nutrition to livestock production. 3 lectures. Prerequisites: AVS 101/101L.
Implications of recent findings in ruminant nutrition. The physicochemical processes of digestion and absorption. Metabolism and the importance of rumen microflora. Normal metabolism and abnormal metabolic disorders. Modes of action of feed additives. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: AVS 101/101L.
Introduction to the basic principles of applied quantitative genetics and their use in the improvement of livestock. Methods of heritability estimation, selection, and systems of mating. 3 lectures, 1 two-hour recitation. Prerequisite: BIO 303 or AVS 305.
The application of immunology to disease control in farm animals; the use of immunological techniques in animal research; and potential as a tool in livestock production. 3 lectures, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: AVS 350/350L. Concurrent enrollment required.
A general course surveying the glands of internal secretion and their role in development, growth, metabolic regulation, lactation, and reproduction of animals. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: AVS 350/350L or equivalent.
A study of the physiological processes of reproduction from gametogenesis to parturition. The reproductive cycles of the food animals and the physiology of milk secretion including factors affecting milk production will be discussed. 3 lecture discussions, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: AVS 350/350L or equivalent. Concurrent enrollment required.
Fundamentals and techniques used in the manipulation of gametes in the reproductive management of birds, cattle, horses, sheep and swine. Applied physiological aspects of reproductive management, semen cryopreservation, artificial insemination and embryo micromanipulation techniques used in the livestock industry will be evaluated. 3 lectures; 1 three-hour laboratory. Concurrent enrollment required. Prerequisite: AVS 414/414L.
Laboratory course involving the principles and practices in quantitative analysis of feedstuffs. 2 three-hour laboratories. Prerequisites: instructor approval.
Manufacturing of processed meats, and meat products as related to processing operations, sanitation, product formulation, quality control, and smokehouse operations. 3 lectures, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: AVS 327/327L. Concurrent enrollment required.
A study of the principles and applications of biotechnology in Animal Science. Discussion of the implications of genetic engineering, gene transfer, transgenic animals, embryo transfer and embryo manipulation for livestock improvement; present and future importance to the agriculture industry, human and veterinary medicine, ethical issues, patent law and strategies for future problem-solving. 3 lectures, 1 threehour laboratory. Concurrent enrollment required. Prerequisites: Management Science Courses, AVS 350/350L, BIO 303 or AVS 305 or AVS 345.
Detailed consideration of the physiology of avian species with emphasis on birds of economic importance to man. 3 lectures.
Introduction to the theoretical development and principles of quantitative genetics including selection theory and heritability, breed, strain and line formation. 3 lectures, 1 two-hour recitation.
Distance learning course that provides in-depth knowledge of the reproductive physiology, anatomy and endocrinology of the mare and stallion. Emphasis on structure/function relationships as they are applied to improving equine reproductive management and efficiency. 3 lectures.
The basic and applied physiology of the exercising horse. Discussion of muscular respiratory, cardiovascular, nutritional and osmo-regulatory physiology. Includes gait analysis, lameness and pharmacology. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: AVS 350/350L.
A view of how the biochemistry of animals has adapted to the environment. Topics include adaptations to exercise, high altitude, diving, hibernation, desiccation, temperature, lactation. Students are expected to present seminars. 3 lectures. Prerequisites: BIO 115/115L and junior standing.
On-the-job training in animal science, providing collegiate level experiences in animal production, agribusiness and related areas. Experiences may be useful for preparation of senior projects. Total credit limited to 16 units. Graded only on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: permission of coordinator required in advance.
Selection and completion of a project under minimum supervision. Projects typical of problems which graduates must solve in their fields of employment. Project results are presented in a formal report. Minimum 120 hours total time.
New methods and developments, practices, and procedures in the field. 2 lectures. Prerequisite: senior standing.
A systems approach to integrated livestock management. Students utilize their previous learning experience to resolve management problems inherent in the livestock industry using systems-based problem-solving methodologies. 3 lectures, 2 two-hour recitations. Prerequisite: senior standing or consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment required.
An integration of prior course work to the feed industry including plant design, plant management, materials handling and storage, manufacturing operations, speciality feeds, computer applications, quality assurance, sanitation and pest management, safety, energy requirements, and environmental concerns. 3 lectures/problem-solving, 1 three-hour laboratory. Concurrent enrollment required. Prerequisites: AVS 303/303L or AVS 402/402A or AVS 403.
Group study of a selected topic, the title to be specified in advance. Total credit limited to 8 units with a maximum of 4 units per quarter. Instruction is by lecture, laboratory, activity, or a combination. Graduate courses are listed in the “Graduate Studies” section of the catalog.
