Agriculture and Animal Science (AGR)
AGR-1011 Agricultural Techniques I (2) fall
This course is designed to facilitate a successful transition to college and focuses on four primary areas: orientation to the College and academic programs; development of basic agricultural skills; interpersonal development; and an introduction to agriculture- related careers. In an informal laboratory, students will be exposed to the practical skills necessary to succeed within the agricultural curriculum under the supervision of experienced farm staff. Students will be introduced to student rights & responsibilities, how to interact with faculty and classmates, Agri-careers, time management, and how to enhance academic performance. 1 hour of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week, plus one week of milking experience. Prerequisite: None.
AGR-1012 Agricultural Techniques II (1) spring
This is a continuation of AG 1011 in which the student must select an area for independent study through a work experience project. Students work closely with the farm staff to complete their selected topics during the semester. 2 hours of laboratory per week, plus one week of required milking experience. Prerequisite: None
AGR-1030 Animal Reproduction and Genetics (3) spring
Students are expected to develop knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems and the estrous cycle in farm animals. The course includes an understanding of simple Mendelian and quantitative genetic principles. Students are expected to develop sound breeding and selection systems. 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: None.
AGR-1050 Livestock Production (3) fall
A study and discussion of livestock applicable to the New England dairy and agricultural industry. Emphasis is devoted to dairy cattle, but beef cattle, sheep, and horses are also covered. Breeding, feeding, and management topics are presented in a technical and practical manner. 3 hours lecture per week. Prerequisite: None.
AGR-2011 Dairy Herd Management I (3) fall
This course concentrates on the profitable care and management of a dairy herd. Detailed practices essential to operating a modern, efficient dairy herd are presented in lecture. These principles are reinforced in laboratory experiences that utilize the College herd. Various field trips are planned to complement what is taught in lecture and lab. Active student participation is expected. Dairy Herd Management I deals with record keeping and the development and implementation of breeding and feeding programs that will accomplish a desired set of goals. Students also learn how to manage the reproductive performance of the herd as well as how to raise quality herd replacements. 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or instructor permission.
AGR-2012 Dairy Herd Management II (3) spring
A continuation of Dairy Herd Management I, this course emphasizes proper milking management and herd health programs. Subtopics include sire selection, culling, milking management, and herdsmanship. As a final project, students conduct a mock cattle sale. 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: AGR-2012 or instructor permission.
AGR-2020 Farm Buildings (2) fall
Farmstead planning and basic structural concepts for farm buildings are emphasized. Subtopics include construction materials and methods, environmental issues, waste management, feeding systems, and housing systems. 2 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: None.
AGR-2030 Animal Nutrition (4) spring
This is a course in the fundamentals of livestock feeding. It includes the study of the nutritive characteristics of forages, grains, and grain products as feeds for different farm animals. Students will be asked to develop livestock rations and feeding programs based on the available feedstuffs and needs for maintenance, growth, and production. Typical applications may center around the College's dairy herd and/or the student's home farm. 3 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: None.
AGR-2040 Forage Production (3) fall
Emphasis is given to the production of forage and pasture crops for New England dairy farms. Topics include the selection of adapted crops, varieties, seed mixtures, and soil sites along with soil preparation, seeding methods, and crop management. Harvesting for best digestible energy and protein is stressed as is the growing of alfalfa and corn. 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: None.
AGR-2050 Large Animal Diseases (3) spring
This course includes discussion of those diseases which are of major importance in the husbandry of food animals, with special emphasis on herd and flock health preventive medicine. To further students' understanding of diseases and disease prevention, basic pathologic changes and immunologic processes involved in the occurrence and prevention of disease are described. 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: None.
AGR-2060 Beef Production (3) spring
An introductory course in beef production that addresses topics including marketing and price-making forces, the biological cycle of the beef cow, beef genetics ,and the application of genetic principles to beef herd breeding programs. Reproductive management of cows, bulls, and heifers; principles of nutrition; and animal health issues will also be discussed. 1 hour of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: None.
AGR-2110 Sheep Production (2) as required
This is an introductory course in sheep production, including a presentation of intensive and extensive production models; life cycle management of the ewe; flock health and parasite control; ram health and fertility; and management of reproduction. Methods for measuring and monitoring flock performance will also be presented. 1 hour of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: None.
AGR-2720 Issues and Trends in Agriculture (2) fall
This course emphasizes new ideas in agricultural techniques and management and some of the primary issues impacting animal agriculture. Students investigate new and/or alternative production methods with emphasis on sustainable agriculture. Field trips and guest speakers provide students the opportunity to evaluate societal concerns about various aspects of modern production agriculture. 2 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.