College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Dairy Science

Overview

The purpose of the dairy science program is to offer students the opportunity to prepare themselves for a wide variety of careers by developing their technical and interpersonal skills. We offer a challenging yet flexible curriculum that can be individualized to meet the educational needs and interests of each student, counseling to assist each student in designing individual programs, and extracurricular activities to enhance development of interpersonal skills.

Students may select from three curricula: Dairy Enterprise Management; Biotechnology/Pre-veterinary; and Dual Emphasis. All options provide students with the opportunity to acquire a broad education in the sciences, social sciences, economics, mathematics, and communications while learning the basic principles of dairy enterprise management.

Dairy Enterprise Management Option

This is the most flexible curriculum, with at least 30 credits of electives. Suited to students with an interest in various fields of dairy production (herd manager, farm manager), allied agri-business industries (feed, genetics, equipment), agricultural communications, public relations, extension, breed fieldperson, and a variety of other positions. Graduates in this option have also gone on to careers in college instruction, elementary school instruction, bank investment management, feed sales, and milk marketing, to name a few.

Biotechnology/Pre-Vet Option

This option is recommended for students who plan to continue into veterinary college or other graduate or professional schools, or who plan a career in quality control, laboratory work, or research and product development. It provides an excellent base in chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology and biochemistry for advanced study in many areas.

Dual Emphasis Option

This is the most popular option and is recommended for students who plan to concentrate in more than one academic area as they prepare for future careers. Common minors and double majors that students may earn while completing their Dairy Science degree requirements include Agricultural Economics, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Biology, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Spanish, Communications, Professional Writing, etc.

Opportunities to Excel

Nearly all Dairy Science students complete a second major or minor in Animal and Poultry Science, Agricultural Economics, Horticulture, Spanish, Business Communications, Food Science and Technology, or any of many other departments. Students are also encouraged to actively participate in extracurricular clubs, judging teams and the dairy management team. Ninety five percent of students complete at least on internship prior to graduation and nearly half complete undergraduate research, an independent study, or serve as a teaching assistant.

Active participation in research projects in lactation, genetics, nutrition, nutrient management, and management provide qualified students valuable research experience with departmental scientists as well as part-time employment opportunities. These opportunities are available to students in all options and enhance their preparation for advanced study and provide a better understanding of the research process.

The dairy science honors program offers outstanding students the opportunity to enrich and broaden their academic programs. Honors students work closely with individual faculty members in choosing honors classes, colloquia, independent study, and research projects. Graduation "in honors" requires successful completion of university honors requirements, a comprehensive oral examination, and an honors thesis.
Graduate programs of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. also are offered (see Graduate Catalog).

Course Requirements

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as “Checksheets”. The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for degree requirements.

Requirements for Minor in Dairy Science

Requirements include DASC 2474 (2 cr.), DASC 3474 (3 cr.), DASC 4374 (3 cr.), and twelve additional credits in DASC elective.

Satisfactory Progress

University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree in Economics.

Satisfactory progress requirements toward the B.S. in Dairy Science can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (ALS)

1004: AGRICULTURE, THE ARTS AND SOCIETY
Introduction to the relationships among agriculture, society, and the arts, all of which are integral components of civilization. Pass/Fail only. (1H,1C) I, II.

2204 (HORT 2204): INTRODUCTION TO CIVIC AGRICULTURE
Introduction to the economic, social, and ecological foundations of civic agriculture.  Topics include industrialization, localized food systems, and citizen participation in civic agriculture.  Emphasis will be given to a range of civic agriculture models, strategies, and hands-on approaches to establish, retain and strengthen community-based food and agriculture systems. (3H,3C)

2304: COMPARATIVE ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY
Comparative anatomy and physiology of domestic mammals and birds including cell neural, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, and endocrine systems. Pre: BIOL 1106. (3H,2L,4C) I,II.

2404 (BIOL 2404): BIOTECHNOLOGY IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY
Introduction to the world-wide impact of biotechnology and molecular biology, including applications to plants, animals, and microorganisms.  Explores basic concepts of genetic engineering, scientific and ethical issues, and public concerns related to biotechnology.  Topics include: environmental release of genetically engineering organisms, bioremediation, safety of genetically engineered food products, transgenic plants and animals, gene therapy, and genetic screening. Pre: (BIOL 1015, BIOL 1016) or (BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106) or (BIOL 1205H, BIOL 1206H), (CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016). (3H,3C) II.

2504: ANIMALS IN SOCIETY
Overview of animal well-being and behavior, human-animal interactions, responsibilities to animals, animal care, behavior, disease and pain recognition and current topics concerning companion animals, domestic animals and wildlife. (2H,3L,3C) II.

2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3104: ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS
Principles of genetics related to improvement of domestic farm animals.  Molecular, cellular and physiological genetics, estimation of breeding values, selection, heritabilities, genetic correlations, relationships, in-breeding, heterosis, genetic abnormalities. I Pre: BIOL 1105, STAT 2004.
(2H,2L,3C)

3204: ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEEDING
Characteristics, sources, digestion, absorption, and metabolism of water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.  Feeding systems for livestock, poultry and companion animals. Pre: 2304, (CHEM 1036 or CHEM 1036H or CHEM 1016). (3H,3C) II.

3304: PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
Physiological mechanisms that control and affect reproductive processes in domestic mammals, birds and other selected species. Pre: 2304. (2H,3L,3C)

3404: ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE: THEORY AND PRACTICE
Presents an overview of historic and modern agricultural practices. Surveys the principles of ecology in the context of managed ecosystems, civic agriculture, and food systems. Explores ecologically based practices and their use in holistic and integrated agricultural systems. Pre: 2204. (2H,3L,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.

4204: CONCEPTS IN COMMUNITY FOOD SYSTEMS
Examination of the economic, political, social, and cultural issues related to community food systems development, food production and biotechnology, food sovereignty and security, and population and environmental health.  Analyze models, strategies, and policies of national food systems. Pre: 2204. (3H,3C)

4214: CAPSTONE: CIVIC AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS
Multidisciplinary, experiential community-based course focusing on civic agriculture-food systems.  Work in partnership with community stakeholders to propose viable solutions to real world issues revolving around civic agriculture and food systems.  Connect with communities locally, regionally or globally. Pre: 2204, 3404, 4204. (3H,3C)

4554 (BIOL 4554): NEUROCHEMICAL REGULATION
Neurochemical transmission within the vertebrate brain will be examined.  Emphasis will be placed on the chemical coding underlying the control of various behaviors and how these systems can be modified by various drugs or diet. Pre: (2304 or BIOL 3404), CHEM 2535. (3H,3C) II.

4574 (BIOL 4574): SOCIAL BEHAVIOR OF BIRDS AND MAMMALS
This course examines origins, influences and implications of social behavior in a variety of avian and mammalian species.  Emphasis is placed on understanding group organization and dynamics in inter and intra-species situations.  Experimental data from several disciplines (e.g., genetics, physiology, biochemistry) are reviewed to demonstrate their associations with behavioral adaptive mechanisms.  Avian and mammalian species living in wild, zoo, agricultural, companion and laboratory settings are discussed. Pre: 3104 or BIOL 2004, BIOL 1106. (3H,3C)

4614 (NR 4614): WATERSHED ASSESSMENT, MANAGEMENT, AND POLICY
Multidisciplinary perspectives of assessment, management and policy issues for protecting and improving watershed ecosystems.  Topics include:  monitoring and modeling approaches for assessment, risk-based watershed assessment geographic information systems for watershed analysis, decision support systems and computerized decision tools for watershed management, policy alternatives for watershed protection, urban watersheds, and current issues in watershed management. Pre:  Two 4000 level courses in environmental/natural resource science, management, engineering, and/or policy in BSE, CEE, FOR, GEOL, LAR, CSES, ENT, BIO, GEOG, AAEC, UAP or equivalent.  (2H, 2C).  II. (2H,2C)

4714 (HORT 4714): GLOBAL SEMINAR
Student-centered internet-based course including text and real-time video conferencing among students at collaborating institutions in the United States and Canada.  Focus is contemporary North American environmental sustainability issues based on student-prepared case studies. Pre-requisite: Junior or Senior Standing required. (1H,1C)

4964: FIELD STUDY/PRACTICUM
Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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Undergraduate Course Descriptions (DASC)

1574: DAIRY SCIENCE FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE
The scope of the dairy science undergraduate program, preparation for careers in dairy and related industries. Hands-on experience working with dairy cattle. Inquiry, problem solving, and integration of ideas and experiences with a focus on the dairy industry. (1H,1C)

2474: DAIRY SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
Sustainable production, processing, and marketing of milk and milk products domestically and globally. Biology of dairy cattle with emphasis on genetics, reproduction, lactation, and nutrition. Management of dairy herds. (3H,3C)

2484: DAIRY CATTLE EVALUATION
Critical appraisal of dairy cattle conformation and experience in linear trait scoring, linear trait relationships to profitability, competitive judging; written and oral justification; organization and conduct of shows and contests; showmanship. (6L,2C) II.

2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3134 (APSC 3134): ANIMAL AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Environmental issue associated with animal agriculture. Nutrient contamination of water resources, odor emission from livestock farms, environmental regulations affecting animal agriculture, and management practices to reduce the impacts of livestock farms on air and water quality. (3H,3C)

3274: APPLIED DAIRY CATTLE NUTRITION
Application of basic principles of nutrition in developing rations for dairy herds. Emphasis is placed on appropriate use of forages, ration formulation techniques, development of profitable rations, and ration delivery. Pre: ALS 3204. (3H,3C)

3474: DAIRY INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Development, function, and use of dairy information systems including computerized performance testing programs for dairy cattle improvement and dairy herd management. Pre: Junior standing. Pre: 2474. (3H,3C)

4074: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
This is a capstone course addressing issues of importance in the dairy industry and society in general. The course will emphasize the use of writing to promote critical thinking, evaluation and problem solving, and developing and presenting persuasive arguments. Instruction will be provided on selecting, securing, and succeeding in careers (career choices, resumes, application letters, interviewing, etc.) (3H,3C)

4174: APPLIED DAIRY CATTLE GENETICS
Application of genetic principles to dairy cattle improvement. Setting goals for genetic improvement, characteristics of traits included in selection, current methods of estimating breeding values, the role of artificial insemination and breed associations in genetic improvement, cattle genetics. Pre: ALS 3104. (2H,3L,3C)

4304 (APSC 4304): PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES OF BOVINE REPRODUCTION
Principles and techniques in reproductive physiology and herd management related to health, record keeping, estrus detection and synchronization, and ultrasonography. Ovarian function and superovulation, semen handling, artificial insemination and pregnancy detection are also considered. Pre: ALS 2304. (1H,3L,2C)

4374: PHYSIOLOGY OF LACTATION
Anatomy of the mammary gland and physiology of lactation in domestic and laboratory mammals with emphasis on dairy cattle. Mammary gland health and factors affecting lactation. Principles and techniques in dairy herd milking management. Pre: ALS 2304. (2H,3L,3C)

4384: MAMMARY IMMUNOLOGY
This course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge of immunology as related to diseases of the mammary gland. Concepts of mammary gland immunity, disease etiology, immunopathology, diagnosis and therapy will be covered with a focus on ungulate species. Host pathogen interactions, solving problems, writing intensive, literature search. Pre: ALS 2304, ENGL 1106. (3H,3C)

4474: ADVANCED DAIRY MANAGEMENT EVALUATION
Students will learn to critically evaluate all aspects of dairy farm management on working farms. The assessment and recommendations will be developed using information gathered from herd production records and financial statements, visual observations at the farm, and an interview of the farm owner and workers. Data assessed will include milk, growth, health, reproduction, and culling records; cash flow and profit loss statements; nutrition and nutrient management records; and labor management structure. The assessments and reports will further develop integrative thinking, oral communication, and written communication skills. Pre: 3474, ALS 3104, ALS 3204, ALS 3304. Co: 4475. (6H,2C)

4475-4476: DAIRY ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT
Decision strategies for modern dairy businesses. 4475: Emphasis on relationships of enterprises and techniques for evaluation of business alternatives, efficiency of production, and profit. Use of microcomputer software to support management decisions. 4476: Concentration on herd replacements, personnel, facilities and issues of management associated with rapidly changing national and international markets, environmental regulations, and computer applications. Group projects and hands-on management of university dairy herd. Pre: 2474 for 4475; 4475 or AAEC 3454, DASC 3474 for 4476. 4475: (3H,3C) 4476: (2H,3L,3C)

4964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.