Animal and Poultry Sciences
Head: David E. Gerrard
John W. Hancock, Jr. Professor: E. A. Wong
Paul Mellon Distinguished Associate Professor of Agriculture: S. E. Johnson
Professors: R. A. Dalloul, A. D. Ealy, M. J. Estienne, D. E. Gerrard, S. P. Greiner, H. Jiang, S. E. Johnson, J. W. Knight, E. J. Smith, and E. A. Wong
Associate Professors: M. A. Cline, D. E. Eversole, E. R. Gilbert, M. E. Persia, M. A. Rhoads, R. R. Rhoads Jr., and C. M. Wood
Assistant Professors: S. Campbell, S. W. El-Kadi, E. Feuerbacher, L. Jacobs, T. Jarome, K. Lee, C. M. Leeth, V. Mercadante, G. Morota, R. White, and T. B. Wilson
Instructors: L. Bergamasco, B. Sheely, and N. Tamim
Research Assistant Professor: H. Shi
Career Advisors: J. S. Bradley, D. E. Eversole, P. M. Mercadante, and N. Tamim
Web: www.apsc.vt.edu
E-mail: apsc@vt.edu
Overview
The Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences provides students with a broad science-based education tailored to meet their needs and career goals. The program prepares students for careers in livestock, poultry, equine, companion animals, laboratory animals, agribusiness, research, and teaching. The curriculum also provides preparation for professional schools including veterinary medicine, medical school and other health professions, graduate school, etc. This major combines education in the basic sciences of animal and poultry nutrition, genetics, and physiology with management principles as applied to the raising and merchandising of beef cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, and their products. Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in independent studies, undergraduate research, and internship programs. Study abroad opportunities are also available.
Students choose among three options: production/business, science, or pre-vet. Within each option, emphases are offered in the areas of equine, livestock, poultry, and companion/laboratory animals. Specific requirements may be obtained from the departmental advising office (540) 231-7651, by e-mail (apsc@vt.edu), or on the web at www.apsc.vt.edu.
The department also offers opportunities for graduate specialization in the following fields: nutritional physiology, genetics and genomics, immunology and health, growth and development, animal management and environmental interactions. M.S. and Ph.D. programs are offered (see Graduate Catalog).
Course Requirements for Majors
Degree 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://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
Note: Advisors work with students to individualize the course of study.
* Electives must include Area 2, Area 6 and Area 7 selections; 38 emphasis requirements & restricted electives approved by student advisor; and a maximum of 12 credits of free electives.
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 Animal and Poultry Sciences.
Satisfactory progress requirements toward the B.S. in Animal and Poultry Sciences can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (APSC)
1454: INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL & POULTRY SCIENCE
Survey of systems of livestock and poultry production
including: concepts and terminology pertaining to
management and marketing; types and breeds of livestock and
poultry; and an introduction to nutrition, genetics,
physiology, and management of beef cattle, horses, sheep,
swine and poultry.
Co: 1464.
(3H,3C)
1464: ANIMAL AND POULTRY SCIENCE LABORATORY
Management practices and concepts related to efficient
livestock and poultry production and marketing are taught
through demonstrations and hands-on experience.
Co: 1454.
(3L,1C)
1504: ANIMAL AND POULTRY SCIENCES FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE
Orientation course for freshman and transfer APSC students
providing skills, resources and fundamental knowledge to
enhance learning experiences and support success. Skills,
resources, opportunities, curriculum, and career planning.
Emphasis on inquiry, problem-solving skills, critical
thinking and integration of ideas and experiences to
encourage life-long learning.
(1H,1C)
1524: BEGINNING EQUITATION
Introduction to modern forward seat equitation. No previous
experience necessary. Familiarization with parts of the
horse, tack, gaits. Control at walk, trot, canter,
including trot work over rolling terrain.
Pass/Fail only.
(4L,1C)
1624: LOW INTERMEDIATE EQUITATION
Increased riding at canter and sitting trot. Control of
horse over moderately difficult terrain including galloping.
Beginning cavelletti work.
Pass/Fail only.
Pre: 1524.
(4L,1C)
2004: ANIMAL AND POULTRY SCIENCES SEMINAR
Identification of primary and secondary career objectives
for Animal and Poultry Science majors; planning for
completion of a capstone learning experience in the major.
Identification of curricular and extracurricular activities
to increase career opportunities. Improvement of
professional and technical writing skills applicable to the
animal sciences field.
Pre: 1504.
(1H,1C)
2025-2026 (NEUR 2025-2026): INTRODUCTION TO NEUROSCIENCE
Introduction to the fundamental principles of neuroscience.
2025: Structure and function of central nervous system in
humans and other animals, signal processing and
transmission, development of neural and brain circuits,
encoding and transmission of sensory and perceptual
information, motor control/movement. 2026: Complex brain
processes including learning, memory, emotion, decision
making, social behavior, and mental and functioning.
Pre: BIOL 1105 or BIOL 1005 for 2025; 2025 for 2026.
(3H,3C)
2104: POULTRY LABORATORY
Anatomy and physiology of birds including species-specific
specializations in anatomical structure and body
composition, musculoskeletal, respiratory, reproductive,
endocrine, digestive and urinary systems. Relationship of
these concepts to growth and egg production. Includes
handling live birds.
Pre: 1454, 1464.
Co: ALS 2304.
(3L,1C)
2114: LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING
Safety in livestock handling; animal behavior; care,
housing, and managerial practices related to beef cattle,
sheep, and swine taught through experiential activities.
Pre: 1454, 1464.
(3L,1C)
2124: HORSE MANAGEMENT LABORATORY
Principles of safe horse handling practices and applied
horse management skills, taught through experiential
activities.
Pre: 1454, 1464.
(2L,1C)
2164: COMPANION AND LABORATORY ANIMAL CARE AND HANDLING
Brief history of companion and laboratory animals. Outline
of the major anatomical and physiological characteristics,
first aid and basic care. Principles of husbandry and
handling techniques. Institutional Animal Care and Use
Committee training.
Pre: 1454, 1464.
(2L,1C)
2424: INTRODUCTION TO THE EQUINE INDUSTRY
Introduction to the horse and equine industry. Survey of
breeds and conformation; breeding, management, equipment,
facilities, and marketing of the successful horse operation.
(3H,3C)
2464: INTRODUCTION TO COMPANION ANIMALS
Appropriate care and resulting well-being of dogs, cats, and
other animals that are used primarily for companionship and
recreation require knowledge of their evolution, natural
habitats, species and breed characteristics, behavior,
breeding, feeding, housing and training. This course
integrates these topics to promote a symbiotic human-animal
relationship. Information regarding the scope and impact of
the companion animal industry will be discussed along with a
survey of associated careers.
Pre: BIOL 1106.
(2H,2C)
2524: INTERMEDIATE EQUITATION
Intermediate work in horseback riding with special emphasis
on development of the forward seat and skills required for
jumping. Elementary dressage movements.
Pass/Fail only.
Pre: 1624.
(4L,1C)
2624: BEGINNING EQUITATION OVER FENCES
Introduction of jumping skills for the unskilled as well as
review of jumping skills for experienced riders. Rider
should have skills at trot and canter.
Pass/Fail only.
Pre: 2524.
(4L,1C)
2824: EQUINE CONFORMATION AND BIOMECHANICS
Evaluation of equine conformation as related to locomotion,
athletic performance and soundness. Basic understanding of
breed standards, gaits, and rules and regulations pertaining
to various equine sports disciplines, from both domestic and
global perspectives. Investigation of current scientific
literature regarding equine conformation and biomechanics.
(1H,2L,2C)
2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
3064: COMPANION AND LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE
Comparative aspects of companion and laboratory animals
including physiology, anatomy, nutrition, genetics and
reproduction. Normal behaviors along with techniques of
behavior modifications.
Pre: ALS 2304.
(3H,3C)
3134 (DASC 3134): ANIMAL AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Environmental issues 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)
3214 (FST 3214): PRINCIPLES OF MEAT SCIENCE
Muscle biology and biochemistry, fresh meat processing, meat
merchandising, processed meats, food safety, meat cookery,
and regulations.
Pre: ALS 2304, CHEM 1036.
(3H,3C)
3224: MEAT SCIENCE LABORATORY
Harvesting of livestock, carcass fabrication into wholesale
and retail cuts, fresh meat processing and cookery.
Handling, processing and displaying fresh and processed
beef, pork, and lamb. Applications of Hazard Analysis
Critical Control Point (HACCP) and food safety concepts to
meat processing environments.
Co: 3214.
(3L,1C)
3254: ANIMAL PRODUCTS
Products obtained from animals (meat, eggs, dairy,
by-products). Effect of production and processing of food
animals upon product safety and quality.
Pre: ALS 2304.
(2H,2L,3C)
3304: EMBRYOLOGY
Normal and teratological embryology are intensively examined
from ovulation through hatching or birth. Environmental,
nutritional and genetic factors affecting embryogenesis.
Even years.
Pre: ALS 2304 or BIOL 3404.
(2H,3L,3C)
3334: ANIMAL WELFARE AND BIOETHICS
Historical overview of animal welfare and bioethics. Animal
welfare issues in farm and companion animals with respect to
their use and treatment in the United States and in the
global community. The influences of animal protection
organizations, consumer groups, politicians, the scientific
community, and other stakeholders on the development and
enforcement of policies. Pre: Junior Standing.
Pre: 1454, ALS 2304.
(3H,3C)
3524: INTERMEDIATE EQUITATION OVER FENCES
Establishment of sound jumping skills. Continuation of more
advanced flat work. Study of hunter courses and cross
country jumping.
Pass/Fail only.
Pre: 2624.
(4L,1C)
3624: ADVANCED EQUITATION OVER FENCES
Advanced methods and techniques for jumping and precision
riding.
Pass/Fail only.
Pre: 3524.
(4L,1C)
3684: SPECIAL TOPICS IN ANIMAL AND POULTRY SCIENCES
An advanced, variable-content course which explores a topic
in the animal sciences such as a significant contemporary
issue; an emerging research area of interest to
undergraduates; or a semester-long project involving a small
group of students. May be repeated for up to three credits,
no more than two credits per term.
Pass/Fail only.
Pre: ALS 2304.
(1H,2H,2C)
3724: APPLIED EQUINE EVALUATION
In-depth analysis of equine conformation and performance.
Emphasis on knowledge of breed standards, critical thinking
skills, and oral justification of decisions. Equivalent
experience may be substituted for the pre-requisite APSC
2824 with instructor approval.
Pre: 2824.
(1H,3L,2C)
3754: PRINCIPLES OF LIVESTOCK EVALUATION
Selection of market and breeding animals based on subjective
and objective methods of evaluation. Basic understanding of
evaluation principles, form-to-function, expected progeny
differences, and performance records of beef cattle, swine,
and sheep. Involves accurate decision making and oral
reason presentations.
Pre: 1454.
(6L,2C)
3764: LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISING
A comprehensive study of the principles and activities
involved in successfully promoting and merchandising
livestock. A livestock auction (Hokie Harvest Sale) is held
at the conclusion of the course to provide experiences in
advertising, salesmanship, livestock photography, facility
development, sale management, and budgeting. Pre: Junior
standing or consent.
(2H,2C)
3824: EQUINE BEHAVIOR AND TRAINING
Psychology and ethology of equine behavior. Application of
fundamental behavioral concepts to the training of horses
and modification of undesirable behavior patterns.
Preparation and presentation of young horses for show and sale.
Pre: 2124.
(1H,3L,2C)
3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4004: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN THE ANIMAL SCIENCES
Applying critical thinking, ethical reasoning and problem
solving in order to make ethical decisions in regard to
important contemporary issues in animal agriculture and
other areas of the animal sciences; discourse through oral
and written communication.
Pre: 2004.
(3H,3C)
4054 (BCHM 4054): GENOMICS
A contemporary analysis of the development, utility and
application of high-resolution methods for the study and
manipulation of the complete genomes of organisms. The use
of new techniques for genomic, metabolic and protein
engineering (functional genomics), including high-throughput
methods and nanotechnology, will be emphasized.
Pre: BCHM 3114 or BCHM 4116 or BIOL 3774.
(3H,3C)
4064: ISSUES IN COMPANION ANIMAL MANAGEMENT
Comparative aspects of companion animals including
physiology, anatomy, nutrition, genetics, reproduction and
well-being. Normal and aberrant behaviors along with
techniques of behavior modification and pharmacological
intervention. Critical evaluation of current legal and
ethical issues in the companion animal industry. Limited to
dogs, cats and caged birds. Pre-requisite: Junior Standing
required Pre-requisites may be waived with permission of
instructor.
Pre: 2464, ALS 3104, ALS 2304.
(3H,3C)
4124: EQUINE HEALTH AND DISEASE
Application of principles needed to effectively monitor and
manage equine herd health. Focus on information synthesis,
situation assessment and decision-making skills to develop
preventative care protocols and treat illness. Practical
application of horse health care techniques for routine and
minor emergency situations.
Pre: ALS 2304.
(2H,4L,4C)
4224: EQUINE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
Comprehensive study of conditioning the equine athlete using
the principles of exercise physiology, energetics, kinetics,
and sports medicine. Anatomy and physiology as it relates to
exercise, conditioning and fitness assessment; exercise
intolerance; performance nutrition; and medical practices
used to support equine athletics.
Pre: ALS 2304.
(3H,3C)
4304 (DASC 4304): PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES OF BOVINE REPRODUCTION
Principles and techniques in reproductive physiology and
herd management related to health, record keeping, estrus
detection and synchronization, uterus and ovary condition.
Ovarian function and superovulation, semen handling,
artificial insemination and pregnancy detection are also
considered.
Pre: ALS 2304.
(1H,3L,2C)
4324: EQUINE REPRODUCTION AND NEONATAL CARE
Principles and techniques in equine reproductive physiology
and endocrinology. In-depth examination of equine
reproduction strategies combined with practical techniques
leading to synthesis and evaluation of breeding decisions.
Anatomy and physiology of the mare and stallion, estrus
detection and manipulation, artificial insemination, semen
handling and processing, parturition and early care of
neonates will be covered. Other topics will include
selection of breeding stock and mating decisions.
Pre: ALS 2304.
(2H,4L,4C)
4404: COMMERCIAL POULTRY ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT
Production, management, and reproduction of meat- and
egg-type chickens and turkeys. Emphasis is on the
application of basic poultry science principles as they
relate to commercial poultry enterprises. Advanced topics
of economic analysis, program management, and problem
solving used in decision making processes in integrated
poultry operations.
Pre: 2104, ALS 3104, ALS 3204, ALS 3304.
(3H,3L,4C)
4414: BEEF AND SHEEP PRODUCTION AND INDUSTRY
Study of the commercial and purebred beef cattle and sheep
industries. Principles and applications for successful and
profitable beef and sheep production.
Pre: 2114, ALS 3104, ALS 3204, ALS 3304.
(3H,3L,4C)
4424: HORSE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
Reproduction, genetics, nutrition, herd health, planning and
economics of private and commercial horse farms, and current
issues in the horse industry.
Pre: 2124, 2424, ALS 3104, ALS 3204, ALS 3304.
(3H,3L,4C)
4444: SWINE PRODUCTION
Principles for commercial and seedstock swine production;
current management practices, housing and marketing; issues
and challenges in the swine industry. Experience in
husbandry, research, and other management techniques
obtained during laboratory.
Pre: 2114, ALS 3104, ALS 3204, ALS 3304.
(2H,3L,3C)
4464: COMPANION AND LABORATORY ANIMAL HEALTH AND MANAGEMENT
Animal health, management, well-being, and government
regulation in the maintenance, use and enjoyment of
companion and laboratory animals.
Pre: 2164, 3064, ALS 3104, ALS 3204, ALS 3304.
(3H,2L,4C)
4514: ANIMAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Meat animal growth and development processes, micro and
gross anatomy, stem cell biology and growth, body and
carcass composition with application to animal and carcass
evaluation.
Pre: ALS 2304, ALS 3204.
(3H,3C)
4554: ADVANCED LIVESTOCK ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT
Application of principles needed to manage profitable and
sustainable beef cattle, sheep, and swine enterprises. Use
of techniques to develop and evaluate strategies resulting
in sound livestock enterprise management decisions. Focus
on advanced animal management protocols, enterprise
analysis, resource allocation, marketing options and risk
management.
Pre: (AAEC 3404 or AAEC 3454), (APSC 4414 or APSC 4444).
(2H,2L,3C)
4624: TOPICS IN EQUINE SCIENCE
Review and critique of scientific literature related to
equine science. Focus on creative and critical thinking.
Principles and practice of information analysis, synthesis
and evaluation through discourse and technical writing.
Practical application of research and communication skills.
Pre: ALS 2304.
(2H,2C)
4954: CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE IN ANIMAL AND POULTRY SCIENCES
Student-defined learning experience that utilizes knowledge
and skills already learned to acquire new skills, synthesize
information and solve problems in the animal sciences.
Requires approval from the department before commencement of
the experience, and a final report at its conclusion. Open
to APSC majors only. Completion of 75 credits towards the
APSC degree required.
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
Pre: 2004.
4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.