Animal and Poultry Sciences

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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, animal behavior and welfare, 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 during the academic year of admission to Virginia Tech apply. Requirements for graduation are listed on checksheets. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion. The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar's website at https://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/checksheets.html for degree requirements.

Note: Advisors work with students to individualize the course of study.

Satisfactory Progress

University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education Curriculum (Pathways) comprised of seven core learning concepts and two integrative learning concepts (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)

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)

4204: ADVANCED EQUINE NUTRITION AND FEEDING Analysis, formulation, and improvement of diets fed to horses in different physiological stages and metabolic statuses. Nutrient digestion, absorption, and utilization of nutrients. Computer-based ration formulation for horses. Applying economic principles to ration formulation and communicate equine nutrition concepts. Pre: ALS 3204. (3H,3C)

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.