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Beef and Livestock Studies AAS

Overview

The degree in Beef and Livestock Studies is geared towards providing a solid base in the renewed interest and increase of the production and marketing of meat animals in the Northeast. Students have ample opportunities to gain hands-on experience in handling various livestock using SUNY Cobleskill’s year-round maintained breeding and market animal resources in the herds/flocks of beef, sheep, meat goats and swine, and seasonally with rabbits and poultry. Applied knowledge related to care and management, feeding, breeding, selection, evaluations, marketing and meat animal processing through the College’s USDA Meats Processing Facility are highlights of major field courses.

The changing profile of the New York animal livestock industry toward increased grassland farming and the enlargement of marketing facilities in the Northeast have greatly influenced livestock production. Students are trained in practical, hands-on situations using SUNY Cobleskill’s cow/calf, stocker and feeder programs as well as the College’s sheep and goat flock. Applied knowledge in livestock production related to selection, care and management, nutrition, breeding, health and opportunities in the industry are emphasized. Modern technology has created a demand for trained specialists in this branch of livestock management and the agribusiness field.

Degree Option

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

 

Sample courses include:

  • Farm Management
  • Forage & Seed Crops
  • Intro to Soil Science
  • Meat Products
  • Intro to Animal Science
  • Animal Science Techniques
  • Intro to Livestock Production
  • Feeds & Feeding
  • Livestock Production, Evaluation, & Marketing
  • Animal Health

At the completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Prepare a management plan for an animal enterprise or processing facility that include skills for positive handling, care and management of animals and animal products.
  • Recognize animal health and wellness and be able to choose appropriate management techniques to optimize the production of the herd or flock.
  • Describe animal nutritional requirements for the production of food and fiber and translate the needs of an animal into appropriate ration formulations, then evaluate the effectiveness of the ration.
  • Relate the needs and outputs of animals to the forage and crop resources available.
  • Analyze industry record systems to implement and appropriate decision-making strategy that will maximize the profitability of the herd or flock.
  • Identify current breeding and reproductive methods and practices in the livestock industry and use them to evaluate the genetic merit of individuals animals for selection decisions on the enterprise.