ASCI-ANIMAL SCIENCE -- 2001-03 Catalog
Animal Science Department

ASCI 101 Introduction to the Animal Sciences (2) (CR/NC)

Economic, environmental and societal impact of the livestock, poultry and horse industries. Basic terminology, anatomy, and physical requirements of animals. Career and academic planning. Co-curricular, extra-curricular, and post-graduate opportunities. Required of all first-time students in the Animal Sciences and Industry Department. Credit/No Credit grading only. 2 lectures.

ASCI 141 Market Beef Production (4)

Survey of industry characteristics, breeds, market classes, carcass residues, environmental protection and diet/health issues. Application of management skills, health care and behavior. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

ASCI 142 Swine Science (4)

Role of swine in agriculture, consideration of product quality assurance, diet/health issues and animal welfare concerns. Evaluation of brood stock and progeny product, husbandry systems, management skills, feeding systems and health management. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

ASCI 143 Systems of Sheep Production (4)

Types of sheep operations and geographic influence on management. The role of sheep in world agriculture. Social concerns including humane care, residues and diet/health issues. Evaluation of products, management skills, health care and behavior. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

ASCI 144 Equine Science (4)

History, status of the horse industry, breeds. Basic anatomy and physiology, unsoundnesses, diseases. Application of management skills, safety, conformation evaluation, hoof and leg conformation and care. Understanding equine behavior. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

ASCI 200 Special Problems for Undergraduates (2–3)

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 3 units per quarter. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

ASCI 209 Animal Food Products (3)

Composition of muscle-based foods in relation to cost, yield, quality, meal preparation and nutritional value. Buying, storing, handling and preservation. Uniform retail and food service identity standards for fresh cuts. Classification and methods of making processed meat products. Credit not allowed for students having completed ASCI/FSN 211. Miscellaneous course fee required--see Class Schedule. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

ASCI 211 Meats (3)

Muscle food processing methods and operations. Meat inspection, grading, composition, curing, preservation and related topics. Carcass beef, pork, and lamb will be processed into consumer ready products. Credit not allowed for students having completed ASCI/FSN 209. Miscellaneous course fee required--see Class Schedule. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

ASCI 212 Livestock Show Management (2)

Principles and procedures in organizing, managing and promoting a livestock show. Emphasis placed on the actual management of operating Cal Poly’s Western Bonanza Jr. Livestock Show. Total credit limited to 4 units. 2 activities.

ASCI 214 Equine Management (2)

Application of safety, risk reduction, horsemanship skills. Develop a working equine/human relationship. Selection and application of nutrition, equipment, preventive health and farrier program, and equitation skills. Miscellaneous course fee may be required–see Class Schedule. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

ASCI 216 Meat Grading and Evaluation (2)

Factors related to carcass quality and yield. USDA meat grading principles and practices. Judging of carcass and wholesale cuts. Field trip to meat packing plants required. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: ASCI/FSN 211.

ASCI 220 Introductory Animal Nutrition and Feeding (4)

Food nutrients, identification and nutrient quality of feedstuffs and uses for each class of livestock. Ration formulation based on the digestion and utilization of feeds. Economy and least price purchasing based on nutrient content and market value of livestock. 3 lectures and 1 laboratory.

ASCI 226 Livestock Evaluation (3)

Utilization of objective and subjective estimation measures in establishing economic worth of domestic animals of the three meat animal species and horses. 1 lecture, 2 laboratories.

ASCI 231 General Animal Science (3)

Relationship of animal agriculture to society and the economy and their role for human use and consumption. Discussion of nutrition, reproduction and management of beef cattle, sheep, swine and horses. Credit not allowed for Animal Science majors. 3 lectures.

ASCI 260 Preparation of Livestock for Shows and Sales (2)

Techniques, equipment and knowledge necessary in order to properly condition, groom, and present beef cattle or horses for evaluation and merchandising. Total credit limited to 4 units. 2 laboratories.

ASCI 290 Livestock Management Enterprise (2–4) (CR/NC)

Management techniques of the livestock enterprise. Providing health, nutritional and physical care to a representative group of animals. Planning, budgeting and marketing. Instructor approval required. Prerequisites may exist for some enterprises. Total degree credit for 290/490 limited to 9 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

ASCI 304 Animal Breeding (3)

Application of genetic principles for livestock improvement. Improving production through a study of selection techniques, mating systems, and performance evaluation using current technology. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: BIO 302 or BIO 303.

ASCI 311 Commercial Beef Management (3)

Management practices involved in the commercial beef cattle breeding enterprise. Trends and economic considerations relative to California and the U.S. Principles of selection, basic reproductive physiology, breeding systems, range management, nutrition, health programs and marketing phases of the enterprise. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: ASCI 141.

ASCI 312 Swine Management (3)

Management practices involved in commercial and purebred swine enterprises. Methods of production and marketing, performance testing programs and carcass evaluation techniques. Nutritional requirements, rations, feed additives, diseases and parasites, facilities and equipment. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: ASCI 142.

ASCI 313 Sheep Management (3)

Management practices of purebred and commercial sheep operations. Techniques, equipment, feeds, health care products and decision making throughout a production cycle from selection to culling. Exposure to emerging technologies and scientific advancements that will affect the sheep industry. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: ASCI 143.

ASCI 314 Advanced Horse Management (3)

Management practices relative to the training and conditioning of the horse. Investigation of the nutritional, behavioral and physiological parameters required of the horse in work, sport and recreational events. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: ASCI 144.

ASCI 315 Equine Biomechanics (4)

Anatomy and physiology of the equine hoof and limb. An understanding of the art and science of the farrier's work. Evaluation of proper hoof care, trimming, and shoeing. Foot and leg conformation as it relates to sound locomotion. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: ASCI 144 or equivalent. Recommended: VS 223.

ASCI 324 Advanced Equine Evaluation (2)

Appraising the relative merit of individual horses in halter and performance through the application, development and refinement of deductive and inductive logical processes. Oral and written expression of the selection rationale. 2 laboratories. Prerequisites: ASCI 226 and/or consent of instructor.

ASCI 326 Advanced Livestock Evaluation (2)

Application of deductive and inductive logical processes in appraising the relative merit of individual animals within a group sample. Oral expression of the selection rationale. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: ASCI 226.

ASCI 329 Principles of Range Management (3)

Characteristics, history and multiple uses of rangeland. Principles of range plant physiology and ecology in relation to range condition, trend, utilization and improvement practices. Principles of proper grazing practices and nutrition of livestock. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: One course each in soil science, animal science and botany or crop science.

ASCI 333 Equine Reproduction (5)

Management of the breeding farm, breeding problems, diseases, study of estrus cycles, servicing the mare, handling stallions. Breeding systems, teasing, embryo transfer, ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis, new developments in breeding technology. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 4 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: ASCI 144.

ASCI 339 Internship in Animal Science (1–12) (CR/NC)

Selected Animal Science students will spend up to 12 weeks with an approved agricultural firm engaged in production or related business. Time will be spent applying and developing production and managerial skills and abilities. One unit of credit may be allowed for each full week of completed and reported internship. Degree credit limited to 6 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Consent of internship instructor.

ASCI 340 Computer Applications in Ration Formulation (2)

Development of nutritionally balanced rations for livestock. Balancing of rations using Pearson Square, algebraic methods, linear programming methods, and commercial software. 2 activities. Prerequisites: ASCI 220 or DSCI 101, CSC 110 or consent of instructor.

ASCI 344 Equine and Human Communication (3)

Behavior of the horse and its relationship with people. Learning, motivation, social behavior and communication with techniques to improve the safety and understanding between people and horses. 3 laboratories. Prerequisites: ASCI 144 and ASCI 260 or consent of instructor.

ASCI 345 Equine Behavior Modification (3)

Advanced principles of equine behavior modification for training young horses under saddle. Identifying differences in individual horse's attitudes, techniques to teach horses to respond to various stimuli, management of young equine athlete. 3 laboratories. Prerequisite: ASCI 344 or consent of instructor.

ASCI 346 Equine Nutrition (3)

Equine digestion, diet development considerations and evaluations, nutritional management, and the relationship of respective topics to recommended feeding practices, research data, and nutritional portfolios. Information is based on recent advances in horse nutrition and the National Research Council's Nutrient Requirements for Horses. A distance learning course. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: ASCI 144 and ASCI 220.

ASCI 347 Equine Exercise Physiology (3)

Applied physiology of the exercising horse. Examine different physiological systems: muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nutritional. Gait analysis, lameness, and treatment. The athletic horse: sports medicine, conditioning, drugs, and necropsy evaluation. A distance learning course. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: ASCI 144 and any human/animal physiology class.

ASCI 350 Applied Nonruminant Nutrition (4)

Comparison of nonruminant and ruminant digestive systems, nutrient requirements, risk management for ingredients, formulation and nutritional management. Influence of growth and production curves, consumption patterns, and feeding management in commercial poultry and swine industries. Feed manufacturing and governmental regulations. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: ASCI 220 or DSCI 101.

ASCI 384 Processed Meat and Poultry Products (4)

Physical, chemical and functional characteristics of meat food raw materials. Science and technology of value-added processing including curing, sausage manufacture, low moisture products, and restructuring. Quality assurance and related current industry topics. Miscellaneous course fee may be required-see Class Schedule. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: ASCI/FSN 209 or ASCI/FSN 211, junior standing.

ASCI 400 Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (2–4)

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

ASCI 401 Reproductive Physiology (4)

Reproductive anatomy of male and female farm animals. General endocrinology and systemic physiology. Endocrine system effects on the various aspects of reproduction, such as: gametogenesis, estrus, gestation, parturition, mothering and seasonality. Introduction to reproductive biotechnology and embryo manipulation. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: VS 223.

ASCI 405 Domestic Livestock Endocrinology (4)

Endocrine system and its role in the homeostasis of the animal. Use of hormones in increasing productivity of domestic animals. Endocrinology of reproduction, growth, metabolism and immunology. Discussions of cost-benefit relationships in the use of hormones. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: VS 223, ASCI 220.

ASCI 410 Ultrasonography (1)

Utilization of ultrasound technology for pregnancy diagnosis in sheep, beef cattle, swine and horses and live animal carcass estimation in sheep, beef cattle and swine. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FSN 211, ASCI 401, VS 223 and senior standing.

ASCI 420 Animal Nutrition (3)

Metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, vitamins and water, and the relationship of nutrient utilization to animal production. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: ASCI 220 and CHEM 212/312 (or CHEM 216/316 and CHEM 217/317).

ASCI 450 Computer Applications in Animal Science: Spreadsheet Analysis (4)

Development of spreadsheets relating to livestock production. Integration of database and analytical techniques. Cost-benefit analyses of livestock production systems. 2 lectures, 2 activities. Prerequisite: AG 250, CSC 110, or consent of instructor..

ASCI 461 Senior Project (2)

Selection of a project and an ASCI 462 adviser, formulation of an outline and a literature review. Projects selected in the student's expected field of employment. Outline and literature review will be presented as part of the ASCI 462 final report. Minimum 60 hours. 2 seminars. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

ASCI 462 Senior Project (2)

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Projects typical of problems which graduates must solve in their fields of employment. Project results are presented in a formal report. Minimum 60 hours.

ASCI 463 Undergraduate Seminar (2)

Major developments in the chosen field of the student. Discussion of new developments, policies, practices, and procedures. Each individual is responsible for the development and presentation of a topic in the chosen field. 2 seminars.

ASCI 470 Selected Advanced Topics (1–4)

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

ASCI 471 Selected Advanced Laboratory (1–4)

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

ASCI 476 Issues in Animal Agriculture (3)

Exploration of social, political and environmental forces which will affect livestock production in the future. Roles played by advocacy groups and the media in influencing consumer demands and management practices. 3 seminars. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.

ASCI 485 Cooperative Education Experience in Animal Science (6) (CR/NC)

Part-time work experience with an approved Animal Science firm engaged in production or related business, industry or governmental agency. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Total credit limited to 16 units. Degree credit limited to 6 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and consent of instructor.

ASCI 490 Advanced Livestock Management Enterprise (2–4) (CR/NC)

Intensified management of specialized livestock enterprises in all species areas. Application of applied research and progressive husbandry practices employed. Industry contact and visitation encouraged. Specified class prerequisites and consent of instructor required. Total degree credit for 290/490 limited to 9 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Specified classes and consent of instructor.

ASCI 495 Cooperative Education Experience in Animal Science (12) (CR/NC)

Full time work experience with an approved Animal Science firm engaged in production or related business, industry or governmental agency. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Total credit limited to 16 units. Degree credit limited to 6 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and consent of instructor.

ASCI 500 Individual Study in Animal Science (1–6)

Advanced independent study planned and completed under the direction of a member of the Animal Science faculty. Total credit limited to 6 units. Prerequisite: Consent of department head, graduate adviser and supervising faculty member.

ASCI 570 Selected Topics in Animal Science (1–4)

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1 to 4 seminars. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

ASCI 581 Graduate Seminar in Animal Production (3)

Current findings and research problems in the field and their application to the industry. 3 seminars.