ASCI-ANIMAL SCIENCE -- 2003-05 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 102 Principles of Animal Science (4)

Economic and environmental roles of animal production and companionship to society. Introductory nutrition, genetics, reproduction, behavior, growth and development, animal products, biosecurity, and food processing and safety of animals. 4 lectures.

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 211. 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 209. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

ASCI 212 Livestock Show Management (3)

Application of the management and operations of Cal Poly’s Western Bonanza Livestock Show. Principles and procedures in planning, organizing, financing, promoting and managing a major livestock show and the fair industry. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 lecture, 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. 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 211.

ASCI 220 Introductory Animal Nutrition and Feeding (4)

Nutrient digestion and absorption; basic functions of major nutrient classes; NRC feed classification and feedstuff characteristics; Van Soest system of fiber analysis and practical applications; feed processing: effects on feeds and nutrient availability; nutrient requirements of animals; diet formulation techniques. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

ASCI 221 Introduction to Beef Production (4)

Survey of industry characteristics, breeds, market classes, production systems, and current issues facing the beef industry. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: ASCI 102 or ASCI 231.

ASCI 222 Systems of Swine Production (4)

Structure of the pork industry in the U.S.; production standards and new technologies; breed systems. Market classification, product quality and quality assurance. Swine behavior and husbandry systems; biosecurity, health and feeding systems and management. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: ASCI 102 or ASCI 231.

ASCI 223 Systems of Sheep Management (4)

Sheep industry overview, populations, trends, cultural implications, breed identification, nutritional, reproductive, health, and marketing management of sheep. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: ASCI 102 or ASCI 231.

ASCI 224 Equine Science (4)

History, status of the horse industry, breeds. Application of management skills, safety, conformation evaluation, hoof and leg conformation and care. Understanding equine behavior. Insurance and tax ramifications. Pedigree analysis. Alternate therapies. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: ASCI 102 or ASCI 231.

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 232 General Animal Science Laboratory (1)

Basic handling skills of livestock; introductory selection of livestock; basic feedstuff identification and processing; and health care practices. 1 laboratory.

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 Advanced Beef Cattle System Management (4)

Management principles for the sustainability of commercial beef cattle operations. Systems approach for goal setting, financial analysis, range management, breeding systems, nutrition, health programs, marketing, and production practices to enhance profitability of commercial cow-calf operations. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: ASCI 221 or consent of instructor.

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 224 or equivalent. Recommended: VS 223.

ASCI 320 Physiological Chemistry of Animals (4)

Interactions between the biological and chemical reactions in livestock. Physiology explained at the organ, tissue and cellular level as it relates to the whole animal system. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: BIO 111 or BIO 151, CHEM 312 or CHEM 316, 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. 4 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: ASCI 224.

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 activities. Prerequisites: ASCI 214, or consent of instructor.

ASCI 345 Equine Behavior Modification (5)

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 different stimuli, management of young equine athlete. 5 activities. 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 224 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 224 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 351 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 355 Ruminant Nutrition (4)

Digestive physiology and nutrition of ruminants. Anatomy and physiology of the digestive tract. Rumen microbial fermentation. Nitrogen utilization and metabolism. Energy partitioning. Net energy system. Range livestock and feedlot nutrition. Supplementation. Common metabolic and nutritional dysfunctions. Diet formulation. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: ASCI 220 and ASCI 320 or CHEM 313 or CHEM 371.

ASCI 384 Processed Meat 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. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: ASCI 209 or ASCI 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 403 Applied Biotechnology in Animal Science (5)

Biotechnology and its role in animal science. Applied techniques in gene identification, purification and amplification. 3 lectures, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: BIO 151, BIO 153.

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 406 Applied Animal Embryology (5)

Technology of promoting oocyte development, fertilization, culturing, cryopreservation and micromanipulation of embryos. Mouse, cattle and horse embryos used for learning the techniques involved in embryology. 3 lectures, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: VS 223, ASCI 351 recommended.

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 351, VS 223 and senior standing.

ASCI 415 HACCP for Meat and Poultry Operations (3)

Using Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles to develop regulatory inspection plans for meat and poultry operations; development and use of prerequisite programs; microbiological and process overviews. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: ASCI 209 or ASCI 211; ASCI 384 or PM 320, or consent of instructor.

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 advisor, 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. 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. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

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 advisor 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.