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¸£Àû±ÆÕ¾ Catalog 2023-2024

Animal Science

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit .

Animal science offers an opportunity for training in a diversity of basic sciences and the integration of such knowledge into the framework of a living system. Students can major in animal science or co-major in animal science and one of the following disciplines: biochemistry, genomics, genetics, microbiology, nutrition, physiology or statistics. Students can also concentrate in management and production areas.

Admission Requirements

Factors considered for admission include: grade point average, scores on the GRE, undergraduate courses, experiences, statement of interest, and letters of recommendation. In addition, a member of the Animal Science Graduate Faculty must be willing to serve as the applicant's advisor for the M.S. program.

Master of Science

A minimum of 30 credit hours, including 18 hours of graduate level course work in the degree program, is required. Students also complete and defend a thesis based on their research. The minor is optional. If a student selects a minor, the advisory committee must include a member from the minor field.

Master of Animal Science

The non-thesis Master of Animal Science (MR) degree (Option B) requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, 19 credits of core courses and 17 credits of elective courses. The MR degree program is also offered through distance education.

Student Financial Support

A limited number of research and teaching assistantships are available for students in the M.S. degree program through the department and are awarded on a competitive basis. Students are also supported by research grant funds awarded to faculty members. The total support package includes health insurance, tuition, and a stipend. Students applying for assistantships should apply by January 31 for fall admission.

Other Relevant Information

To provide an opportunity for students to develop their teaching skills, graduate students in a program that includes a thesis are required to assist in the departmental teaching program regardless of source of financial support. All graduate students in the Department of Animal Science who are mentored by departmental graduate faculty members are required to teach a minimum of one semester during their M.S. program.

Faculty

  • Glen William Almond
  • Joan Eisemann
  • Charlotte E. Farin
  • Vivek Fellner
  • William Lucas Flowers IV
  • Fikret Isik
  • Sung Woo Kim
  • Duane K. Larick
  • Hsiao-Ching Liu
  • Christian Maltecca
  • Melissa Schuster Merrill
  • Jeannette A. Moore
  • Jack Odle
  • Shannon Elizabeth Phillips
  • Jorge A. Piedrahita
  • Matt H. Poore
  • Miles T. See
  • Paul David Siciliano
  • Eric VanHeugten
  • Elizabeth B. Wilson
  • Dana J. Hanson
  • Mark T. Knauer
  • Daniel Heath Poole
  • Korinn Edna Saker
  • Giuseppe Valacchi
  • Debora A. Esposito
  • Jonathan Paul Holt
  • Jicai Jiang
  • Michael Vadakekara Joseph
  • Suzanne McKay Leonard
  • Casey C. Nestor
  • Carrie L. Pickworth
  • Xiaoqiu Wang
  • Stephanie Hill Ward
  • Kimberly Dawn Ange-Van Heugten
  • Deidre Danielle Harmon
  • James B. Holland
  • Francesco Tiezzi Mazzoni Della Stella Ma
  • Shweta Trivedi
  • Lin Xi
  • Brenda P. Alston-Mills
  • Geoffrey A. Benson
  • Leonard S. Bull
  • Roger G. Crickenberger
  • Kenneth L. Esbenshade
  • Warren H. Croom, Jr.
  • Eugene Eisen
  • Winston Murry Hagler
  • Raymond W. Harvey
  • Brinton Alden Hopkins
  • Gerald B. Huntington
  • James R. Jones
  • Jean-Marie Luginbuhl
  • Roger Lee McCraw
  • William M. Morrow
  • Richard M. Myers
  • Robert M. Petters
  • Odis Wayne Robison
  • Frank D. Sargent
  • Jerry Wayne Spears
  • Steven Paul Washburn
  • Michael David Whitacre
  • Lon Weidner Whitlow
  • Charles Michael Williams
  • Todd Aaron Armstrong
  • Raymond Dean Boyd
  • Max T. Coffey
  • Kent A Gray
  • Jeffrey Alan Hansen
  • Justin W. Holl
  • Elizabeth A. Koutsos
  • Douglas Wyatt Newcom
  • Theo A. van Kempen
  • Rasha Qudsieh

Assistant Professor

  • Felipe Alves Correa Carvalho da Silva

Courses

´¡±·³§Ìý515/´¡±·³§Ìý415/±·°Õ¸éÌý415/±Ê°¿Ìý415/±Ê°¿Ìý515/±·°Õ¸éÌý515ÌýÌýComparative NutritionÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Principles of nutrition, including the classification of nutrients and the nutrient requirements of and metabolism by different species for health, growth, maintenance and productive functions.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

´¡±·³§Ìý525/±Ê°¿Ìý525/±·°Õ¸éÌý425/´¡±·³§Ìý425/¹ó²ÑÌý425/±Ê°¿Ìý425/±·°Õ¸éÌý525/¹ó²ÑÌý525ÌýÌýFeed Manufacturing TechnologyÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Feed mill management, feed ingredient purchasing, inventory, storage, and quality evaluation, computerized feed formulation, feeding programs for poultry and swine, feed mill design, equipment, maintenance, operation, safety, state and federal regulations pertaining to feed manufacture.

Prerequisite: ANS(NTR,PO) 415 or ´¡±·³§Ìý230 or ´¡±·³§Ìý225

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

´¡±·³§Ìý535/´¡±·³§Ìý435ÌýÌýStress Physiology in AnimalsÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Stress Physiology in Animals is a course focusing on the mechanism whereby stress impacts multiple physiological systems throughout the body in animals (human and non-human models). Physiological systems discussed will include the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the immune system, the metabolic system, and the reproduction system.

Typically offered in Spring only

´¡±·³§Ìý537/´¡±·³§Ìý437ÌýÌýPrecision Livestock Farming SystemsÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) is a multidisciplinary approach to producing safe, quality animal products by improving animal health, welfare, and production while reducing environmental impact and input resources. This course introduces students to the common structure and terminology of PLF systems and provides an overview of PLF concepts. Multiple types of technologies, sensors, and camera systems for various animal species will be covered with hands-on activities for software and hardware applications.

Prerequisite: ³§°ÕÌý311

Typically offered in Fall only

´¡±·³§Ìý539/´¡±·³§Ìý439ÌýÌýComparative Animal Exercise PhysiologyÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

This course will discuss aspects of exercise physiology with a focus on equine and canine species, also with some discussion on humans, other athletic mammals, aquatic and avian species. The course will cover elements of bioenergetics and exercise metabolism, cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular adaptations to exercise and training, thermoregulation, performance evaluation, biomechanics and lameness, and exercise-related health conditions, with a comparative nature.

Typically offered in Fall only

´¡±·³§Ìý540/´¡±·³§Ìý440ÌýÌýAnimal Genetic ImprovementÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Modern evaluation and selection procedures for domestic animals; selection goals, estimation of breeding values and performance testing; their impact on genetic changes.

Prerequisite: (ANS/±á³§Ìý215 or ³Ò±·Ìý311) and (³§°ÕÌý311 or ST/µþ±«³§Ìý350) and Junior standing

Typically offered in Fall only

´¡±·³§Ìý550/±·°Õ¸éÌý550ÌýÌýApplied Ruminant NutritionÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Applied concepts in ruminant nutrition for the practicing agricultural professional. Protein, energy, vitamin and mineral nutrition in relation to the nutritional needs and practical feeding of beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, and goats. New developments in feeding systems, feed additives and the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders. Emphasis on solving problems in case studies. Permission given to undergraduates

Prerequisite: ´¡±·³§Ìý230 or ANS(NTR,PO) 415. Permission given to undergraduates

Typically offered in Fall only

´¡±·³§Ìý552/±Ê±á³ÛÌý552/±Ê±á³ÛÌý452/´¡±·³§Ìý452ÌýÌýComparative Reproductive Physiology and BiotechnologyÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Comparative approach to examining aspects of reproductive physiology in selected vertebrate species. Detailed examination of current reproductive biotechnologies and ethical issues associated with the application of reproductive biotechnologies. Credit will not be given for both ´¡±·³§Ìý452 and ANS (PHY) 552.

Prerequisite: ´¡±·³§Ìý220

Typically offered in Fall only

´¡±·³§Ìý553/´¡±·³§Ìý453ÌýÌýPhysiology and Genetics of Growth and DevelopmentÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Introduction to the basic concepts of growth with emphasis on domestic mammals. Growth of the major classes of animal tissues and regulation by endogenous and exogenous factors. Relationship to efficiency of animal production. Credit will not be given for both ´¡±·³§Ìý453 and 553.

Typically offered in Fall only

´¡±·³§Ìý554/´¡±·³§Ìý454/±·°Õ¸éÌý454ÌýÌýLactation, Milk and NutritionÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Nutritional properties of milk as a high-quality food with nutritional diversity. Principles of physiology, biochemistry and cell biology in the mammary gland. Procedures of milk production and milk collection for milk quality and nutrition. Human lactation vs. that of domestic animals. Impacts of biotechnology and food safety on dairy production. Credit will not be given for both ´¡±·³§Ìý454 and 554.

Prerequisite: ´¡±·³§Ìý230 or FS/NTR 400; µþ°ä±áÌý451 or ZO 421

Typically offered in Spring only

´¡±·³§Ìý561/±·°Õ¸éÌý561ÌýÌýEquine NutritionÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

This course explores concepts in equine nutrition including digestive physiology of horses, nutrient requirements for different classes of horses and feed management. Ration evaluation and balancing, as well as problem solving will be a core component to this course.

Typically offered in Spring only

´¡±·³§Ìý565/±·°Õ¸éÌý565ÌýÌýAdvanced Canine and Feline NutritionÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

This course is about the advanced principles of nutrition within canines and felines. The course focuses on the unique gastro- intestinal tracts for the two species as well as their specific nutrient requirements and how the animal industry addresses these needs.

Restriction: Graduate Student or Senior with 3.35 GPA; Prerequisite: 400-level Nutrition Course

Typically offered in Fall only

´¡±·³§Ìý571/µþ°ä±áÌý571ÌýÌýRegulation of MetabolismÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Study of hormonal, enzymatic and molecular-genetic regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism; emphasis on mammalian species.

Prerequisite: µþ°ä±áÌý451, ³Ò±·Ìý311, a course in physiology, cell biology

Typically offered in Fall only

´¡±·³§Ìý590ÌýÌýTopical Problems in Animal ScienceÌýÌý(1-3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Selection or assignment of special problems in various phases of animal science.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

´¡±·³§Ìý591ÌýÌýSpecial Topics in Animal Science through AG IdeaÌýÌý(1-3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Special topics in various aspects of animal science offered via Great Plains AG Idea.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

´¡±·³§Ìý600ÌýÌýProfessional Development for Graduate StudentsÌýÌý(1 credit hours)ÌýÌý

This course is designed to assist graduate students with the preparation of professional information that they may be required to provide as they seek opportunities following graduate school. Course topics will include preparation of personal statements, resumes or curriculum vitae, investigation of the types of careers available to Animal Science graduates, and preparation of multimedia presentations that may be used in formal interviews.

Restriction: Graduate Standing

Typically offered in Spring only

´¡±·³§Ìý601ÌýÌýAnimal Science SeminarÌýÌý(1 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Weekly seminars on topics of current interest given by resident faculty members, graduate students and visiting lecturers.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

´¡±·³§Ìý603ÌýÌýReproductive Physiology SeminarÌýÌý(1 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Weekly seminars on topics of current interest given by resident faculty members, graduate students and visiting lecturers.

Typically offered in Spring only

´¡±·³§Ìý604ÌýÌýAnimal Breeding and Genetics SeminarÌýÌý(1 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Weekly seminars on topics of current interest given by resident faculty members, graduate students and visiting lecturers.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

´¡±·³§Ìý610ÌýÌýTopical Problems in Animal ScienceÌýÌý(1-6 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Selection or assignment of special problems in various phases of animal science.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

´¡±·³§Ìý641ÌýÌýPracticum in Animal ScienceÌýÌý(1-3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

´¡±·³§Ìý685ÌýÌýMaster's Supervised TeachingÌýÌý(1-3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

´¡±·³§Ìý690ÌýÌýMaster's ExamÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

For students in non-thesis master's programs who have completed all other requirements of the degree except preparing for and taking the final master's exam.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Spring and Summer

´¡±·³§Ìý693ÌýÌýMaster's Supervised ResearchÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

´¡±·³§Ìý695ÌýÌýMaster's Thesis ResearchÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Thesis research.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

´¡±·³§Ìý696ÌýÌýSummer Thesis ResearchÌýÌý(1 credit hours)ÌýÌý

For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Summer only

´¡±·³§Ìý699ÌýÌýMaster's Thesis PreparationÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

For students who have completed all credit hour requirements and full-time enrollment for the master's degree and are writing and defending their thesis.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

´¡±·³§Ìý701/±·°Õ¸éÌý701ÌýÌýProtein and Amino Acid MetabolismÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Study of protein and amino acid metabolism, regulation, dietary requirements and techniques for their investigation in human and other animals.

Prerequisite: µþ°ä±áÌý453, ZO 421, a 400-level nutrition course

Typically offered in Spring only

´¡±·³§Ìý702/±Ê±á³ÛÌý702ÌýÌýReproductive Physiology of MammalsÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Survey of reproductive strategies among vertebrates; in-depth coverage of mammalian reproductive physiology; gametogenesis, fertilization, embryonic and fetal development, parturition, puberty, neuroendrocrine control mechanisms in male and female mammals.

Prerequisite: ZO 421

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

´¡±·³§Ìý713/³Ò±·Ìý713ÌýÌýQuantitative Genetics and BreedingÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Quantitative and population genetic theory of breeding problems; partitioning of genetic variance, maternal effects, genotype by environment interaction and genetic correlation; selection indexes; design and analysis of selection experiments; marker-assisted selection.

Prerequisite: GN 509, ³§°ÕÌý512

Typically offered in Spring only

´¡±·³§Ìý726/¹ó°¿¸éÌý726/°ä³§Ìý726ÌýÌýAdvanced Topics In Quantitative Genetics and BreedingÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Advanced topics in quantitative genetics pertinent to population improvement for quantitative and categorical traits with special applications to plant and animal breeding. DNA markers - phenotype associations. The theory and application of linear mixed models, BLUP and genomic selection using maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches. Pedigree and construction of genomic relationships matrices from DNA markers and application in breeding.

Prerequisite: ³§°ÕÌý511, Corequisite: ³§°ÕÌý512

Typically offered in Spring only

´¡±·³§Ìý790ÌýÌýAdvanced Special Topics in Animal ScienceÌýÌý(1-6 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Selection or assignment of advanced special problems in various disciplines of animal science.

Prerequisite: Graduate Standing

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

´¡±·³§Ìý803ÌýÌýReproductive Physiology SeminarÌýÌý(1 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Weekly seminars on topics of current interest given by resident faculty members, graduate students and visiting lecturers.

Typically offered in Spring only

´¡±·³§Ìý804ÌýÌýAnimal Breeding and Genetics SeminarÌýÌý(1 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Weekly seminars on topics of current interest given by resident faculty members, graduate students and visiting lecturers.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

´¡±·³§Ìý810ÌýÌýTopical Problems in Animal ScienceÌýÌý(1-6 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Selection or assignment of special problems in various phases of animal science.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

´¡±·³§Ìý811ÌýÌýSafety and Ethics in Animal ScienceÌýÌý(1 credit hours)ÌýÌý

´¡±·³§Ìý811 is 1 credit hour course focused on safety and ethics in the Department of Animal Science.

P: Graduate Standing

Typically offered in Fall only

´¡±·³§Ìý841ÌýÌýPracticum in Animal ScienceÌýÌý(1-3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

´¡±·³§Ìý885ÌýÌýDoctoral Supervised TeachingÌýÌý(1-3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

´¡±·³§Ìý890ÌýÌýDoctoral Preliminary ExaminationÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

For students who are preparing for and taking written and/or oral preliminary exams.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

´¡±·³§Ìý893ÌýÌýDoctoral Supervised ResearchÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

´¡±·³§Ìý895ÌýÌýDoctoral Dissertation ResearchÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Dissertation research

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

´¡±·³§Ìý896ÌýÌýSummer Thesis ResearchÌýÌý(1 credit hours)ÌýÌý

For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Summer only

´¡±·³§Ìý899ÌýÌýDoctoral Dissertation PreparationÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

For students who have completed all credit hours, full-time enrollment, preliminary examination, and residency requirements for the doctoral degree, and are writing and defending their dissertations.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer