- Description
- Students demonstrate the techniques used to manage production livestock, poultry or other animal commodities. Areas of focus include industry trends and opportunities, genetics and reproduction, rations and feeding, housing, animal handling and restraint, animal health and welfare, breeding operations and care for the young. Potential areas of specialization include the production of cattle (beef or dairy), poultry, swine, sheep and diversified livestock (elk, bison and deer).
- Prerequisite
- AGR2040: Livestock/Poultry 1
- Parameters
- Access to livestock, poultry or specialty animals and to appropriate animal housing and fencing structures.
Outcomes The student will:
1 identify industry trends in cattle (beef or dairy), sheep, swine, poultry or diversified livestock production
1.1 research production and consumption patterns within Alberta, Canada and the global community
1.2 explain the impact of economic, environmental and social trends on production practices within the industry; e.g., international trade and global competition, trade liberalization, rural and urban populations, food safety and consumer confidence, consumer preferences, support for research and development, environmental stewardship and sustainable development
1.3 identify market factors that influence enterprise selection; e.g., market demands and trends, market size, location and access, market competition
1.4 compare financial opportunities related to animal production, considering:
1.4.1 fixed and variable costs
1.4.2 forecast of returns
1.4.3 risk factors
1.4.4 income stabilization programs
1.5 describe ways in which government regulations, policies and guidelines may influence production
1.6 describe land requirements and the suitability of soil, water and climate conditions to production operations
1.7 describe other needs relative to production activities, including:
1.7.1 structures and equipment
1.7.2 labour
1.7.3 transportation
1.8 predict future production on the basis of current issues and trends
2 describe principles of genetics and reproduction and explain their application to cattle (beef or dairy), sheep, swine, poultry or diversified livestock
2.1 research principles of heredity and their application to animals that are raised, considering:
2.1.1 dominant and recessive traits
2.1.2 selection criteria and procedures
2.1.3 systems of breeding
2.2 apply knowledge of specific reproduction processes, including:
2.2.1 estrous cycle
2.2.2 gestation period
2.2.3 natural service/artificial insemination
2.2.4 normal birth process
2.2.5 age criteria for breeding
2.3 research reproduction technologies and their application to animals that are raised; e.g., embryo transfer, gender selection
2.4 describe procedures used to manage the quality of animals within the industry, including:
2.4.1 selection criteria and regulations
2.4.2 pedigrees and performance information
2.4.3 showing/judging systems and standards
2.4.4 registry and record systems
3 demonstrate practical skills in raising, growing and finishing cattle (beef or dairy), sheep, swine, poultry or diversified livestock
3.1 perform basic animal production activities; e.g., feeding, housing, handling and restraining, addressing health and welfare, breeding operations, caring for young
3.2 describe approved methods of marking or tagging animals for identification
3.3 identify and apply appropriate strategies for the sustainable use of natural resources; e.g., management practices related to soil fertility and conservation, management practices related to water quality and the hydrologic cycle
3.4 explain concerns regarding animal management and sustainable production systems, considering:
3.4.1 biotechnology
3.4.2 food safety
3.4.3 animal rights
3.4.4 pollution
3.5 demonstrate adherence to relevant legislation and policy through production management activities, considering:
3.5.1 environmental health and safety
3.5.2 personal health and safety
4 demonstrate basic competencies
4.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
4.1.1 communicate
4.1.2 manage information
4.1.3 use numbers
4.1.4 think and solve problems
4.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
4.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
4.2.2 be responsible
4.2.3 be adaptable
4.2.4 learn continuously
4.2.5 work safely
4.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
4.3.1 work with others
4.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
5 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values
5.1 identify short-term and long-term goals
5.2 identify steps to achieve goals
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.