AGAH 2309 RANCH AND FEEDLOT JOBS

Course Syllabus

Fall 2008

I. TEXT:

None

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Methods of livestock identification, dehorning, castration, and controlling parasites, the planning and construction of fences, corrals and buildings to facilitate the handling of livestock.

III. PREREQUISITES:

In a course of this nature it is imperative that the student have an agricultural background. They must make arrangements for a personal interview with the director or assistant director of the program. The interview must be requested and completed between January 15 and May 1 for the class starting the following fall semester.

IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES:

General Objectives:

Ranch and feedlot jobs is designed to familiarize the student with what facilities and instruments are needed and required to carry out proper and economical handling of all classes of cattle.

Specific Objectives:

*Marking and branding: purpose of marking, characteristics of an ideal mark, methods available.

*Dehorning young as well as mature animals.

*Castration: surgical methods, bloodless methods

*Restraining equipment: types, different methods.

*Vaccines: Proper handling, use, care and administering.

*Fencing: judging quality in fence post, different types of wire, staples, corners, splicing, fences (both electric and conventional).

*External parasites: reasons for control, different insecticides, habits and control of external parasites.

*Corrals and working facilities: justification, location, materials, construction, planning, computing the gallon capacity of watering facilities, dipping vats.

*Windmills: history, windmill design and data, selecting a windmill, maintain and repair.

*Horizontal wells: construction, advantages.

AGAH 2309 cont.

V. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

A. Lecture

1. Comments on and explanation of the topic under consideration.

2. Exploring all aspects pertaining to economics and practicality.

B. Lab

1. Visiting several ranches and feedyards within a 200 mile radius of Clarendon Texas to study different herds and how they are managed.

2. Visiting major packing plants in the area to study the processing of our product.

3. Guest speakers from the Beef Industry pertaining to all aspects listed in the Course Description above.

4. Looking at different windmills, and how they are serviced.

5. Administering vaccines, and constructing fence.

C. Individual guidance on assignments.

D. Discussion and questions.

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA:

A. Overhead projection

B. Chalkboard

C. Slide projector

D. Video

E. Data Transmission Network (DTN)

F. Guest Speakers

G. Field trips

VII. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:

See current RFO requirements

VIII. TESTING:

See current RFO requirements:

IX. GRADING SYSTEM:

See current RFO requirements: