Clarendon College

AGAH 1341

SHEEP & GOAT PRODUCTION

Course Syllabus

Spring 2009

I. TEXT:

None

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Breeds, traits of economic importance, live animal/carcass and wool evaluation, grading systems, genetics, reproduction, breeding systems, nutrition, systems of production and management practices.

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:

Student awareness of the many aspects of Sheep and Wool Production with a practical and financially feasible objective in mind.

Specific Objectives:

* Become familiar with specific breeds of sheep common to the United States today.

* Become familiar with the current system of carcass/wool grading and pricing.

* Become familiar with specific diseases and parasites common to sheep.

* Understanding of ovine genetics. Specifically qualitative and quantitative traits and the effects of inbreeding and outcrosses. Understanding of heterosis and its importance.

* Evaluation of different breeding systems and their effects on genetics and performance.

* Understanding of ovine nutrition.

* Understanding of ovine reproduction.

* Descriptions and discussions of different production phases and the management of these including, range sheep operations, farm flock operations, growing operations, and feeding operations.

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 operations and how they are managed.

2. Guest speakers from the Industry lecturing on subjects pertaining to any or all aspects listed in the Course Description.

3. Participate in hands on involvement of marking lambs, parasite control, shearing, etc. when the opportunity is available.

C. Individual guidance on assignments.

D. Discussion and questions.

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA:

A. Overhead projection

B. Chalkboard

C. Slide projector

D. Video

E. Networked computers (1 per student)

F. Guest Speakers

G. Field trips

VII. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:

See attached document:

VIII.TESTING:

See attached document:

IX. GRADING SYSTEM:

See attached document:

Mr. Laban W. Tubbs

Office # (806) 874-3571 ext. 143

Home # (806) 874-2486