Animal Science Courses

Animal Science (AGS) courses

  • AGS 101 Animal Science

    An introductory course in principles of management and care of livestock and companion animals, including basic biology, genetics, nutrition, reproduction, industry structure, management practices and production systems. Concurrent enrollment in AGS 102 is recommended.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall, Spring
  • AGS 102 Animal Science Laboratory

    This laboratory course will support the concepts presented in a 100-level animal science course by offering hands-on practice of the various skills used in animal based agriculture.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    102Fall, Spring
  • AGS 161 Introduction to Horses

    Scope and role of the horse industry. Responsibilities of ownership; selection, breeds-development and uses; basic care-nutrition, health care, conditioning; and facilities.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Fall
  • AGS 162 Introduction to Riding

    This is an introductory course with a focus on safe and effective techniques for both English and Western riding. Students that ride must not exceed 20% of the horse's weight and must be able to lift 50 lbs. Students are responsible for transportation. May be repeated to a maximum of two hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    102Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 163 Introduction to Hunt Seat Equestrian Competition

    Prerequisite: AGS 162 or permission of instructor.

    This course is for students who have limited or no experience in equestrian competition in the hunt seat discipline. Students are responsible for transportation to the Darr Center. A horse care fee will be charged. This course cannot be taken concurrently with AGS 263 or AGS 363. May be repeated for a total of 2 hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    102Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 164 Introduction to Stock Seat Equestrian Competition

    Prerequisite: AGS 162 or permission of instructor.

    This course is for students who have limited or no experience in equestrian competition in the stock seat discipline. Students are responsible for transportation to the Darr Center. A horse care fee will be charged. This course cannot be taken concurrently with AGS 264 or AGS 364. May be repeated to a maximum of two hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    102Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 185 Introduction to Companion Animal Science

    An introduction to companion animal biology through consideration of the anatomy, nutrition, behavior, husbandry, and reproduction of companion animals. Course content is largely focused on cats and dogs, although other mammals, birds and reptiles commonly kept as pets will be discussed. Legal, economic, and ethical issues associated with companion animals will be addressed.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • AGS 191 Evaluation and Performance Appraisal of Horses

    Detailed evaluation of athletic performance of horses; influence of training and other environmental effects, heredity, and conformation; use of racing and performance records, visual appraisal, and industry trends; oral and written defense of judgments.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    204Upon demand
  • AGS 196 Dairy and Meat Animal Evaluation

    Comparative judging including selection, grading, and classification of dairy cattle, or beef cattle, swine and sheep. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of four hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    204Fall
  • AGS 251 Introduction to the Beef Industry

    Prerequisite: AGS 101.

    Overview of the U.S. and global beef industry with regard to beef production and consumption. Standard management decisions for seedstock, commercial cow-calf, stocker, and feedlot sectors of the beef industry. Basics of reproduction, breeding and genetics, nutrition, health, and growth related to beef cattle.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    220Spring
  • AGS 262 Introduction to Riding II

    Prerequisite: AGS 162 or permission of instructor.

    This is an intermediate-level riding course with a focus on developing more advanced skills for riding horses. Students may ride hunt seat, stock seat, or both seats during the semester. Students that ride must not exceed 20% of the horse's weight and must be able to lift 50 lbs. Students are responsible for transportation to the Darr Center.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    204Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 263 Intermediate Hunt Seat Equestrian Competition

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 163. This course is for students who have a moderate amount of experience in equestrian competition in the hunt seat discipline. Students are responsible for transportation to the Darr Center. A horse care fee will be charged. This course cannot be taken concurrently with AGS 163 or AGS 363. May be repeated to a maximum of two hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    102Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 264 Intermediate Stock Seat Equestrian Competition

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 163 or 164. This course is for students who have a moderate amount of experience in equestrian competition in the stock seat discipline. Events to be covered will include horsemanship and ranch horse events. Students are responsible for transportation to the Darr Center. A horse care fee will be charged. This course cannot be taken concurrently with AGS 164 or AGS 364. May be repeated to a maximum of two hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    102Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 301 Physiology of Farm Animals

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 101 and BIO 101 and 111 and CHM 116 and 117. Basic physiology of farm animals with special emphasis on systems related to the economic importance of domestic animals such as the mammary, reproductive, endocrine, and other systems.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • AGS 302 Reproductive Physiology

    Prerequisite: AGS 101 and C- or better in BIO 101 or BIO 121 or BIO 122 or BMS 100 or CHM 107 or CHM 116 or CHM 160.

    Physiological principles of reproductive processes in domestic animals (production and companion) including sperm and ova production, estrus, fertilization, gestation, and parturition.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Fall
  • AGS 306 Veterinary Science

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 101. Functional anatomy, diseases and parasites of farm animals; sanitation; disease prevention and control.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • AGS 310 Animal Nutrition

    Prerequisite: AGS 101 and C- or better in BIO 101 or BIO 121 or BIO 122 or CHM 107 or CHM 116 or CHM 160.

    Key topics include the basic fundamentals of nutrition and comparative nutrition of farm animals. Anatomy and physiology of the digestive system and basic metabolism will also be covered along with the characteristics, digestion and functions of the basic nutrients.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • AGS 311 Feeds and Feeding

    Prerequisite: AGS 101; and MTH 130 or higher; and C- or better in BIO 101 or BIO 121 or BIO 122 or BMS 100 or CHM 107 or CHM 116 or CHM 160.

    Feedstuff composition and formulation of rations and feeding management of livestock and companion animals.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall, Spring
  • AGS 316 Animal Breeding

    Prerequisite: AGS 101; and C- or better in MTH 130 or higher; and C- or better in BIO 101 or BIO 121 or BIO 122 or BMS 100 or CHM 107 or CHM 116 or CHM 160.

    Principles of heredity applied to the improvement of farm animals; variation, selection, inbreeding and crossbreeding.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Fall
  • AGS 341 Food Safety

    This course will help students develop an understanding of the role of chemical, microbial, and biological safety of food from farm production units through processing and shipping. Students will learn the principles of sanitation, inspection, and regulations as well as current and emerging concerns in the area of public health and food safety. Lab will reinforce information covered in lecture. Hands on activities will help facilitate the reinforcement of material.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Spring
  • AGS 342 Meat Science and Products

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 101 and either CHM 116 and 117 or CHM 160. Processing, inspection, grading, preservation and nutritive value of meats and meat products.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    212Fall
  • AGS 346 Dairy Products

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 101 and either CHM 116 and 117 or CHM 160. Processing, inspection, grading, preservation and nutritional value of dairy products.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    212Spring
  • AGS 361 Horse Management and Training

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 161 or previous experience with horses. Survey of management and basic handling of horses. Feeding management, health care and equine enterprise management are emphasized. Instruction in fitting for show or sale, practical horse psychology and training for basic performance is given.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Spring, Summer
  • AGS 362 Riding Instruction

    Prerequisite: AGS 162.

    This is an advanced-level riding course with a focus on developing skills necessary for basic riding instruction. Students may ride hunt seat, stock seat, or both seats during the semester. Students are responsible for transportation and payment of horse care fee.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    204Spring
  • AGS 363 Advanced Hunt Seat Equestrian Competition

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 263. This course is for students who are ready to compete in advanced levels of equestrian competition in the hunt seat discipline. Events to be covered will include over fences classes. Students are responsible for transportation to the Darr Center. A horse care fee will be charged. This course cannot be taken concurrently with AGS 163 or AGS 263. May be repeated to a maximum of two hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    102Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 364 Advanced Stock Seat Equestrian Competition

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 263 or 264. This course is for students who are ready to compete in advanced levels of equestrian competition in the stock seat discipline. Events to be covered will include reining and ranch horse events. Students are responsible for transportation to the Darr Center. A horse care fee will be charged. This course cannot be taken concurrently with AGS 164 or AGS 264. May be repeated to a maximum of two hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    102Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 365 Equine-assisted Activities and Therapies

    Recommended prerequisite: AGS 162 or AGS 262 or experience handling horses. Introduction to equine-assisted activities and therapies and the role of the horse in these programs. Focus on the development of horses and volunteers to work in equine-assisted therapy programs.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    212Spring
  • AGS 366 Livestock Enterprise Management

    Prerequisite: AGS 101 or permission of the instructor; and MTH 130 or greater or AGR 305.

    This course will provide students, especially those pursuing an Animal Science major or Equine Studies minor, an opportunity to learn and apply concepts of livestock nutrition, handling, care, and business management that will be pertinent to their success within the professional livestock industry. Course will focus on the relationship between the livestock and business concepts of operating a livestock facility. Course will be primarily lecture with hands-on activities to help demonstrate concepts and reinforce comprehension of material.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall, Spring
  • AGS 385 Companion Animal Nutrition and Reproduction

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 185. Application of the reproductive and nutritional management of companion animals. Course will focus on reproductive anatomy and physiology of dogs and cats as pertaining to both breeding and population control. Discussion of nutritional requirements and management of companion animals will focus on dog and cats through different life stages. Course will include some discussion of nutritional issues in commonly kept "pocket pets". Materials will be addressed through discussion and hands on labs.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Spring
  • AGS 386 Companion Animal Health

    Gain a basic understanding of the animal immune system and overall influence of management on maintaining healthy populations of companion animals. Course will focus on common diseases and disorders of dogs, cats, and common pocket pets. Discussion of preventative medicine and management of companion animals will focus pet, shelter, research, and breeding populations. Cannot be taken Pass/Not Pass.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    321Fall
  • AGS 389 Companion Animals in Society

    This course explores the current role of companion animals in cultures throughout the world, as well as historical functions and influences of companion animals in the United States. Covered topics include evolution of companion animals, current issues with companion animals, use of animals for service and assistance, global growth of the pet industry, and roles of companion animals in developing countries.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • AGS 391 Animal Industry Tour

    This course will provide students an opportunity to see and meet people actively working in sustainable animal production businesses or doing research in sustainable animal based agriculture. Students and faculty will travel across the country meeting production agriculturalists, scientists, and teachers from a wide variety of locations. May be repeated to a maximum of four hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    220Upon demand
  • AGS 396 Advanced Dairy and Meat Animal Evaluation

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 196. Continuation of AGS 196 with special emphasis on comparative judging and giving of oral reasons. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of four hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    204Spring
  • AGS 399 Special Topics in Animal Science

    Special study of animal science topics not treated in other courses. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours provided the same topic is not duplicated.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 402 Applied Reproductive Techniques

    Prerequisite: AGS 302.

    Techniques of artificial insemination, pregnancy determination, semen processing and collecting, and embryo transfer. Planning and management for successful artificial breeding programs. Additional Saturday field trips may be required.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    212Fall, Spring
  • AGS 432 Sheep and Goat Science

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGB 144 and AGN 115 and AGS 301 and AGS 311. Applications of the principles of nutrition, physiology and genetics to sheep and goat management. Wool and mohair production.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • AGS 442 Swine Science

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 311. Applications of the principals of nutrition, physiology and genetics of swine management.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • AGS 446 Dairy Production

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 311. Efficient dairy farm enterprise organization, feed supplies, economical rations, breeding record analysis, labor-saving buildings and equipment, herd replacements, health and other management problems.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Fall (even-numbered years)
  • AGS 451 Poultry Science

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 101. Broiler production, market turkey production, egg production and processing of poultry products.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • AGS 452 Cow-Calf Production

    Prerequisite: AGS 101 or AGB 144 or AGN 115 or AGP 103; and 60 hours.

    Management of the cow-calf enterprise including grazing management, reproduction, genetics, nutrition, and animal health. Costs of production, financial statements, and partial budgeting evaluate profitability of management practices. Hands-on experience managing beef cows through calving and rebreeding.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Spring
  • AGS 453 Stocker and Feedlot Cattle Production

    Prerequisite: AGS 101 or AGB 144 or AGN 115 or AGP 103; and 60 hours.

    Management of post-weaning growing and finishing beef cattle including grazing management, nutrition, genetics, and animal health. Financial aspects of purchasing feeder cattle, marketing fat cattle, and risk management of stocker and feedlot enterprises. Hands-on experience managing calves post-weaning.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Fall
  • AGS 461 Equine Nutrition and Physiology

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 310; or AGS 311 and AGS 301 or AGS 302. Nutrition and physiology for the production, management and use of the equine. May be taught concurrently with AGS 661. Cannot receive credit for both AGS 461 and AGS 661.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • AGS 462 Equine Reproductive Management

    Prerequisite: AGS 302 or permission of instructor.

    Students will learn the physiology of reproduction in the equine. To enhance learning, students will gain hands-on experience in semen collection and processing, artificial insemination, estrous cycle manipulation and foaling management.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    111Spring, Summer
  • AGS 485 Companion Animal Management and Behavior

    Prerequisite: AGS 385.

    Students will learn how an understanding of innate and learned behaviors in dogs and cats can be applied in shelter and breeding settings. Students will learn the fundamentals of socialization periods, behavioral assessments, and training. Students will learn to assess environmental factors that lead to behavior issues and apply this knowledge to improving environments and providing enrichment in facilities that house dogs and cats. Students will gain an understanding of how behavior affects the human-animal bond.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Fall
  • AGS 492 Problems in Animal Science

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Assigned investigations dealing with current problems in animal science supervised by an agricultural staff member. Student prepares outline, investigates the sources of information concerning the subject, and summarizes his/her findings in a written report. May be repeated with permission.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-3Fall, Spring
  • AGS 496 Ranch Management Experience

    Prerequisite: 46 hours and permission of instructor.

    Students will develop managerial skills through a manager-in-training position at Missouri State University's Journagan Ranch or other approved, privately-held ranch. Students, along with the ranch manager and the instructor, will design a special project in which the student will evaluate a change in management practices at the ranch. Student may not work at a ranch owned by their family. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    3-6Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 497 Animal Science Undergraduate Capstone Project

    Prerequisite: 90 hours; AGS 101 and 102; and at least three of the following; AGS 301, 302, 306, 310, 311, 316, 366, 432, 452, 453, 461, 485.

    Students, working closely with an animal science faculty member, will demonstrate the capacity to synthesize and apply information, and demonstrate analytical, practical, and interpretive skills by completing a robust management plan for a livestock or companion animal operation. The plan will include health care, nutrition, reproduction, marketing, acquisition of property, facilities and equipment, labor, and financial analysis. In addition, students will complete a written report to include how the operation addresses at least two elements of the MSU public affairs mission.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    3Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 498 Animal Science Undergraduate Research Experience

    This is a research project conducted under the supervision of a faculty member to enhance an undergraduate curriculum in animal science. Students will participate in one of two experiences which can include: 1) assisting with a research project under the supervision of a faculty member, 2) conducting an undergraduate research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Forty hours of participation are required per credit hour. Students will complete a written report of the experience and a presentation of results to include statistical analysis and importance of information to animal agriculture and two elements of the MSU public affairs mission.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 499 Animal Industry Internship

    Prerequisite: 60 hours; AGS 101 and 102; and at least two of the following; AGS 301, 302, 310, 311, 316.

    Course will integrate class experience with actual practice and provide students with hands-on experience in livestock or companion animal enterprises or agencies which employ animal science majors. Students are required to complete 80 hours of experience for paid internships or 40 hours for non-paid internships per credit hour enrolled. Students are expected to complete a daily log of activities, a summary paper, and a summary presentation. Internship hours may not be granted for enterprises the student is previously involved with such as prior/currently held employment positions or enterprises owned and operated by family or other relations. Variable content course. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Fall, Spring, Summer
  • AGS 511 Animal Nutrition and Metabolism

    Prerequisite: C- or better in AGR 300 or CHM 201; and C- or better in AGS 310 or CHM 352.

    Utilization and metabolism of nutrients by domestic animals; role of vitamins and minerals. May be taught concurrently with AGS 611. Cannot receive credit for both AGS 511 and AGS 611.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • AGS 611 Animal Nutrition and Metabolism

    Prerequisite: C- or better in AGR 300 or CHM 201; and C- or better in AGS 310 or CHM 352.

    Utilization and metabolism of nutrients by domestic animals; role of vitamins and minerals. May be taught concurrently with AGS 511. Cannot receive credit for both AGS 511 and AGS 611.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • AGS 661 Equine Nutrition and Physiology

    Recommended Prerequisite: courses in animal nutrition and physiology. Topics covered will include nutrition and both reproductive and exercise physiology for the production and management of the equine. May be taught concurrently with AGS 461. Cannot receive credit for both AGS 461 and AGS 661.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • AGS 712 Special Topics in Animal Science

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Special study in an identified area of animal science not treated in other courses. Recent advances and new research techniques will be discussed. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours provided the same topic is not duplicated.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-3Upon demand
  • AGS 716 Mammalian Reproductive Physiology

    Recommended Prerequisite: AGS 302. Comparative anatomy and physiological processes of reproduction with an emphasis on domestic and laboratory animals. Fertilization through embryonic development, pregnancy, and growth to sexual maturity, reproductive efficiency and application of reproductive technology.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • AGS 752 Advanced Cow-Calf Production

    Students will gain knowledge in current cow-calf management practices through reading of current and classic scientific literature. Students will engage in discussion of scientific research publications on topics of cattle nutrition, forages and grazing management, reproduction, genetics and breeding, and animal health. Students will gain verbal and written communication skills through oral presentations, and writing of review papers and project proposals.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • AGS 753 Advanced Stocker and Feedlot Cattle Production

    Students will gain knowledge in current stocker/feedlot cattle management practices through reading of current and classic scientific literature. Students will engage in discussion of scientific research publications on topics of cattle nutrition, forages and grazing management, animal growth and body composition, beef carcass merit, and animal health. Students will gain verbal and written communication skills through oral presentations, and writing of review papers and project proposals.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall