Livestock Studies Emphasis

Animal Science students must satisfy a set of Basic Science Core Courses and the Animal Science Core Courses in one of 2 tracks:

• Pre-Professional Track is primarily designed to provide pre-professional training to students planning to continue their education in Veterinary, Graduate or Medical school, or who are contemplating joining the teaching profession.
• Management/Technical Track provides a sound background in the basic sciences but requires fewer credits in chemistry and none in physics, thus, freeing students to take more Animal Science electives to acquire more applied skills.

In addition to these required courses, many electives within the Department are available to create an Emphasis in Livestock Studies regardless of the track the student chooses. We appreciate that animals contribute in many ways to the lives of humans including providing food, clothing, traction and fertilizer and enriching them by providing companionship and aesthetic enjoyment. More recently insights into the behavior and social needs of animals have raised our consciousness with respect to stewardship of and responsibility towards them. For example, while the economics of inexpensive food production has selected for huge agribusinesses and large scale production units, an emerging alternative aesthetic has given rise to the organic market and is restoring small scale agricultural practices and stimulating research on disease resistance mechanisms and drug-free agricultural practices.

The Livestock Studies emphasis offers participating students an opportunity to gain academic and practical experience with a variety of livestock species. Specific course work during the first few semesters of matriculation provides an introduction in production, management, consumer and environmental concerns, and the economics and marketing of agricultural products. These early offerings are the basis for upper level livestock practicum experience, instruction, student activities, and independent research opportunities. Academic and associated laboratory experiences are designed to maximize the student/animal interaction through participation.

All animals maintained at the Hadley Farm located adjacent to campus, the more extensive South Deerfield farm and the Tilson Farm Poultry facility offer students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience working with all species of livestock and poultry. Facilities for class instruction, demonstrations, shows, and exhibits are also available. Students are encouraged to work with the animals on their own, through coursework, or through the various clubs. Students are also exposed to the livestock industry on field trips and are encouraged to enroll in internships, practicums, or cooperative education experiences in the field which provide valuable experience as well as academic credit and/or pay. This experience often introduces students to permanent positions after graduation.
Graduates of the UMass Livestock Program successfully compete for positions in agriculture and allied fields, in research labs, in a variety of fields of graduate education, and in veterinary schools throughout the country.

EWEMASS WOOL BLANKETS!

Wool from the sheep at the Livestock Barn has been woven into our popular, beautiful and soft throws and blankets: fulls, queens, and kings. The are for sale and all proceeds help support the Livestock Program in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. There are a few of last years design still available.

Prices: throws are $90, blankets: fulls are $130, queens are $165, and kings are $185. Supplies are limited so order yours now. Print out the order form to mail in:  Order form in Microsoft Word.

The students help care for the flock and when we sheared the sheep in the spring we saved the best wool for our blankets. The are made locally, make great gifts, and are a true reflection of the enthusiasm our students have for all the animals at the farm. For more information contact Alice Newth at 413-549-3258.

Livestock clubs and teams

Students are encouraged to immerse themselves in student organizations and activities such as the Pre-Vet/Animal Science Club, the Student Run Goat Group, the Annual Baystate Livestock Classic, the Dorset Sheep Group, the Belted Galloway Club, and the Winter Traveling Dairy Course.