Sustainable Livestock Management ANS111 Course Description This course covers the integration of livestock as part of a sustainable farming system with emphasis on small-scale production for niche markets and pasture. Topics included are appropriate breed selection, sources of nutrition and living requirements for livestock such as goats, hogs, sheep, poultry and bees. Upon completion, students should recognize appropriate breeds for their farm needs and demonstrate an understanding of the role of livestock in a sustainable production system. Field trips are an essential part of this course, students are expected to pay attention to where class meetings will be held based on the syllabus. Rationale Livestock integration is crucial in insuring small farm sustainability. This course is required for students wishing to earn a certificate in Sustainable Livestock Systems or the AAS degree in Sustainable Agriculture. Also appropriate for individuals interested in integrating livestock into their current agricultural system, agricultural educators and individuals interested in working in the food and fiber industry. Expected student outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students should demonstrate competency in: Selection of appropriate breeds for their farm and market needs Selecting appropriate structures and equipment for livestock production Evaluating site for various uses by livestock Evaluating feed sources for adequate livestock nutrition Developing a pasture management plan Investigating markets and processing facilities appropriate for specific enterprises Responsibilities of the Instructor and the Student The student is expected to: Attend every scheduled class unless an acceptable reason is given Read the syllabus Be on time for every class unless an acceptable reason is given Complete all assignments according to the timetable designated Contact the instructor to schedule make-ups for exams or assignments missed due to absence Actively participate in class The student can expect the instructor to: Inform students of office hours and encourage student contact Prepare and distribute the course syllabus Incorporate activities to accommodate different learning styles and ways of learning Be on time and prepared to teach every class Evaluate student progress and give prompt feedback Credit: 3 semester hours - ANS110 is recommended prior to taking this course. Textbook: Barnyard in Your Backyard, edited by Gail Damerow. ANS111 Topics January 8 – Introduction to Sustainable Livestock Production January 15 – No class, MLK Day January 22– Whole farm Planning: with Livestock, Dr. Ben Bergmann January 29- Whole farm Planning: with Livestock, continued, Dr. Ben Bergmann February 5 – Pasture systems – Sam Groce, Livestock specialist, Chatham County Cooperative Extension February 12 – American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, introduction to rare breeds. Class and field trip February 19– Quiz I, Pasture based poultry systems February 26– Pasture based poultry field trip – Owls Nest Farm, Chatham County March 5 – Poultry, Gerry Cohn, Turkeys March 12– Dew Dance Farm, Fiber animals March 19– Fickle Creek Field Trip (hogs, meat goats, broilers and layers) March 26 – Dr. Bergmann, field trip follow-up April 2– Meat and Dairy Goats/forages – Dr. Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, NCSU April 9– No class, Easter break April 16 –Chatham County beef production- Field trip Sam Groce April 23– Dairy – in NC – Organic specifics – Marti Day, Area Specialized agent April 30 – Dairy field trip – Chatham County May 7 – Bees - Final exam (*student projects due) Students will complete at least 2 short Projects, including: Select a breed from the ALBC Conservation Priority list and create a fact sheet about the breed to share with the class The second short project will be a research assignment that I will assign following a class field trip