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