Dairy science is about more than milking cows. And dairy scientists don\u2019t just work on farms. The curriculum of a dairy science program prepares students to work in many different aspects of the field. Subject areas covered include dairy cow genetics, physiology, nutrition, breeding and reproduction, and housing; as well as dairy production, management, evaluation and selection, dairy products, and animal health and welfare. Programs combine classroom learning with hands-on real world experiences.", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:04.310565-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:39.759249-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 508, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "**Associate Degree in Dairy Science \u2013 Two Year Duration** \r\nDairy science associate degree programs normally combine lecture classes in the major with hands-on labs and an internship experience, as well as some core courses in mathematics, English composition, communications, and the social sciences. Associate programs prepare students for entry-level and mid-level roles. \r\n\r\n**Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Dairy Science \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nThe dairy science bachelor\u2019s degree is the most common credential in the field. Bachelor\u2019s programs typically incorporate macroeconomics and microeconomics courses, as well as more extensive lab and practicum/internship components. Some schools offer a combined curriculum in food science and dairy science. Graduates with a Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Dairy Science qualify for positions ranging from entry-level to supervisory.", "content_markdown": "Despite the differences described above, undergraduate dairy science programs are built around the following courses in the major: \r\n\r\n- Agricultural Studies Orientation \u2013 introduction to basic dairy farming practices \r\n- Introduction to Animal Science \u2013 the fundamentals of dairy herd management and care: nutrition, feed classifications, reproduction, genetics, animal behavior, animal health, sustainable agriculture practices \r\n- Calf Care \u2013 hands-on lab in pre-birth through newborn calf care, covering calf feeds, nutrition, vaccinations, veterinary needs, and housing options \r\n- Fundamentals of Animal Biology \u2013 cell biology, fundamental processes of life, basic genetics, biodiversity, use of the scientific method to conduct basic research \r\n- Agricultural Computer Applications \u2013 hands-on lab in the use and application of dairy management software; topics include animals, tools, design, data entry, reports, inventory, and veterinary herd check \r\n- Milk Quality and Production \u2013 herd health management and quality milk production, milking systems and procedures, sanitation, diseases, udder anatomy, milk secretion; hands-on collection of milk samples and analysis of milk culture reports \r\n- Heifer Care Management \u2013 hands-on lab focusing on the dairy operation roles, responsibilities, and management opportunities; heifer care, six months through calving age; heifer feeds, nutrition, vaccinations, veterinary needs, and housing options \r\n- Livestock Diseases \u2013 infectious and non-infectious livestock diseases, with a focus on bovine diseases; introduction to certain diseases of sheep, goats, camelids, cervids, and swine; disease etiology (causes), symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control; reporting requirements of federally regulated diseases; zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans) \r\n- Agriculture Commodities and Marketing \u2013 introduction to the commodity futures markets; the phases of grain marketing: market information, elevator storage policies, shrinkage, blending, moisture discounts, price spreads, opportunity cost, and developing a marketing plan \r\n- Transition Cow Management \u2013 hands-on lab relating to transition cows (a cow\u2019s transition is generally three to six weeks pre- until three to six weeks post-calving; the transition period is extremely important in determining future health, milk production, and reproductive success of the dairy cow); focus is on transition cow feeds, nutrition, vaccinations, veterinary needs, and housing options \r\n- Principles of Crop Production \u2013 the principles of farm crop production: classification, growth, and management of corn, soybeans, alfalfa, barley, and other crops; soil preparation, plant physiology, planting dates, planting depths, and seeding rates for various types of crops; planting and harvesting equipment \r\n- Nutrient Management \u2013 grid sampling sizes, plant nutrient analysis, base saturation, and nutrient management planning; soil conservation practices, soil nutrition, and pesticide application \r\n- Dairy Nutrition \u2013 analysis of the nutritional needs of dairy cattle through each stage of their life; topics include roles of digestive nutrients, relationship between forage quality and nutrition, ration balancing, methods of feeding dairy animals, grazing system principles, and dairy nutrition feed technologies \r\n- Lactating Cow Management \u2013 hands-on lab in the management of lactating cow feeds, nutrition, vaccinations, veterinary needs, and housing options \r\n- Agricultural Accounting \u2013 study of the balance sheet, the income statement, and the cash flow statement; cash and accrual methods, recording business transactions, making a trial balance, creating financial statements, and keeping records \r\n- Economics \u2013 snapshot of how a market-oriented economy works; concepts discussed include scarcity, resources, alternative economic systems, growth, supply and demand, monetary and fiscal policy, inflation,, unemployment, and global economic issues \r\n- Bovine Reproduction \u2013 managing a dairy herd with focus on breed identification, reproduction, genetics, calve management, and applicable record keeping; hands-on lab in artificial insemination \r\n- Farm Business Management \u2013 developing a business plan, managing risk, budgeting, acquiring financial resources \r\n- Milking Technologies \u2013 hands-on lab: milking parlor systems and robotic milking facilities \r\n- Building Design for the Cow \u2013 barn design and layout for milk production and animal health and welfare \r\n- Interpersonal Communication \u2013 development of verbal and nonverbal communication skills \r\n\r\n**Master\u2019s Degree in Dairy Science \u2013 Two to Three Year Duration** \r\nMaster\u2019s degree programs in dairy science typically allow students to focus on a research area of their choice. Many also provide opportunities to gain teaching experience in the field. Depending on the school, students may have options to complete a thesis or non-thesis curriculum. \r\n\r\nPossible research concentrations and applicable courses include: \r\n\r\n- Genetics \u2013 Genomics in Animal Breeding \r\n- Physiology \u2013 Advanced Physiology and Anatomy of Domestic Animals \r\n- Reproduction \u2013 Bovine Reproduction Practices \r\n- Nutrition \u2013 Molecular Aspects of Nutrition and Disease \r\n- Infectious Disease \u2013 Emerging Infectious Diseases \r\n- Immunology \u2013 Pathogenic Bacteriology \r\n- Management \u2013 International Agricultural Development and Trade", "content_html": "
Despite the differences described above, undergraduate dairy science programs are built around the following courses in the major:
\n
\n- Agricultural Studies Orientation \u2013 introduction to basic dairy farming practices
\n- Introduction to Animal Science \u2013 the fundamentals of dairy herd management and care: nutrition, feed classifications, reproduction, genetics, animal behavior, animal health, sustainable agriculture practices
\n- Calf Care \u2013 hands-on lab in pre-birth through newborn calf care, covering calf feeds, nutrition, vaccinations, veterinary needs, and housing options
\n- Fundamentals of Animal Biology \u2013 cell biology, fundamental processes of life, basic genetics, biodiversity, use of the scientific method to conduct basic research
\n- Agricultural Computer Applications \u2013 hands-on lab in the use and application of dairy management software; topics include animals, tools, design, data entry, reports, inventory, and veterinary herd check
\n- Milk Quality and Production \u2013 herd health management and quality milk production, milking systems and procedures, sanitation, diseases, udder anatomy, milk secretion; hands-on collection of milk samples and analysis of milk culture reports
\n- Heifer Care Management \u2013 hands-on lab focusing on the dairy operation roles, responsibilities, and management opportunities; heifer care, six months through calving age; heifer feeds, nutrition, vaccinations, veterinary needs, and housing options
\n- Livestock Diseases \u2013 infectious and non-infectious livestock diseases, with a focus on bovine diseases; introduction to certain diseases of sheep, goats, camelids, cervids, and swine; disease etiology (causes), symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control; reporting requirements of federally regulated diseases; zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans)
\n- Agriculture Commodities and Marketing \u2013 introduction to the commodity futures markets; the phases of grain marketing: market information, elevator storage policies, shrinkage, blending, moisture discounts, price spreads, opportunity cost, and developing a marketing plan
\n- Transition Cow Management \u2013 hands-on lab relating to transition cows (a cow\u2019s transition is generally three to six weeks pre- until three to six weeks post-calving; the transition period is extremely important in determining future health, milk production, and reproductive success of the dairy cow); focus is on transition cow feeds, nutrition, vaccinations, veterinary needs, and housing options
\n- Principles of Crop Production \u2013 the principles of farm crop production: classification, growth, and management of corn, soybeans, alfalfa, barley, and other crops; soil preparation, plant physiology, planting dates, planting depths, and seeding rates for various types of crops; planting and harvesting equipment
\n- Nutrient Management \u2013 grid sampling sizes, plant nutrient analysis, base saturation, and nutrient management planning; soil conservation practices, soil nutrition, and pesticide application
\n- Dairy Nutrition \u2013 analysis of the nutritional needs of dairy cattle through each stage of their life; topics include roles of digestive nutrients, relationship between forage quality and nutrition, ration balancing, methods of feeding dairy animals, grazing system principles, and dairy nutrition feed technologies
\n- Lactating Cow Management \u2013 hands-on lab in the management of lactating cow feeds, nutrition, vaccinations, veterinary needs, and housing options
\n- Agricultural Accounting \u2013 study of the balance sheet, the income statement, and the cash flow statement; cash and accrual methods, recording business transactions, making a trial balance, creating financial statements, and keeping records
\n- Economics \u2013 snapshot of how a market-oriented economy works; concepts discussed include scarcity, resources, alternative economic systems, growth, supply and demand, monetary and fiscal policy, inflation,, unemployment, and global economic issues
\n- Bovine Reproduction \u2013 managing a dairy herd with focus on breed identification, reproduction, genetics, calve management, and applicable record keeping; hands-on lab in artificial insemination
\n- Farm Business Management \u2013 developing a business plan, managing risk, budgeting, acquiring financial resources
\n- Milking Technologies \u2013 hands-on lab: milking parlor systems and robotic milking facilities
\n- Building Design for the Cow \u2013 barn design and layout for milk production and animal health and welfare
\n- Interpersonal Communication \u2013 development of verbal and nonverbal communication skills
\n
\n
Master\u2019s Degree in Dairy Science \u2013 Two to Three Year Duration
\nMaster\u2019s degree programs in dairy science typically allow students to focus on a research area of their choice. Many also provide opportunities to gain teaching experience in the field. Depending on the school, students may have options to complete a thesis or non-thesis curriculum.
\n
Possible research concentrations and applicable courses include:
\n
\n- Genetics \u2013 Genomics in Animal Breeding
\n- Physiology \u2013 Advanced Physiology and Anatomy of Domestic Animals
\n- Reproduction \u2013 Bovine Reproduction Practices
\n- Nutrition \u2013 Molecular Aspects of Nutrition and Disease
\n- Infectious Disease \u2013 Emerging Infectious Diseases
\n- Immunology \u2013 Pathogenic Bacteriology
\n- Management \u2013 International Agricultural Development and Trade
\n
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:04.311614-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-12-01T11:10:05.128674-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 508, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Dairy Science", "summary_markdown": "**[Agriculture](/degrees/agriculture-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in this discipline teach students about one or more aspects of general agriculture. Coursework may cover topics like farm management, crop science, animal husbandry, agriculture technology, soil science, and food distribution. \r\n\r\n**[Animal Sciences](/degrees/animal-sciences-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in animal sciences teach students about the breeding and nutrition of food animals. Coursework includes animal biology and physiology, dairy and poultry science, livestock production, and fish production. \r\n\r\n**[Equine Science](/degrees/equine-science-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in equine science teach students about horse anatomy, physiology, health, nutrition, breeding, and behavior. Many programs also cover the business aspects of the field. \r\n\r\n**[Food Science](/degrees/food-science-degree/)** \r\nThe subject matter of food science degree programs spans the areas of biology, biochemistry, and chemical engineering. Students learn how to apply these foundations to examine food properties and develop foods that are sustainable. \r\n\r\n**[Poultry Science](/degrees/poultry-science-degree/)** \r\nThe focus of poultry science programs is the management of poultry farms, where chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese are raised for their eggs and meat. The curriculum spans biochemistry; bird physiology, breeding, fertility, and hatchability; as well as principles of food safety.", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Agriculture
\nDegree programs in this discipline teach students about one or more aspects of general agriculture. Coursework may cover topics like farm management, crop science, animal husbandry, agriculture technology, soil science, and food distribution.
\n
Animal Sciences
\nDegree programs in animal sciences teach students about the breeding and nutrition of food animals. Coursework includes animal biology and physiology, dairy and poultry science, livestock production, and fish production.
\n
Equine Science
\nDegree programs in equine science teach students about horse anatomy, physiology, health, nutrition, breeding, and behavior. Many programs also cover the business aspects of the field.
\n
Food Science
\nThe subject matter of food science degree programs spans the areas of biology, biochemistry, and chemical engineering. Students learn how to apply these foundations to examine food properties and develop foods that are sustainable.
\n
Poultry Science
\nThe focus of poultry science programs is the management of poultry farms, where chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese are raised for their eggs and meat. The curriculum spans biochemistry; bird physiology, breeding, fertility, and hatchability; as well as principles of food safety.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:04.312678-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:39.762477-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 508, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "Dairy science graduates come away from their studies with this set of transferable skills: \r\n\r\n- Analytical and problem-solving skills \u2013 evaluating the health and production strength of cows \r\n- Data entry and administration \u2013 like every business, dairy farming and production involve record keeping and management \r\n- Interpersonal skills \u2013 supervising laborers and working with veterinarians and animal nutritionists calls for the ability to communicate and collaborate \r\n- Mechanical skills \u2013 equipment preventative maintenance and operation \r\n- Physical strength \u2013 jobs in dairy science often involve significant lifting and bending", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:04.313705-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-25T13:00:06.598170-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 508, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Dairy Science Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Depending on the level of education they complete, dairy science grads can apply their skills in various segments of the field: \r\n\r\n- Agricultural Inspection / Government Regulation \r\n- Dairy Commodities \r\n- Dairy Farm Labor / Management / Ownership \r\n- Dairy Farming Equipment Service \r\n- Dairy Science Education / Teaching \r\n- Dairy Science Research and Development \r\n- Farming Consulting Services \r\n- Feed / Pharmaceutical / Genetics / Nutrition / Equipment Sales and Marketing \r\n- Livestock Grading and Judging \r\n- Manufacturing and Production / Dairy Plant Management / Dairy Wholesaling", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:04.314746-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-25T13:00:06.619915-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
