Course Description
Provides knowledge, understanding, and critical analytical skills on current issues in production animal agriculture in diverse regional, national, and global socio-cultural and political environments. Explores impacts of livestock production on society and the environment, animal products in the human diet, ecological aspects of animal production, animal welfare, and media relations.
Athena Title
Issues in Animal Agriculture
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ADSC 4010E
Prerequisite
Junior or senior standing
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Develop an understanding of the impact of animal agriculture on society as well as how societal choices impact animal agriculture. 2. Critically evaluate how the changing landscape of production animal agriculture affects environmental resources. 3. Evaluate conflicting viewpoints on animal production and social concerns. 4. Enhance the ability of students to formulate science-based decisions on issues related to animal production. 5. Develop skills in communication.
Topical Outline
1. Domestication of animals and their contribution to human evolution. 2. Role of animals in evolution. 3. Role of animals in agriculture and feeding a growing global population. 4. Animal products in the human diet. 5. How humans and animals compete for resources (feed versus food). 6. Advancement of science and technology in food animal production with specific discussions on influence and accessibility of cloned and genetically engineered products. 7. Use of feed additives and growth promotants. 8. Evaluate the historical perspective of the changing landscape in food production and environmental impact. This will include evaluation of various food production systems/methodologies for assessment. Specific discussions will include greenhouse gas emissions, water availability and quality, land use, and sustainability. This discussion will be robust to satisfy the Environmental Awareness Policy Criteria for the University of Georgia. 9. Growth of large farms, industrialization, and vertical integration. Discussions of family farming, niche production, and globalization of animal production. 10. Food quality and safety, with concepts of bioterrorism. 11. Bioethics, animal welfare, and animal rights. 12. Current events will be discussed with regard to each topic and throughout the course.
Syllabus
Public CV