More specialized courses and student-managed learning opportunities plus the addition of equine into the program are among the benefits of Lakeland's restructured animal science technology program.
Starting this fall, students in the animal science technology program will enter the two-year diploma program in a specific major: beef science, equine science, dairy science or livestock science. The program prepares graduates to work in the private sector or service side of the livestock industry in the areas of production, management and technical support.
“This new structure allows students in the beef, equine and dairy majors to take additional courses specific to that animal species. For those who want to learn more about multiple species, the livestock science major is their best choice,” says Geoff Brown, associate dean of Lakeland's School of Agricultural Sciences.
Lakeland is no longer accepting applications to the one-year western ranch and cow horse certificate program.
"With the equine major in the animal science technology program, students will take horse training and cattle handling courses as well as more science-based courses focused on equine production. Graduates of the animal science technology program have the option to transfer their diploma credits towards a degree program at another post-secondary institution,” says Brown.
The second year of the animal science technology program includes two student-managed farm (SMF) courses. Students manage a livestock enterprise on the college's Student-Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland at the Vermilion campus, explained Bevin Hamilton, program head of animal science technology.
“Right now we have purebred beef, commercial beef, dairy, sheep and livestock research SMF animal science units. We're going to create two additional SMF units for students to lead,” says Hamilton, noting the two new units haven't been finalized but they anticipate that one will focus on equine training and the other on equine husbandry.
Backgrounder: About the new majors
Animal science technology Class of 2021's diplomas will be different than in the past. An extra line will show their major.
Starting in September 2019, you'll choose one of four majors:
- beef
- dairy
- equine
- livestock
Previously, you could choose electives.Now, courses and student-managed activities will be even more specific for the beef, dairy and equine majors.
Livestock majors will take a broader range of courses. Graduates will be prepared to be industry leaders whether on the farm or ranch, or in a service industry.
See the drop downs for more information about each major.
Beef majors will follow the production cycle from calving to weaning. Cow-calf (commercial and purebred) and feedlot operations are both part of the curriculum.
Hands-on and student-managed experiences are the rule. Courses include health, production, reproduction, nutrition, finance and marketing
Lakeland's new Dairy Learning Centre has been a key ingredient in expanding dairy courses and in creating the dairy major.
Specialized skills in dairy management are the core of the major. Graduates will gain the expertise to effectively lead industry or return to their farm
The equine major replaces and expands on the western horse and cow horse certificate program.
First year will still involve training a horse. But you'll grow your equine knowledge from start to finish for husbandry, performance and use in the livestock industry.
Hands-on classes and student-managed activities will take you through entire production cycle from foaling to growing/training and marketing horses
Like the other majors, general livestock major is all about hands-on. You'll take specialized courses in sheep and goat production, beef production and dairy production.
Learn stockman best animal handling practices. Health checks, treatments and breeding decisions are part of the curriculum. You'll be equipped to make real world decisions in industry or on the farm/ranch.