Dairy Science Management - Associate Degree
Take your dairy science career to the next level with the Farm Production-Dairy Science associate degree. As a program graduate, you will be prepared to work in entry-level management positions in the dairy industry. Program graduates will be proficient in all aspects of the dairy industry and dairy management principles being implemented on parlor/free-stall managed farms. Graduates will have the skills necessary to be effective communicators between farm managers and employees to create a seamless environment of communications between shifts. Graduates will also be qualified to work in the artificial insemination industry, dairy feed sales, and dairy equipment sales. Other career opportunities include veterinarian assistant and pharmaceutical representative.
Delivery
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Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $11,497, Books: $509, Supplies: $250
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=100914
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit the following to transcripts@nwtc.edu: High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript) College transcript
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
Program Outcomes
- Supervise milking parlor workers
- Implement herd health protocols
- Provide calf care
- Oversee maternity pen
- Coordinate and implement vaccines and antibiotics protocols with the veterinarian
- Facilitate herd health checks with veterinarian
- Select matings and administer artificial insemination
- Input and access dairy herd records
- Use effective oral and written communication skills
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Farm Production-Dairy Science associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in 10-804-113, College Tech Math 1A.
Course Descriptions
Students gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course provides basic knowledge of the dairy science field. Topics include animal health, anatomy and physiology, genetics and reproduction, basic breed characteristics and animal feedstuffs.
Course Typically Offered: FallTopics include solving linear equations; graphing; percent; proportions; measurement systems; computational geometry; and right triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arithmetic score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringBasic knowledge of macro and micro economics will be taught, proficiency in developing basic cash flows, cost benefit analysis, enterprise analysis, budget development, profit loss statements and developing cost of production. Student should be able to develop adequate information for farm manager to analyze business proposals.
Course Typically Offered: FallProper cattle handling and restraint techniques will be demonstrated. Optimal feed, water and ventilation needs discussed. Compliance with industry standards of animal welfare and record keeping will be studied.
Course Typically Offered: Falldairy performance is analyzed through good record keeping and analysis. Students will become proficient in the use of PCDART, Dairy Comp 305, BoviSync and AgSource herd management programs. Students will also be exposed to other software systems and their applications.
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall Springstudents will learn principles of designing facilities based on the environment, feeding systems, manure handling, ventilation and cow handling. Students will compare and contrast various design options and construction cost estimates. (Prerequisite: 10-091-327, Basic Animal Husbandry)
Course Typically Offered: SpringStudents will learn physiology and anatomy of the reproductive organs and the utilization of reproductive protocols for increased breeding success. Learn artificial insemination techniques and how genomics work and genomic applications. Utilize sexed semen and cross breeding practices.
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis course covers ruminant nutrition from calf to milking animal. Utilize forage analysis to balance rations. Learn basic ration formulations utilizing computer software and the pros and cons of various feed stuffs utilized in the dairy industry.
Course Typically Offered: FallThis is an introductory crops and soils course. Students will develop a fundamental knowledge of soil and water, nutrient management, pest management, and crop management. Topics include basic soil physical and biological characteristics, soil and plant tissue analysis and interpretation, soil pH and liming, fertilizers and other nutrient sources, pest identification and management, and basic crop development.
Course Typically Offered: FallThis course will focus on the feeding and management of dairy replacement calves from birth through puberty, breeding, and gestation. There will also be emphasis on the feeding and management of dry cows through calving. Students will also review facility requirements and husbandry techniques for these classes of livestock. (Prerequisite: 10-091-329, Livestock Housing and Equipment)
Course Typically Offered: FallThe nature and variety of groups; inequality, race and ethnicity; family, population, social integration, and change; collective behavior; politics, economics, religion, education, and the effects of technology. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringLearners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall Springwill explore good management techniques and economic principles, as well as the link to the decision-making process to develop the framework for successful farm operation and organization. Students will be exposed to the various compliance issues in the agriculture industry - from environmental to animal welfare. Students will develop the leadership skills needed to fulfill occupational, social, and civic responsibilities. (Prerequisite:10-090-303, Agribusiness Economics)
Course Typically Offered: Springintroduces students to the study of dairy cattle health. Covers animal anatomy, basic immune function and common diseases. Emphasis will be placed on early detection and symptoms for heifer, transition cows, lactating cows and calves. (Prerequisite: 10-091-327, Basic Animal Husbandry)
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis course is designed to bring all aspects of dairy management together (including, but not limited to: animal health, nutrition, production, housing, handling, management practices, technology, reproduction, economics, food safety, contracts and employability opportunities). Students will use critical thinking and problem solving techniques regarding multiple aspects of the dairy and the impacts seen on animal production/performance. (Prerequisite: 10-091-329, Livestock Housing and Equipment)
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall Spring