Department of Poultry Science
Major Advisor: Jessica Wells
Office: Poultry Science Rm 1090
The U.S. poultry industry is a $23 billion+ business employing hundreds of thousands of people in the United States. Mississippi ranks in the top five broiler producing states and continues to expand. This dynamic industry employs approximately 25,000 Mississippians directly and another 25,000 indirectly.
The Poultry curriculum provides for in-depth study of scientific principles important in the production, processing and marketing of poultry and poultry products. The curriculum is designed with academic and experiential components to ensure that graduates are prepared to manage people and resources vital to this important food industry. Poultry students should also expect to develop creative thinking skills that will allow them to develop solutions for complex real world problems as they develop their careers as managers. The strong science content of the curriculum also makes it an excellent fit for pre-vet students and students interested in graduate studies. The department provides one-on-one advising for all Poultry Science students. Concentrations available are:
- Applied Poultry Management
- Science and Pre-Veterinary Science
Only grades of C or higher will be accepted for all PO courses.
BS in Poultry Science (PO)
Degree Requirements
| English Composition | 6 | |
| English Composition I | ||
or EN 1104 | Expanded English Composition I | |
| English Composition II | ||
or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
MA higher than MA 1313 (see Gen Ed courses) | ||
| Science | 9 | |
See major/concentration | ||
| Humanities | 6 | |
Select from General Education courses (except FLS 1113 which is major core requirement) | ||
| Fine Arts | 3 | |
Select from General Education courses | ||
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
Applied Poultry Management concentration: Select hours from General Education courses (except AEC 2713 which is a major concentration requirement) | ||
Science and Pre-Vet Science concentration: Select hours from General Education courses | ||
| Major Core | ||
| PO 3011 | Seminar | 1 |
| PO 3021 | Seminar | 1 |
| PO 3103 | Genetics I | 3 |
| PO 3313 | Commercial Poultry Production | 3 |
| PO 4031 | Seminar | 1 |
| PO 4041 | Seminar | 1 |
| PO 4033 | Diseases of Poultry | 3 |
| PO 4313 | Management of Commercial Layers | 3 |
| PO 4324 | Avian Reproduction | 4 |
| PO 4334 | Broiler Production | 4 |
| PO 4413 | Poultry Nutrition | 3 |
| PO 4423 | Feed Manufacturing | 3 |
| PO 4514 | Poultry Processing | 4 |
| PO 4844 | Avian Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| PO 3353 | Poultry Production Internship | 3 |
| FLS 1113 | Spanish I | 3 |
| FNH 4414 | Microbiology of Foods | 4 |
| or BIO 3304 | General Microbiology | |
| Experiential Learning | 3 | |
| Special Topics in Poultry Science | ||
or PO 3363 | Poultry Processing Internship | |
or PO 4000 | Directed Individual Study in Poultry Science | |
| Oral Communication Requirement | ||
| Satisfied by successful completion of PO 3021, 4031, and 4041 | ||
| Writing Requirement | ||
| Satisfied by successful completion of PO 4324 and 4844 | ||
| Computer Literacy | ||
| Satisfied by successful completion of PO 4324 and 4844 | ||
Choose one of the following concentrations:
Applied Poultry Management Concentration (APOM)
Many large agribusiness firms are in the poultry sector. It prepares students to enter into all areas of the poultry industry with the knowledge neccessary to be successful.
| ACC 2013 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| BL 2413 | The Legal Environment of Business | 3 |
| AEC 3133 | Introductory Agribusiness Management | 3 |
| AEC 2713 | Introduction to Food and Resource Economics | 3 |
| AEC 3233 | Introduction to Environmental Economics and Policy | 3 |
| AEC 4113 | Agribusiness Firm Management | 3 |
| AEC 4413 | Public Problems of Agriculture | 3 |
| MKT 3013 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| Science Requirements | 9-11 | |
| Choose 3 of the following (major core science requirements): | ||
| Biology I | ||
| Animal Biology | ||
| Biology II | ||
| Plant Biology | ||
| Survey of Chemistry I | ||
| Chemistry I and Investigations in Chemistry I | ||
| Chemistry II and Investigations in Chemistry II | ||
| Restricted Electives | 2-3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| Poultry Evaluation I | ||
| Poultry Evaluation II. | ||
| Poultry Products Safety and Sanitation | ||
| Animal Agriculture & Society: Food for Thought | ||
| Introduction to Human Resource Management | ||
| Free Electives | 8-11 | |
| Total Hours | 122 | |
Science and Pre-Veterinary Science Concentration (SPVS)
The Science and Pre-Veterinary Science concentration prepares a student for future programs at a graduate level and also allows a student to satisfy the pre-veterinary requirements while completing a B.S. in Poultry Science.
| BIO 1134 | Biology I | 4 |
| BIO 1144 | Biology II | 4 |
| CH 1211 | Investigations in Chemistry I | 1 |
| CH 1213 | Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 1221 | Investigations in Chemistry II | 1 |
| CH 1223 | Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 2503 & CH 2501 | Elementary Organic Chemistry and Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| or CH 4513 & CH 4511 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | |
| Restricted Electives | 11-14 | |
| Choose four from the following: | ||
| Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | ||
| Principles of Biochemistry | ||
or BCH 4603 | General Biochemistry I | |
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| Poultry Products Safety and Sanitation | ||
| Poultry Evaluation I | ||
| Poultry Evaluation II. | ||
| Animal Agriculture & Society: Food for Thought | ||
| Free Electives | 13-16 | |
| Total Hours | 122 | |
Poultry Science Minor
The need for people who have specialized knowledge outside of classic poultry science is growing rapidly. Currently the industry recruits and employs personnel trained in areas such as accounting, biological sciences, computer science, human nutrition, nursing, microbiology, engineering, food technology, advertising and marketing, veterinary medicine, human resource management and law. A minor in Poultry Science provides these individuals with enhanced employment opportunities in the poultry industry.
Students will be required to complete the following courses to receive a minor in Poultry Science.
| PO 3313 | Commercial Poultry Production | 3 |
| PO 4313 | Management of Commercial Layers | 3 |
| PO 4334 | Broiler Production | 4 |
| PO 4413 | Poultry Nutrition | 3 |
| or PO 4423 | Feed Manufacturing | |
| PO 4514 | Poultry Processing | 4 |
Courses
PO 1013 Animal Agriculture & Society: Food for Thought: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Exploration of connections between animal agriculture and society including animal production systems, food and fiber production, consumer perceptions and addressing concerns regarding the growing world population. (Same as ADS 1013)
PO 2990 Special Topics in Poultry Science: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PO 3011 Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour lecture. Preparation and presentation of specially assigned current problems in poultry science
PO 3021 Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour seminar. Preparation and presentation of specially assigned current problems in poultry science
PO 3103 Genetics I: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. (Prerequisites: MA 1313 or higher, BIO 1134 or higher or BIO 2113 or higher ). Principles of heredity, genetic material, and gene expressions. (Same as BIO 3103, GNS 3103)
PO 3313 Commercial Poultry Production: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. An introduction to practical management problems encountered in the production of commercial eggs, broiler production, and breeding flocks
PO 3353 Poultry Production Internship: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Structured, progressive experiential learning with the live production division of a poultry integrator
PO 3363 Poultry Processing Internship: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Structured, progressive experiential learning with the processing of a poultry integrator
PO 3423 Poultry Evaluation I: 3 hours.
Two Hour Lecture. Two Hour Laboratory. Grading/evaluation of live poultry and market products using different methods and grading scales based on USDA standards and the American Standard of Perfection
PO 3433 Poultry Evaluation II.: 3 hours.
Two Hour Lecture. Two Hour Laboratory. (Prerequisites: PO 3423 or consent of instructor). Grading/evaluation of live poultry including turkeys and market products using different methods and grading scales based on USDA standards and cull factors
PO 4000 Directed Individual Study in Poultry Science: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
PO 4031 Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour seminar. Preparation and presentation of specially assigned current problems in poultry science
PO 4033 Diseases of Poultry: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Survey of cause, effects, diagnosis, prevention, and control of common poultry diseases
PO 4041 Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour seminar. Preparation and presentation of specially assigned current problems in poultry science
PO 4313 Management of Commercial Layers: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Management of laying flocks as related to production of edible eggs; including housing, cage design, equipment, feeding techniques, lighting, molting and other factors involved with efficient production
PO 4324 Avian Reproduction: 4 hours.
Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Principles of avian reproductive physiology and applications in poultry management to maximize reproductive performance. Reproductive characteristics of several bird species are included
PO 4334 Broiler Production: 4 hours.
Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Practical management problems encountered in the production of broilers including breeding, housing, brooding, diseases, and feeding; field trips to intensified broiler areas
PO 4413 Poultry Nutrition: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Study of the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients in avian species. Special emphasis is given to practical nutritional needs of commercial poultry flocks
PO 4423 Feed Manufacturing: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Mill design and equipment; procurement, storage and quality control for ingredients and complete feeds; formulation of practical type poultry rations
PO 4512 Poultry Products Safety and Sanitation: 2 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing or greater.) Two hours lecture. Poultry product safety hazards, food safety systems (HACCP), principles and practices of food sanitation related to poultry products and poultry safety regulations (same as FNH 4512/6512)
PO 4514 Poultry Processing: 4 hours.
Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Study of commercial poultry processing including poultry inspection, regulations, processed poultry products, egg processing, and food safety. (Same as FNH 4514/6514)
PO 4844 Avian Anatomy and Physiology: 4 hours.
Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Anatomy and physiology of the fowl with emphasis on morphology, structure, and function of the avian body. (Same as PHY 6844)
PO 4990 Special Topics in Poultry Science: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PO 6313 Management of Commercial Layers: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Management of laying flocks as related to production of edible eggs; including housing, cage design, equipment, feeding techniques, lighting, molting and other factors involved with efficient production
PO 6324 Avian Reproduction: 4 hours.
Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Principles of avian reproductive physiology and applications in poultry management to maximize reproductive performance. Reproductive characteristics of several bird species are included
PO 6334 Broiler Production: 4 hours.
Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Practical management problems encountered in the production of broilers including breeding, housing, brooding, diseases, and feeding; field trips to intensified broiler areas
PO 6413 Poultry Nutrition: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Study of the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients in avian species. Special emphasis is given to practical nutritional needs of commercial poultry flocks
PO 6423 Feed Manufacturing: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Mill design and equipment; procurement, storage and quality control for ingredients and complete feeds; formulation of practical type poultry rations
PO 6512 Poultry Products Safety and Sanitation: 2 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing or greater.) Two hours lecture. Poultry product safety hazards, food safety systems (HACCP), principles and practices of food sanitation related to poultry products and poultry safety regulations (same as FNH 4512/6512)
PO 6514 Poultry Processing: 4 hours.
Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Study of commercial poultry processing including poultry inspection, regulations, processed poultry products, egg processing, and food safety. (Same as FNH 4514/6514)
PO 6523 Advanced Poultry Processing: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite:PO 4513/6513). Three hours lecture. Study of preparation of poultry for consumption including all pertinent technology, product flow, equipment and applicable regulations
PO 6833 Avian Anatomy: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Anatomy of the fowl with emphasis on morphology and organization of the avian body structures
PO 6844 Avian Anatomy and Physiology: 4 hours.
Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Anatomy and physiology of the fowl with emphasis on morphology, structure, and function of the avian body. (Same as PHY 6844)
PO 6990 Special Topics in Poultry Science: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PO 7000 Directed Individual Study in Poultry Science: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
PO 8011 Graduate Seminar in Poultry Science: 1 hour.
One-credit course for Master's graduate students. Focus will include, but will not be limited to, exploration of current and historical literature; in-depth analysis of selected research topics/journal articles; discussion of relevant analytical techniques in research; preparation and presentation of original research. May be taken 4 times for credit
PO 8043 Poultry Nutrition (Vitamins and Minerals): 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: Graduate level students of Poultry Science). Three hours lecture. The class will provide an overview of vitamin and mineral types, metabolism, and poultry ration usage. The lessons will involve basic concepts of these micro-nutrients predominantly based on research paper discussion
PO 8111 Advanced Graduate Seminar in Poultry Science: 1 hour.
One-credit course for Poultry Science doctoral students. Focus will include, but will not be limited to, exploration of current/historical literature; in-depth analysis of research topics/journal articles; discussion of relevant analytical techniques in research; preparation and presentation of original research. May be taken 6 times for credit
PO 8123 Methods in Nutrition Research: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Application of analytical methods used in research techniques;practice in writing research proposals, conducting a research project, and preparing research finds suitabale for scientific publication
PO 8443 Avian Nutrition: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Study of the nutrient functions, dietary relationships deficiency symptons,distribution in feedstuffs and quantitative requirements of nutrients
PO 8990 Special Topics in Poultry Sciences: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PO 9000 Research in Poultry: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged