Animal and Dairy Sciences
Department Head: Dr. John Blanton
Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Jamie Larson
4025 Wise Center
Box 9815
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Telephone: 662-325-2802
E-mail: j.larson@msstate.edu
The Animal and Dairy Sciences program offers graduate study toward the Master of Science (thesis and non-thesis options) in Agriculture with a concentration in Animal Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in Animal and Dairy Science. Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programs in Animal Nutrition; Food Science; Animal Physiology; and Genetics are also available through the interdepartmental programs (refer to the specific interdepartmental programs elsewhere in the Graduate Catalog for program-specific guidelines in addition to those listed here).
Admission Criteria
A minimum of 3.00 GPA is required for all programs (Master of Science thesis and non-thesis option and Doctor of Philosophy). Individual faculty serving as major professors may have additional requirements for students they advise. Therefore, it is advisable that a prospective student contact faculty with whom he/she is interested in working to determine if they have additional admission requirements (i.e., GRE score, etc.). An international applicant is required to have a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 575 PBT (84 iBT) or an IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) score of 7.0 or higher to be considered for admission.
Provisional Admission
Provisional admission requirements may be indicated by the student’s major professor or imposed by the Office of the Graduate School in accordance with University admission policies. See Provisional Admission Requirements in this catalog.
Academic Performance
The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences adheres to the academic performance standards of the Office of the Graduate School and CALS. Students are referred to these criteria for provisional admission , contingent admission , academic performance , and dismissal policies.
Continuous enrollment in the University in a specific graduate program is dependent upon satisfactory academic performance and progress toward the completion of the program. A candidate for a degree must average B or higher on all courses attempted for graduate credit after admission to a degree program; this includes courses on the program of study as well as non-program courses. A student cannot graduate with a grade of less than C on the program of study. Graduate students are not permitted to enroll for courses carrying pass/fail credit. A student's progress is considered satisfactory unless determined to be unsatisfactory by the department and/or the Dean of the college offering the program. Unsatisfactory performance indicators may be defined as the following.
- The failure to maintain a B average in graduate courses attempted after admission to the program
- A grade of U, D or F in any course
- More than two grades below a B
- Any case of academic dishonesty or violation of research ethics
- Failure of the preliminary/comprehensive examination
- Unsatisfactory evaluation of a thesis or dissertation
- Failure of the research defense
- Any other failure of a required component of one's program of study
Any one of these or any combination of these shall constitute the basis for the termination of a student's grade study in a degree program.
Stipends
Students who have not met the requirements for full admission to their degree program are not eligible to receive an assistantship. Students with a GPA less than 3.00 or who have been admitted on a provisional/probationary status are not eligible to receive an assistantship. Graduate assistantships provide students a salary for 20 hours of work per week which is NOT part of their own research. These 20 hours per week may be spent on research, teaching, and/or service. The student is also expected to complete work toward their his or her own research IN ADDITION TO their assistantship duties.
Master of Science in Agriculture with Animal Sciences Concentration - Thesis
The program of study is developed by the student and his/her major professor with approval by the student’s graduate committee in accordance with Graduate School policy and must include core courses as specified below. In addition to the Graduate School requirements for a master’s graduate committee, the department requires that at least two committee members must be from the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences.
For the master's degree in Agriculture with a concentration in Animal Science or the PhD degree in Agriculture with a concentration in Animal and Dairy Sciences, the student must have completed or will be required to complete in addition to the graduate coursework, 9 credit hours (4000 level or above) of animal/dairy sciences courses. These 9 credit hours must include at least one course in breeding, nutrition, or reproduction and at least one course in a species-specific production system. All students are expected to demonstrate a working knowledge of the Animal and Dairy Sciences field. Opportunities to meet this expectation include: audit additional animal sciences courses (below 4000 level), serve as a teaching assistant for Introduction to Animal Science, or attend departmental journal clubs. Students not holding a degree in Animal or Dairy Sciences (or related field) will be required to do at least one of the above, as directed by the major advisor.
| Graduate Seminar | 1 | |
| ST 8114 | Statistical Methods | 4 |
| ADS 8000 | Thesis Research/ Thesis in Animal and Dairy Sciences | 6 |
| Graduate level coursework with at least 12 hours at the 8000-level | 19 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
M.S. thesis candidates are required by the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences to submit a written proposal of the intended research area during the first year of the graduate program, in addition to the submission of an annual progress report of research, teaching, extension and service activities, and a final written and oral presentation of the thesis work.
Master of Science in Agriculture with Animal Sciences Concentration - Non-Thesis
The program of study is developed by the student and his/her major professor with approval by the student’s graduate committee in accordance with Graduate School policy and must include core courses as specified below. In addition to the Graduate School requirements for a master’s graduate committee, the department requires that at least two committee members must be from the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences.
Master's degree students must have completed or will be required to complete in addition to the graduate coursework, the following courses: Animal Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Animal Reproduction, Meats Processing, and an animal production species-specific course, or equivalent coursework, at the undergraduate or graduate level.
| Graduate Seminar | 1 | |
| ST 8114 | Statistical Methods | 4 |
| Graduate-level coursework with at least 12 hours at the 8000-level | 25 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
The non-thesis student is required to complete 30 hours of coursework as approved by his/her graduate committee, write a scholarly research paper (the topic and content to be approved by the student’s graduate committee), and complete an oral examination based on the coursework.
Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Sciences with Animal and Dairy Science Concentration
At lest three academic years beyond the bachelor's degree are necessary to meet course requirements for the doctoral degree. The number of course hours will vary according to the specific requirements of the program and the student's needs. The dissertation is required of all candidates for the doctorate degree, and a minimum of 20 semesters hours of research for the dissertation must be scheduled and passed.
Ph.D. candidates are required by the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences to submit a written proposal of the intended research area during the first year of the graduate program, in addition to the submission of an annual progress report of research, teaching, extension and service activities, and a final written and oral presentation of the dissertation work.
For a Ph.D. candidate, an oral and written preliminary/comprehensive examination will be administered by the student’s graduate committee in accordance with Graduate School policy prior to the submission or defense of dissertation research.
ADS 6111 Swine Production and Management Laboratory: 1 hour.
(Prerequisites: ADS 1113 and ADS 1121, prior credit or concurrent enrollment in ADS 4113, or consent of instructor). Two hours laboratory. Operational and management practices for further understanding of and skills for modern swine production industry
ADS 6112 Equine Reproduction: 2 hours.
One hour lecture. Two hours laboratory. A study of equine reproductive activities and the principles for managing the mare,stallion and foal. (Same as PHY 6112)
ADS 6113 Swine Science: 3 hours.
Fall semester. (Prerequisites: ADS 1113 and ADS 1121). Three hours lecture. Feeding, management, breeding, production, and marketing of swine
ADS 6114 Animal Nutrition: 4 hours.
(Prerequisites: CH 2503 and CH 2501 or CH 4513 and CH 4511). Four hours lecture. Nutrition of monogastric and ruminant species. Anatomy, physiology, disgestion, and absorption pertaining to monogastric and ruminants. Description, functions, sources, deficiency symptoms
ADS 6123 Animal Breeding: 3 hours.
Fall semester. (Prerequisite: PO 3103). Three hours lecture. The basis for genetic improvement of livestock, including the study of variation, heritable characteristics, mating systems and methods of estimating breeding values. (Same as GNS 6123.)
ADS 6211 Goat and Sheep Production Lab: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite or Co-requisite: Goat and Sheep Production ADS 4223/6223). Two hours laboratory. Practical application of management strategies in goat and sheep production
ADS 6213 Feeds and Feeding: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: ADS 4114/6114). Two hours lecture; two hours laboratory. Application of knowledge of feedstuffs and nutrient requirements in ration formulation for all classes of livestock
ADS 6223 Goat and Sheep Production: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Either ADS 1113 and ADS 1121, Junior standing or greater or consent of instructor.) Three hours lecture. Management and marketing of goats and sheep in production enterprises
ADS 6243 Composition and Chemical Reactions of Foods: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in CH 1213, and CH 2503 or equivalent, and Junior or Senior Standing). Three hours lecture. Nature and chemical behavior of food constituents including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, water, enzymes and pigments; properties of food systems as related to commercial preparation. (Same as FNH 4243/6243)
ADS 6313 Advanced Science of Muscle Foods: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing or greater, ADS /FNH 3314, CH 1223 and/or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Exploration of the ultra-structure of muscle, (pre and post harvest), and the microbiology,inspection and safety, nutritional properties, and sensory characteristics of muscle. (Same as FNH 4313/6313)
ADS 6321 Beef Cattle Laboratory: 1 hour.
(Prerequisites: ADS 1113, ADS 1121, and ADS 4323/6323 or concurrently enrolled in ADS 4323/6323). Two hours laboratory. Management practices for beef cattle operations
ADS 6323 Beef Cattle Science: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: ADS 1113 and ADS 1121). Three hours lecture. Breeding, feeding, management, and marketing of beef cattle
ADS 6333 Equine Exercise Physiology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: ADS 3223). Three hours lecture. Evaluation of research in equine exercise science. Physical, physiologic, metabolic, behavioral and locomotive adaptations of the equine athlete to athletic training
ADS 6433 Advanced Beef Cattle Production: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: ADS 1114, ADS 4324) Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Management, marketing, and utilization of beef animals with cow-calf and stocker cattle production in the U.S
ADS 6523 Internet-Based Management in Livestock Industries: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior, senior or graduate standing). Three hours lecture. Use of the internet in making management decisions in livestock industries, with emphasis on use in livestock production enterprises
ADS 6611 Practices in Physiology of Reproduction: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144). Three hours laboratory. Artificial insemination and rectal palpation of reproductive organs of cattle; semen collection, evaluation, processing and handling. (Same as PHY 6611)
ADS 6613 Physiology of Reproduction: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144.) Three hours lecture. Anatomy and physiology; reproductive cycles; production, evaluation and preservation of gametes; gestation; endocrine regulation; managed reproduction. (Same as PHY 6613.)
ADS 6623 Physiology of Lactation: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: BIO 1344 and BIO 1144). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the mammary gland; nervous and hormonal control of lactation, theories of milk secretion, modern methods of milking, factors affecting lactation. (Same as PHY 6623.)
ADS 6772 Equine Training and Clinic Development: 2 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Four hours laboratory. Proper training and behavior modification practices to promote confidence in the riding and the training of horses. Importance is placed on the student’s development of teaching ability to conduct riding clinics
ADS 6811 Dairy Farm Management Laboratory: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite or Co-requisite: ADS 4813/6813 Dairy Farm Management). Three hours laboratory. Practical application of management strategies in dairy production enterprises
ADS 6813 Dairy Farm Management: 3 hours.
ADS 6814 Dairy Farm Management: 4 hours.
(Prerequisites: ADS 1114). Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Planning and integrating dairy farm operations; management principles applied to dairy herd operations
ADS 6823 Advanced Dairy Farm Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: ADS 4814). Two hours lecture. Four hours lab. Advanced principle of dairy science as applied to the whole farm. Management of specific groups of cattle including nutrition, breeding, and milking management
ADS 6990 Special Topics in Animal and Dairy 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)
ADS 7000 Directed Individual Study in Animal and Dairy Science: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
ADS 8000 Thesis Research/ Thesis in Animal and Dairy Sciences: 1-13 hours.
ADS 8111 Nutrition Seminar: 1 hour.
Survey of current literature; preparation, organization, and presentation of papers on selected topics in nutrition
ADS 8121 Nutrition Seminar: 1 hour.
Survey of literature; preparation, organization and presentation of papers on selected topics in nutrition
ADS 8131 Nutrition Seminar: 1 hour.
Survey of literature; preparation, organization and presenation of papers on selected topics in nutrition
ADS 8153 Ruminant Nutrition: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite:ADS 4115/6115 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. In-depth treatment of rumen function and recent concepts in ruminant nutrition
ADS 8162 Monogastric Nutrition: 2 hours.
(Prerequisite:ADS 4115/6115 or equivalent). Two hours lecture. Monogastric nutritional relationships with special emphasis on swine nutrition. Metabolic functions, dietary requirements, deficiency symptoms and distribution of nutrients in feedstuffs
ADS 8233 Advanced Breeding: 3 hours.
Fall semester. (Prerequisites: ADS 4123/6123 or PO 4303/6303, ST 8114). Three hours lecture. Describing, measuring and partitioning phenotypic variances and covariances. Estimating parameters, predicting response, systems of breeding, and methods of selection. (Same as GNS 8233.)
ADS 8243 Advanced Physiology of Reproduction: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: ADS 4613/6613 or its equivalent). Three hours lecture. An advanced study of the reproductive process with emphasis on reproductive endocrinology and the physiology of germ cells. (Same as PHY 8243.)
ADS 8423 Meat Science: 3 hours.
Summer semester. (Prerequisites: CH 4513/6513 or equivalent and BIO 3304 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Basic study of the value of meat and how this information is applied to the evaluation, processing and preservation of meat, meat products and meat by-products. (Same as FNH 8423.)
ADS 8463 Advanced Animal Nutrition: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite:ADS 4115/6115 or prior approval from instructor). Two hour lecture .Two hour laboratory. Develop an understanding of nutritional physiology, metabolism, and utilization of nutrients by animal species
ADS 8473 Micro-Nutrient Nutrition: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture.Detailed study of functions, deficiency, symptoms, dietary considerations necessary to the nutrition of fish,dogs,cats,horses, mink,rabbits, and laboratory animals
ADS 8533 Beef Cattle Production Systems Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: ADS 4323/6323 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Systems management approaches to profitable and sustainable beef cattle production including cow-calf, stocker, and feedlot industry segments
ADS 8633 Homeostatic Regulation and Physiological Stress: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PHY 6514 and PHY 8131, 8133 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An integration of the physiological mechanisms involved in the control of homeostasis in mammals is emphasized with discussion of the effect of specific stressors on these mechanisms. (Same as PHY 8633.)
ADS 8973 Scientific Writing: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. The course provides advanced training in research proposal, grant proposal,and manuscript writing. (Same as FO 8973 and CVM 8973)
ADS 8990 Special Topics in Animal and Dairy 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)
ADS 9000 Dissertation Research/ Dissertation in Animal and Dairy Sciences: 1-13 hours.