Recipient Organization
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
ALCORN STATE,MS 39096
Performing Department
Agriculture
Non Technical Summary
After year 2000, the Animal Science program at Alcorn State University (ASU) experienced some difficulty in providing adequate experimental learning opportunities as a consequence of budgetary constraints. This impaired education at that time since student preparation for the professional job market is a cornerstone of a successful education process. Nevertheless, recent efforts by the university and with funds provided by a previous Capacity Building Grant, the program has re-ignited the popularity of the major, resulting in a sharp increase in the number of students during the last few years. This proposal is to further strengthen teaching and research in Animal Sciences by providing innovative experiential learning opportunities that complement and enhance regular semester courses lacking enough time for hands-on training. Thus, this proposal is offered, having its major thrust to strengthening the Animal Science program within the recently established major in General Agriculture by providing students with practical experience, in addition to a stronger academic curriculum. Objectives:1. Establish a summer training program designed to gain marketable skills in animal reproduction in order to map out potential career avenues for ASU graduate and upper-level undergraduate students and extension workers.2. Develop cattle Artificial Insemination (AI)/Embryo Transfer (ET) certification program for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students, and extension workers.3. Strengthen Alcorn State University's curriculum in Animal Science.The anticipated impact on the food and agricultural sciences higher education systems is that more and better trained graduates in Animal Sciences will be the result. These graduates should significantly add to the upgrading of the regional and national animal industry.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Institutional Long-range Goals. Alcorn State University (ASU) is highly committed to serve the state and the nation by providing top quality and innovative academic and research programs particularly for the underserved community. These commitments are customarily achieved by creating innovative teaching environments and learning opportunities to form well-rounded professionals. Consequently, the most profound mission of ASU is to prepare graduates who are intellectually and practically competitive in the future workforce, guiding graduates into challenging opportunities in the field of agriculture where they develop successful professional careers as well as contribute to productive agriculture. Consequently, it is imperative for Alcorn State University to continuously revise and customize its academic programs with courses containing up-to-date technology information to provide a more complete and comprehensive education in animal science and agriculture. Thus, authors of this proposal visualize that complementing the only course currently offered in Reproductive Physiology (AS 485) with intensive and rigorous hands-on training in artificial insemination and embryo transfer during the two summer sessions should provide ample experiential learning to guide students into avenues to a successful professional career in animal agriculture. This is extremely needed because AS 485, as most other courses offered during regular semester, are limited on time to provide enough hands-on training to master neither of the two techniques mentioned above. This proposal is an intrinsic component of that initiative with the focus and scope developed by faculty members (Drs. Evelin J. Cuadra and Cassandra Vaughn), Research Associates (Melissa Mason), Extension Personnel (Dr. Dalton McAfee, Audrey Wilson), Dean of Agriculture (Dr. Barry Bequette), Department Chair (Dr. Daniel Collins), Private Sector Personnel (Paul Fowler, Dwight Jackson, etc), farmers and students; all of these individuals had an input after discussing the proposal objectives.Baseline Information: We also propose that an effective and sound animal science program should be implemented by complementing existing regular key courses with time-limited hands-on, with summer programs structured to provide intensive and rigorous practical activities with a goal of learning by-doing. The need to re-structure college programs in agriculture is nowadays more imperative since the demographic distribution of students in colleges of agriculture has shifted from rural to urban and suburban backgrounds. Students are entering animal science programs with little or no practical livestock experience. Additionally, Reproductive Physiology (AS 485) is the only course currently offered at ASU during regular semester that provides training on artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET); nevertheless, as most other technical courses requiring ample experiential learning, AS 485 is limited on time to provide enough hands-on training to master these two techniques. This situation indicates the need for incorporating experiential learning opportunities with food producing animals into animal agriculture curriculums. Therefore, authors believe, AS 485 needs to be complemented with intensive and rigorous hands-on training in artificial insemination and embryo transfer during the two summer sessions to provide ample experiential learning which would guide students into avenues to successful professional careers in animal agriculture. Experiential learning is defined by Keeton and Tate (1978) as learning in which the learner is directly in touch with realities being studied or involving students in doing things and in thinking about what they are doing (Bonwell and Eison, 1991). Numerous programs utilizing experiential education have been incorporated in the curriculum of some agricultural colleges and universities in the nation. However, a more recent trend in vocational education is called problem-based learning (PBL), and it considers both students' desire for early "hands on" practical experience and recent findings in cognitive psychology regarding principles of learning (Maudsley, 1999).The activities outlined in this proposal are in line with the current efforts of this university in building capacity and strength in its academic and research programs; the institution also supports updating of its program in accord with the needs for the present and the future. The proposed activities also fall within the recently revised long-range goals of the university, in contributing to the advancement of knowledge and new truths through premier dynamic academic and research programs. They also support NIFA's mission in advancing knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities; in addition, it will connect with the goal of NIFA in keeping American agriculture competitive while ending world hunger. Creating and establishing innovative and dynamic top quality academic programs will result in professionals capable of developing and implementing highly efficient animal production management systems which in turn will enhance the well-being of the rural and farm families. Thus, funding of this proposal will be critical to enhance the proper training and learning environments in Animal Sciences to accomplish the mission of Alcorn State University of producing well qualified graduates in agricultural sciences who will be very competitive in the job market.Objective 1. Establishing a summer training - program designed to gain marketable skills in animal reproduction in order to map out potential career avenues for ASU graduate and upper-level undergraduate students and extension workers. The working hypothesis for this objective is that this program will allow students to experience intensive training in animal reproduction to fill in gaps in a student's knowledge previously obtained thru a time-limited regular course work with a competitive edge over the competition. Objective 2. Develop cattle Artificial Insemination(AI)/Embryo Transfer(ET) certification program for graduate and upper-level undergraduate student, and extension workers. The working hypothesis for this objective is that establishing certification programs in animal reproduction (artificial insemination/embryo transfer) would increase a) visibility of the quality of graduating students, b) employment rate and c) recruitment.Objective 3. Strengthening Alcorn State University's curriculum in Animal Science. Currently, the Agriculture curriculum (emphasis Animal Science) at ASU has a 3-hour course (AS 485 - Reproductive Physiology). We argue that this course is severely deficient because of its inability to provide students with sufficient practical knowledge; skills and abilities in animal reproduction that will help them pursue related career and educational opportunities. Thus, we propose to complement AS 485 by incorporating a summer training program as an additional course to strengthen the animal science program currently offered.
Project Methods
As intended, funding of that proposal has greatly enhanced performance of the existing beef cattle unit, consequently allowing us to accommodate activities and hands-on practices. On the other hand, funding of this proposal will further strengthen the academic program in Animal Sciences through experiential learning activities and improve academic curricula to meet future needs. To accomplish objective 1. Authors of this document propose to achieve this objective by establishing two summer sessions (4 weeks each) per year of intensive training. The first session of the program includes a practical component (five hour-mornings) on the procedures as well as lectures on the theory required (max 2 hr-afternoon). The practical component of this first 4 weeks session will be based on four basic areas of instructions: a) Artificial Insemination Technique (AI): the goal would be to develop the ability to skillfully and accurately place semen at the proper location within the reproductive tract of cows using sanitary and correct techniques. Previous to practicing with live animals, participants will identify location and tissue texture of the different sections on female reproductive tracts obtained at slaughter houses. Additionally, participants will perform post insemination heat check and ultrasonic and manual pregnancy diagnosis; b) Semen Handling developed thru practice, the ability to properly handle, thaw and prepare semen for insemination, according to the recommendations of semen-producing companies; c) Reproductive Management training proper heat detection, advantages and disadvantages on heat detection systems, implementation and understanding of synchronization current systems for heifers and cows, body condition scoring, sanitation, animal handling and safety procedures; d) Visit farms, associations, clinics and companies dedicated to reproductive services. This practical session will be designed for the beginning level; enrollment must be limited (10 participants) to keep classes small, allowing more hands-on time with the cattle. Upon completion of the practical component of the training will enable immediate on-farm use of artificial insemination for participants only wanting to get trained on that single technique.The theory (classroom) component of this session will include the following: a) Lectures and Topics: Introductions/ Opening Comments, Economics of Artificial Insemination, Reproductive Anatomy, Estrous Cycle and Estrus Synchronization, Artificial Insemination Equipment, Heat Detection and Heat Detection Aids, Nutritional Programs for A.I. Success, Sire Selection, Reproductive Herd Health and Biosecurity, Record Keeping and Understanding for Reproductive Purposes; b) Invited Speakers: Technicians active in reproductive business, farmers using reproductive services, companies with reproductive products, and Faculty/staff/Veterinarians. Additionally, one-on-one meetings in which outside advisers teach aspiring entrepreneurs what they need to know when they need to know it, will be part of the training on weekly basis. A series of no more than two hour presentation at each week will be organized; these individuals will speak of their experiences on/with the reproductive services business. The second summer session (4 weeks) will be dedicated to basic knowledge and practical training in a comprehensive process in bovine embryo transfer (ET) for the 5 more advanced participants of the previous session. Training content of this session will include the following topic and lectures: a) Bovine Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology; b) Programming and Superovulation of Donors; c) Procedures for Recovery of Embryos; d) Recipient selection, Synchronization and Management; e) Ovarian Palpation and Transfer Technique; f) Use and Care of Embryo Transfer Equipment; g) Embryo Grading, Handling and Freezing (Ethylene Glycol); h) Principles and Use of Epidural Anesthesia; i) Identification, Certification and Registration of Embryos; j) Legislative Control of Embryo Transfer; Foundations of Managing and Entrepreneurship. There will be a strong emphasis in the practical sessions on the examination and assessment of recipients. The process of embryo handling, grading, freezing, thawing and transfer will be covered in depth. This practical session will be designed for the beginning level.Enrollment will be limited to a maximum of 5 participants, selected from the previous session and based on the progress achieved since adequate experience in AI is essential before commencing ET training. The other 5 participants of the first session will continue during the first two weeks of the second summer session with the practical component of the first session (AI); this would allow them to develop the skills required to join the ET training session on the last two weeks of training for that year. To accomplish objective 2. This objective is linked to accomplishing objective 1 and based on the progress and the outcome of the activities described above. For the certification phase of the program, areas of proficiency testing and certification will be available. Participants must prove competency in the following areas to receive Certification for AI from the Department of Agriculture, Alcorn State University:A written test covering pertinent topics relating to Artificial Insemination.Proper use of AI equipment and semen handling.Proper artificial insemination technique on live cattle.21 -d post insemination heat check and ultrasonic pregnancy diagnosis.Participants must prove competency in three areas to receive Certification for ET from the Department of Agriculture, Alcorn State University:A written test covering pertinent topics relating to Embryo Transfer.Proper use of ET equipment and embryo handling.Expertise on ET (superovulation of donors, flushing, freezing, thawing and transfer of embryos).4. Participants may opt for either or both certification areas. Students participating in the certification programs will receive a bi-weekly stipend of $ 225.Evaluation of progress and of proficiency by participants in each technique will be conducted by a team of three experts at the end of each session: PI, Co-PI and an active AI/ET technician. Selection of participants will be conducted by this same team during the last week of April or by the end of the Spring semester previous to the summer programs of that year. Participants (graduate and upper-level undergraduate student and extension workers) would be required to have previously and satisfactorily completed all the requirements for Physiology of Reproduction (AS 845) to join this program. However, students will not be selected solely based upon their present animal production ability, as the purpose of this program is to provide interested students with cattle production experience that they would not normally receive on regular semester courses. Applicants will be evaluated for admission on the basis of the following formula:a) 1/3 - Grade Point Average: Applicants must have a good academic record and their study habits need to be conducive to extra responsibilities.b) 11/3 - Livestock Activities: This is to evaluate the applicants' desire to seek and enhance his/her livestock knowledge and experience.c) 1/3 - Interview: Applicants will be interviewed by the Selection Committee in order toevaluate communication skills, present livestock knowledge and background.To accomplish objective 3. To achieve this objective, authors of this proposal propose to develop and incorporate modern reproductive technologies, into the undergraduate animal science program by adding two elective summer courses (Practical AI Technology and Practical ET Technology) to provide enhanced experiential learning opportunities. Each one of these courses will earn three hour credit.