Typically Offered: Each Spring semester starting immediately after Spring Break through the last Saturday in April (Ag Field Day/Rutgers Day) as seven separate sections: cattle (CA), dog (DO), goat (GO), horse (HO), poultry (PO), sheep (SH), and swine (SW); by arrangement. Please note sections DO and HO have prerequisites (see below).
Prerequisites and Other Registration Restrictions: Medical clearance to work with animals is required by early January. For information on obtaining this clearance, please read our Working With Animals (84k PDF) information sheet. Contact Dr. Aparna Zama (aparna.zama@rutgers.edu) with questions. Other than medical clearance, there are no prerequisites for CA, GO, PO, SH, and SW sections. DO and HO sections have prerequisites; contact the appropriate faculty for information. Registration is by special permission: sections CA, GO, PO, SH, SW, and DO through Dr. Zama; section HO through Dr. Williams.
Format: This is a hands-on, experience-based education (EBE) course, involving significant farm work and direct interaction with animals. Students are expected to be prepared to do farm work and will be graded on their performance at the farm with their animals. Hands-on experience is obtained as students learn how to handle, fit, and exhibit animals. Supervisors and Coordinators are available at the barns from Monday through Friday for student attendance.
Description: Experience is gained in the handling (use of a halter, leading, displaying), fitting (clipping, grooming, cleanliness), and exhibiting (showmanship) of livestock and companion animals. Training techniques, behavior, and animal care are also presented. The course is conducted as part of the preparations for the Animal Shows on Ag Field Day/Rutgers Day on the G. H. Cook Campus.
Assessment: Grading is based on both participation (approx. 5 hours/week working with your animal over six weeks, for a total of 30 hours) and the quality of the student's interaction with the animals in preparation for the Animal Shows. Unsatisfactory work with the animals will result in an NC grade. Attendance on Ag Field Day/Rutgers Day is mandatory.
Other Requirements: Proper clothing and footwear at all times are required to participate. Attendance and/or participation in the animal shows on Ag Field Day/Rutgers Day is required.