Central Lakes College now has an animal science department, with introductory courses being offered in the spring 2016 semester.
The introduction to animal science course is offered in the spring 2016 semester and a food safety: from farm to fork course is offered in the fall 2016 semester.
The new courses follow CLC's designation as the northern Minnesota Center of Agricultural Excellence in February of 2015.
The college already has several agricultural programs, departments and courses. The new classes will allow students to learn about on the farm aspects of making safe food and the management and husbandry of farm animals.
"Offering animal science coursework at CLC is a step forward in answering agriculture industry's demand for qualified graduates," Keith Olander, director of AgCentric and CLC's dean of agricultural studies, said in a news release. "The demand in the industry continues to grow and CLC is positioning itself to be a catalyst in preparing students for rewarding careers in agriculture."
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The introductory animal science course will give students an overview of the husbandry of the major classes of animals in agriculture, as well as a look at alternative livestock enterprises including, aquaculture, milking camels and deer and elk farming. The food safety course will discuss proper food handling techniques and explore animal pathogens and zoonotic agents that have the potential to cause sickness in humans.
Both courses will be taught by a livestock producer and food animal veterinarian with almost 30 years of experience in the field.
To learn more about the animal science department, call 218-894-5141.
