Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 136, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 June 1912 — Courses in Animal Husbandry [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Courses in Animal Husbandry

By J. H. SKINNER.

Sckool of Agriculture, Purdue Uabanßy

’ Pnrdte Umreriity Agricsttaral Erifiwioa

The department of animal husbandry of the Purdue school of agriculture and experiment station is maintained for the purpose of finding -out and giving students and practical farmers the information necessary to make a success of live stock. The department has a staff of trained men constantly Investigating problemc, and disseminating information on all phases of animal husbandry. The Four-Year Course.The instruction is given, first, to resident students; second, to non-resi-dent students, consisting mostly of farmers actively engaged on the land. There are two main classes of students In animal husbandry in the university—those In the four-year course and those In the eight weeks’ course. A one week’s course is also offered to farmers. Students in the four-year course in agriculture, taking animal husbandry, receive thorough training through lectures, laboratory exercises and practical demonstration in Judging and selecting all classes of farm animals, Including poultry, for breeding purposes and the market. Hundreds of the best specimens obtainable are brought before the students in these courses. Flocks and herds of pure bred animals, under the best practical methods of managing and handling them, are maintained on the university farm where tliey are available to the students for study and observation. Large numbers of animals involved in various experiments relating to feeding, breeding, etc., are under the observation of the students throughout the year. Courses In the management, breeding, feeding and production, Including the study and discussion of scientific principles and the best methods used on well regulated, successful farms in this and other states, give the students a knowledge of all phases of the business, which should enable them to make a success of their work. The results of experimental work and successful breeders and feeders throughout the country are summarized and studied in the class room. Students taking the four-year course not only

obtain training in animal husbandry, but in addition receive instruction which will enable them to successfully build up and maintain soil fertility, improve the quality and yield of crops, successfully care for their orchards, gardens and dairy products. They also study English, history, economics and the sciences. Short Courses. The eight weeks’ winter course in animal husbandry is planned to meet the needs of thosq who canifbt be away from the farm during the growing season, and who from necessity demand a shorter course. Students in this course receive instruction in sdl phases of animal husbandry work, and owing to the fact that their time Is practically all devoted to animal husbandry subjects they are able to obtain much valuable instruction in thia brief period. Instruction for Farmers. Thousands of farmers have not had and never will have the advantage of a college course. Therefore instruction in animal husbandry is offered In farmers’ short courses, farmers’ institutes and in meetings of feeders and breeders held at the university, and in#other parts of the state. The short courses provide Instruction in judging, which should enable the fanner to learn to discriminate against inferior and undesirable animalß for breeding and feeding purposes, while representative types of animals are exhibited where the farmer can study them and thus become familiar with the best types. Lectures and discussions are given on breeding, feeds and feeding and management of the various classes of animals. Instruction is also given in boys’ Judging contests at county and state fairs. Exhibits showing results of experimental work, courses of Instruction, photographs of equipment and Btock on the university farm are displayed at various county and state fairs. By writing directly to the department, where their questions are answered by members of the staff, hundreds of farmers are assisted In their work and in the solution of their problems.

Students In the Eight Weeks’ Course Judging Beef Cattle.

Purdue Students Judging Horses.