Large Animal Science
About This Program
The Large Animal Science program provides students with hands-on education in the care, management, and science of livestock and equine species. Students work directly with cows, horses, sheep, and chickens in barn, pasture, and poultry facility settings while developing the technical skills and professional habits required in modern agriculture. The program emphasizes safety, hygiene, and biosecurity as the foundation of animal welfare and human health. Students learn proper animal handling techniques, nutrition and feed management, housing and facility maintenance, herd and flock health practices, reproduction basics, and professional record-keeping. Scientific principles in anatomy, physiology, behavior, and agricultural math are integrated with daily farm operations to connect theory with practice. As students advance, they assume greater responsibility in animal management and may participate in Cooperative Education placements that provide paid, industry-based experience. Graduates are prepared for entry-level employment or continued study in animal science, veterinary medicine, livestock production, equine management, and poultry operations. See below for full course descriptions.
Career Paths
- Animal Facility Manager
- Large Animal Veterinarian
- Large Animal Veterinary Technician
- Farm and Barn Manager
- Animal Breeder
- Farm Machine Operator
- Animal Transporter
- Livestock Trader
- Nutritionist
- Processing Plant Manager
- Equine Trainer
Industry Partnerships
Meet the Large Animal Science Teachers
Ms. Julia Giaquinto
Animal Science Teacher
JGiaquinto@essextech.net
Ms. Emily Poulin
Equine Science Teacher
EPoulin@essextech.net
Ms. Jessica Rice
Animal Science Teacher
jrice@essextech.net
Large Animal Science Course Descriptions
| Course Number | Name | Credit | Grade Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| as101 | Large Animal Science Exploratory 9 | 2.0 | Grade 9 |
| as103 | Large Animal Science 9 | 4.0 | Grade 9 |
| as200 | Large Animal Science 10 | 16.0 | Grade 10 |
| as201 | Large Animal Science Theory 10 | 4.0 | Grade 10 |
| as300 | Large Animal Science 11 | 20.0 | Grade 11 |
| as305 | Large Animal Science Cooperative Education 11 | 12.0 | Grade 11 |
| an301 | Animal Science Theory 11 | 4.0 | Grade 11 |
Large Animal Science Exploratory 9
Course # as101 | Credits: 2.0
This exploratory course introduces grade 9 students to the foundational understanding and concepts of animal breed, needs and feeds. Students will analyze the different management practices for a variety of livestock species and breeds through the hands-on application of horse, cattle, sheep and poultry care and maintenance. Students will also explore the career pathways for large animal careers.
Large Animal Science 9
Course # as103 | Credits: 4.0
Grade 9 students begin their agricultural journey with a strong emphasis on safety, hygiene, and professional farm conduct across equine, livestock, and poultry environments. This introductory course establishes the expectations and habits required for working with horses, cows, sheep and chickens by focusing on personal protective equipment (PPE), safe animal approach techniques, zoonotic disease prevention, sanitation standards, and daily facility maintenance. Students learn proper handwashing protocols, boot and equipment disinfection procedures, biosecurity measures, and safe movement within barns, pastures, and poultry facilities. Through closely supervised, hands-on activities, students practice safe leading techniques, proper coop and stall cleaning methods, feed room organization, and tool handling. By the end of the year, students understand that safety and hygiene are the foundation of animal welfare, human health, and professional agricultural practice—preparing them for deeper technical skill development in subsequent grades.
Large Animal Science 10
Course # as200 | Credits: 16.0
Grade 10 students build a powerful foundation in equine, livestock, and poultry management through immersive, hands-on experiences with live animals. This balanced introductory year explores the structure and impact of the large animal and poultry industries in food production, recreation, and sport while emphasizing safety, professionalism, and technical skill. Students learn and apply proper PPE use, biosecurity procedures, and emergency protocols in authentic farm settings. In the barn, pasture, and poultry facilities, they practice tying quick-release knots, haltering and leading horses and cattle, safely handling sheep, goats, and poultry, and applying low-stress handling techniques using flight zone and point-of-balance principles. Students gain experience safely loading animals into trailers and chutes, understanding transport stress, and maintaining species-appropriate housing and sanitation systems. Through daily interaction with horses, cattle, small ruminants, and poultry, students develop confidence in animal restraint, transportation, and facility safety, establishing essential competencies for advanced study and industry work.
Large Animal Science Theory 10
Course # as201 | Credits: 4.0
This full-year course will introduce the science and math behind caring for animals and animal husbandry. Students will also learn key medical terminology and phraseology that supports learning in the livestock area, and key math concepts to scale herds and flocks in a sustainable management capacity.
Large Animal Science 11
Course # as300 | Credits: 20.0
In Grade 11, students deepen their expertise by focusing on species-specific equine, livestock, or poultry management while continuing extensive hands-on work with live animals. Coursework emphasizes the daily realities of farm operations, including animal identification, record-keeping, nutrition, housing design, fencing, hoof care, flock management, reproduction, and herd and flock health protocols. Students erect fencing, formulate balanced rations for multiple species, body condition score animals, trim hooves under supervision, manage poultry housing systems, and administer simulated or supervised treatments. They monitor vital signs, analyze reproductive cycles, assist with births when possible, manage egg production systems, and maintain professional breeding and health records using industry software. This year prepares students for real-world work placements by combining technical knowledge with applied skill, responsibility, and ethical animal care practices across multiple species.
Animal Science Theory 11
Course # an301 | Credits: 4.0
This intensive course provides a comprehensive foundation in animal science, covering anatomy, physiology, health management, behavior, and husbandry across diverse species. Students will explore body systems, pathology, facility management, nutrition, behavior, and grooming, gaining practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for careers in veterinary medicine and related animal care fields. The curriculum emphasizes comparative analysis, disease processes, and practical applications, preparing students for advanced studies and professional success.
Large Animal Science Cooperative Education 11
Course # as305 | Credits: 12
This semester-based course provides qualified students with a career technical employment opportunity. The program is designed to allow students on-the-job training by involving them in work that is directly related to their technical area of study. Cooperating employers provide additional training, pays students, and reports their performance to the school for every cycle. Please note that juniors are eligible for Cooperative Education during third and fourth quarters only.
Interested in 12th grade equine courses? See the Equine Science course descriptions.