Dairy Science - Technical Diploma
Turn your passion for raising animals into your profession. The Dairy Science technical diploma will prepare you to work in entry-level dairy industry positions. You’ll become proficient with dairy management techniques and animal husbandry skills. As a grad, you may be employed as a feed technician in a milk parlor or as an assistant herdsperson. You’ll be skilled in assessing basic herd health standards, providing calf care, administering shots, assisting in herd health checks, providing artificial insemination, effectively communicating to maintain continuity between dairy farm shifts, and maintaining herd records. You may also be prepared for positions in the feed industry or animal health industry.
Delivery
Explore Locations
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $5,105, Books: $307, Supplies: $150
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=310905
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit the following to transcripts@nwtc.edu: High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript) College transcript
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
Program Outcomes
- Maintain herd records
- Provide artificial insemination
- Assist with herd health checks
- Assist in the maternity pen
- Provide calf care
- Assess basic herd health standards
- Use effective oral and written communication skills
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Dairy Science technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in 10-804-113, College Tech Math 1A.
Course Descriptions
Students gain skills that lead to success in college and employment. This course encourages students to develop a growth mindset and make wise choices. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course provides basic knowledge of the dairy science field. Topics include animal health, anatomy and physiology, genetics and reproduction, basic breed characteristics and animal feedstuffs.
Course Typically Offered: FallTopics include solving linear equations; graphing; percent; proportions; measurement systems; computational geometry; and right triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arithmetic score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR TABE A 9/10 Math greater/equal to 12.7 AND Rdg greater/equal to 8.8; OR TABE 11/12 Math greater/equal to 780 AND Rdg greater/equal to 573; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringBasic knowledge of macro and micro economics will be taught, proficiency in developing basic cash flows, cost benefit analysis, enterprise analysis, budget development, profit loss statements and developing cost of production. Student should be able to develop adequate information for farm manager to analyze business proposals.
Course Typically Offered: FallProper cattle handling and restraint techniques will be demonstrated. Optimal feed, water and ventilation needs discussed. Compliance with industry standards of animal welfare and record keeping will be studied.
Course Typically Offered: Falldairy performance is analyzed through good record keeping and analysis. Students will become proficient in the use of PCDART, Dairy Comp 305, BoviSync and AgSource herd management programs. Students will also be exposed to other software systems and their applications.
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall Springstudents will learn principles of designing facilities based on the environment, feeding systems, manure handling, ventilation and cow handling. Students will compare and contrast various design options and construction cost estimates. (Prerequisite: 10-091-327, Basic Animal Husbandry)
Course Typically Offered: SpringStudents will learn physiology and anatomy of the reproductive organs and the utilization of reproductive protocols for increased breeding success. Learn artificial insemination techniques and how genomics work and genomic applications. Utilize sexed semen and cross breeding practices.
Course Typically Offered: Spring