|
4-H Animal Science Programs
 4-H animal projects are often thought to be for rural kids or for kids with access to livestock or other large animals. But this doesn't have to be the case. Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, lambs, pigs and cows are all common animal projects in 4-H. Hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, birds, fish, snakes and turtles are also possible projects and may make excellent companion animals for kids.
Kids learn many important life skills through their experiences with animals. Responsibility is the most frequently mentioned life skill gained in an animal project. However, kids also learn trust and how to form relationships, build communication skills and most importantly, learn how to show and receive affection.
Involvement with an animal project can help reinforce life for both kids and the adults who work with them. Animals help teach some of the joyful, as well as the more painful, parts of life. Watching the birth of an animal offers lessons on the beginning of life. The death of a pet can help children learn to deal with loss in a healthy way. Experiencing both the beginning and end of life and all that happens in the middle can help a child learn how to cope with his or her own life and development.
Providing a safe, enjoyable, and healthy atmosphere for farm animals in public settings
Recommendations for Farm Animal Caregivers from the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (pdf)
(Note: Adobe PDF format documents linked on this page require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, available from http://www.Adobe.com)
Companion Animals (Including Birds, Cats, Dogs, Fish and Other Small Pets)
Kids and pets go together naturally and make a great combination for a 4-H project! Some companion animal project members learn to train and care for their own pets, while others raise puppies to become Leader Dogs or companions for handicappers. The satisfaction of seeing your 4-H members develop into confident, caring and responsible pet owners is immeasurable!
Companion Animal Training & Events
4-H Dog Show:
4-H Dog Clinic:
4-H Freestyle:
4-H Companion Animal Workshops:
Michigan 4-H Dog Patch Program
Companion Animal Resources
Michigan 4-H Publications
Other MSU Resources
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
http://www.cvm.msu.edu/hospital
Small Animal Clinic
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824‑1314
Phone: 517‑353-5420
Other Resources
The organizations and web sites listed below may provide more information in this project area.
American Kennel Club
http://www.akc.org/
260 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-696-8200
Canine Companions for Independence
http://www.cci.org/
National Headquarters
PO Box 446
Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446
Phone: 866-224-3647
Leader Dogs for the Blind
http://www.leaderdog.org/
1039 S. Rochester Rd.
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Phone: 248‑651-9011
888-777-5332
Michigan Veterinary Medical Association
http://www.michvma.org/
2144 Commons Parkway
Okemos, MI 48864-3986
Phone: 517‑347-4710
Paws With a Cause
http://www.pawswithacause.org/
4646 South Division
Wayland, MI 49348
Phone: 800-253-7297
Dairy Cattle
Dairying has come a long way since every family had a cow or two! Young people who want to be part of the dairy industry of the future have to prepare themselves for all phases of dairy technology. In a 4-H dairy cattle project, members and leaders can explore these phases, the production, manufacturing and marketing of dairy products, scientific dairy research and related agribusinesses.
Dairy Cattle Training & Events
National 4-H Dairy Conference
This national conference is held in Madison, Wisconsin and is open to 4-H dairy project members aged 15 to 19 who want to learn more about the dairy industry from a national and international perspective and about career opportunities available now and in the future.
Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference
This Michigan conference gives 4-H'ers aged 12- to 15-year-olds the chance to learn about Michigan agriculture and the dairy industry and to develop their self-esteem and leadership skills.
4-H MMPA Milking Marketing Tour
This two-day educational program is designed to introduce Michigan 4-H'ers aged 15 to 19 to the milk marketing system The tour will provide information on milk cooperatives, milk processing and milk marketing. A quiz is given at the end of the tour and the top ten individuals are invited to compete for an all-expense-paid trip to National Dairy Conference. The tour is sponsored and hosted by the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA).
Michigan Dairy Expo/4-H Dairy Days
The Michigan Dairy Expo includes dairy management seminars, commercial exhibits and state breed shows. Michigan 4-H Dairy Expo is designed to encourage and promote youth involvement in dairy activities, to showcase the Michigan dairy industry and to provide continuing education to the dairy industry in Michigan and nearby states. It includes events and exhibits designed especially for 4-H'ers and other young people who are interested in animals, as well as programs for adults. This event is held each July in the MSU Pavilion.
Dairy Cattle Resources
Michigan 4-H Publications
Other MSU Resources
Department of Animal Science
http://www.canr.msu.edu/dept/ans/
Michigan State University
1290 Anthony Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1225
Phone: 517‑355-8383
Other Resources
The organizations and web sites listed below may provide more information in this project area.
American Guernsey Association
http://www.usguernsey.com/
7614 Slate Ridge Blvd.
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Phone: 614-864-2409
American Jersey Cattle Association
http://www.usjersey.com/
6486 E. Main St.
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362
Phone: 614-861-3636
American Milking Shorthorn Society
http://www.milkingshorthorn.com/
800 Pleasant Street
Beloit, WI 53511-5456
Phone: 608-365-3332
Ayrshire Breeders Association
http://www.usayrshire.com/
1224 Alton Darby Creek Rd., Suite B
Columbus, OH 43228
Phone: 614-335-0020
Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association
http://www.brownswissusa.com/
800 Pleasant St.
Beloit, WI 53511-5456
Phone: 608-365-4474
Dairy Council of Michigan, Inc.
2163 Jolly Rd.
Okemos, MI 48864
Phone: 517-349-8480
Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA)
http://www.mimilk.com/
41310 Bridge Street
PO Box 8002
Novi, MI 48376-8002
Phone: 248‑474-6672
Minnesota Center for 4-H Youth Development
http://www.fourh.umn.edu/
270 B McNamara Alumni Center
U of MN Gateway Building
200 Oak St., Se
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-624-2116
New England Cheesemaking Supply Company
http://www.cheesemaking.com/
PO Box 85
Ashfield, MA 01330
Phone: 413-628-3808
NorthStar-Select Sires
http://www.northstarcooperative.com/
3655 Forest Road
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: 800-631-3510
Red & White Dairy Cattle Association
http://redandwhitecattle.com/
3805 S. Valley Rd.
Crystal Springs, PA 15536
Phone: 814-735-4221
United Dairy Industry of Michigan
http://www.udim.org/
2163 Jolly Rd.
Okemos, MI 48864
Phone: 517‑349-8923 or 800‑241-6455 (Michigan only)
Goats
Goats - dairy type, pygmy, Angora and Boer - make ideal 4-H projects, especially for younger members. These animals are relatively easy to handle, interesting and inexpensive to keep. In addition to learning about traditional animal care, 4-H goat project members can explore the use of products that come from goats such as milk, meat and fiber. They also can participate in activities such as quiz bowl, skillathon and judging, that don't require them to own a goat.
Goat Training & Events
4-H Goat Leaders Workshop
This workshop is held in the fall of odd-numbered years. The workshop is designed to help adult and teen goat volunteers aged 13 and up share ideas and explore goat management. Volunteers will learn about goat health, nutrition and various other areas of interest. Teaching and communication skills development will be shared, and participants will gain new ideas and information about 4-H goat events.
State 4-H Goat Show
State 4-H Goat Expo
Goat Resources
Resources used for the Goat Quiz Bowl are as follows:
Additional goat resources that we encourage using, but will not be used to generate questions for the Goat Quiz Bowl:
Michigan 4-H Publications
Other Publications
- Pygmy Goat: Basic Owner's Manual (National Pygmy Goat Association) This book is intended as a beginner's manual for the first-time goat owner and gives basic goat husbandry information.
Other Resources
The organizations and web sites listed below may provide more information in this project area.
American Angora Goat Breeders Association
http://www.aagba.org/
P.O. Box 195
Rock Springs, TX 78880
Phone: 830-683-4483
American Dairy Goat Association
http://www.adga.org/
209 W. Main Street
P.O. Box 865
Spindale, NC 28160
Phone:828-286-3801
American Goat Society
http://www.americangoatsociety.com/
735 Oakridge Lane
Pipe Creek, TX 78063
Phone: 830-535-4247
Michigan Dairy Goat Society
http://www.mdgs.org/
National 4-H Curriculum
http://www.4-hcurriculum.org/
National 4-H Council Supply Service
c/o Wachovia
P.O. Box 75013
Baltimore, MD 21275
Phone: 301-961-2934
National Pygmy Goat Association
http://www.npga-pygmy.com/
1932 149th Ave SE
Snohomish, WA 98290
Phone: 425-334-6506
New England Cheesemaking Supply Company
http://www.cheesemaking.com/
PO Box 85
Ashfield, MA 01330
Phone: 413-628-3808
United Caprine News
http://unitedcaprinenews.com/
P.O. Box 328
Crowley, TX 76036
Phone: 817-297-3411
Horses and Ponies
When a 4-H'er owns or cares for a horse or pony, that young person experiences pride and responsibility, and develops valuable social and physical skills. Kids can be involved in a 4-H horse project in lots of ways, and many activities don't require horse ownership. Members can participate in show, trail or endurance riding, study horse science, participate in quiz bowls, rodeos, judging teams and much more!
Horse and Pony Resources
Horse and Pony Training & Events
4-H Horse Show Judging and Management Conference
This conference is open to all Michigan 4-H horse judges, conditional judges, current-year applicants, county fair superintendent delegates, Extension staff, 4-H horse advisory and State 4-H Horse Show programming committee members. The conference is held each January and is designed to help participants improve cooperation between superintendents and judges, improve the management of horse shows in Michigan and create innovative ways to make 4-H horse shows more educational.
4-H Horse Benefit Clinic
This clinic is held each February at the MSU Pavilion. Each year a nationally recognized expert in horse training and management is brought to the MSU campus to present a daylong workshop for adults and youth. The focus of this clinic changes each year. Contact your county 4-H staff for details.
4-H Teen Horse Leaders Conference
This conference is designed for older youths, adult volunteers and Extension staff who work with or are interested in 4-H horse projects or activities. The conference objectives are to present information and ideas on horse teaching methods, to present subject matter that will help adult and teen volunteers become more effective, and to provide an opportunity for an exchange of ideas on horse programs and events.
4-H Adult Horse Leaders Conference
This conference is held in the fall of odd-numbered years. It is designed for adult volunteers who work with county 4-H horse programs. The workshop sessions will help to increase participants' knowledge of horses and the 4-H horse program, and help them gain skills in working with young people in local and county 4-H groups.
Michigan State 4-H Trail Ride and 4-H Horse Family Weekend
The State 4-H Trail Ride gives 4-H members, parents and volunteers a chance to meet other 4-H'ers from across the state. It also provides training in planning and conducting club and county trail rides and helps participants develop an appreciation of conservation and natural resources. All interested people are invited to join in the fun and fellowship of the trail ride, including the evening programs and refreshments.
4-H Horse Jamboree
This one-day event held each spring on the MSU campus, is designed to give 4-H members who are interested in horses a chance to demonstrate their knowledge. Participants don't have to be enrolled in a 4-H horse project to compete or to own a horse to participate. Activities include horse judging, hippology and horse bowl.
State 4-H Horse Show
This three-day event held in mid-August at the MSU Pavilion, brings together more than 500 4-H'ers representing all 83 Michigan counties. English and Western, trail, jumping and gymkhana classes are offered for horses and ponies. In addition, classes for draft and miniature horses are also offered as well as classes for 4-H PEP (4-H Proud Equestrians — therapeutic riding program) participants. Members are selected by their county 4-H programs to participate in this event.
4-H Proud Equestrians Program (PEP)
Sharing skills and knowledge is what 4-H and the 4-H PEP program are all about. You and your club members can gain great satisfaction through this therapeutic horseback riding program. With the help of trained and caring volunteers, kids challenged by handicapping characteristics can discover their abilities, instead of their disabilities.
For more information on this program, visit the 4-H PEP Web page.
Livestock
The 4-H livestock program consists of the:
- 4-H Beef Project
Explore all aspects of raising beef cattle including animal selection, care, feeding, record-keeping and marketing. One member might raise a steer for market. Another could focus on breeding cattle and start a herd of his or her own. No matter which aspect of the project members choose, they'll gain an appreciation of animals and an understanding of the beef cattle industry.
- 4-H Sheep Project
Explore all aspects of sheep raising including animal selection, care, feeding, record-keeping and marketing. Members can focus on market lambs, breeding sheep or both. No matter which aspect of the project members choose, they'll develop an appreciation of animals and an understanding of the sheep industry.
- 4-H Swine Project
Explore all aspects of raising hogs including animal selection, care, feeding, record-keeping and marketing. Members can focus on market hogs, breeding hogs or both. No matter which aspect of the project members choose, they'll develop an appreciation of animals and an understanding of the swine industry.
Livestock Training & Events
4-H Beef, Sheep and Swine Teen and Adult Leaders Workshop
This workshop allows participants to share ideas and concerns about their activities in the livestock areas. Participants learn about animal health, management and nutrition. They explore communication and teaching skills, and learn more about opportunities in the livestock industry. The workshop is open to adults and teens aged 14 and up.
Other events include Michigan Jr. Beef Show & Beef Showcase, the Michigan Jr. All Breed Sheep Show, and the Michigan Spartan Classic Jr. Swine Show. For more detailed event descriptions, see the 4-H Animal Science Events page. For additional information, see the MSU Department of Animal Science Youth Extension Web site.
Livestock Resources
Michigan 4-H Publications
Other MSU Resources
Department of Animal Science
http://www.canr.msu.edu/dept/ans/
Michigan State University
1290 Anthony Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1225
Phone: 517‑355-8383
Other Resources
The organizations and web sites listed below may provide more information in this project area.
Michigan Cattlemen’s Association
http://www.micattlemen.org/
2145 University Park, Suite 300
Okemos, MI 48864
Phone: 517‑347-8117
Michigan Department of Agriculture
http://www.michigan.gov/mda
PO Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 1-800-292-3939
Michigan Farm Bureau
http://www.michiganfarmbureau.com/
7373 W. Saginaw Highway
PO Box 30960
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-323-7000
Michigan Pork Producers Association
http://www.mipork.org/
4801 Willoughby Rd.
Suite 5
Holt, MI 48842
Phone: 517-699-2145
Michigan Sheep Breeders Association
http://www.misheep.org/
c/o Pat Tirrell
700 Tirrell Rd.
Charlotte, MI 48813
Phone: 517-543-7395
Poultry
Ever wonder which came first, the chicken or the egg? In a 4-H poultry project, members can try to discover the answer to this question! A poultry project can involve chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pheasants, pigeons or coturnix (Japanese quail).
Poultry Training & Events
4-H Bi-State Poultry Clinics
The 2010 Michigan and Ohio 4-H Bi-State Poultry Clinics for 4-H members and volunteers will be held at Anthony Hall on the Michigan State University campus on Saturday, Feb 20, 2010 and at OARDC in Wooster Ohio on March 20, 2010.
4-H Poultry Palooza
May 22, 2010, Barry Expo Center (Barry County Fairgrounds)
The State 4-H Poultry Palooza is designed for young people aged 9 to 19 who are interested in exhibiting poultry and testing their knowledge of the poultry industry in a fun and educational way. Spectators are welcome. Deadline for registration was April 24, 2009.
4-H Poultry Teen & Adult Volunteer Leader Workshop (Workshop 710)
October 30-31, 2010 – Kettunen Center
This workshop is designed for teen and adult volunteer leaders who are involved with county 4-H poultry programs. Choose from a variety of learning opportunities including health, nutrition, showmanship, fitting, live bird and carcass evaluation, management, incubation and hatchery, pigeons, skill-a-thon and quiz bowl, beginning a poultry project, youth leadership, crafts, games and more. You’ll have the chance to exchange ideas, make new friends and develop new networks with other individuals who have a high interest in the 4-H poultry program. This workshop also offers ways to enhance your communication and teaching skills and to learn about the many opportunities available for those interested in poultry. You are expected to share what you learn and your experiences at this workshop with others in your county. Open to adult and teen volunteers aged 13 and up.
Poultry Resources
Michigan 4-H Publications
4-H 1520 4-H Poultry Fitting & Showmanship Member’s Guide
This bulletin focuses on fitting and showmanship contests for 4-H’ers who work with chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and pigeons. It includes sections on choosing, caring for, training and transporting birds. Black-and-white photos illustrate techniques for handling, examining and posing birds. The bulletin includes fitting and showmanship scorecards for each species covered.
4-H 1521 4-H Poultry Fitting & Showmanship Leader’s Guide
This bulletin includes sections for volunteers on helping 4-H’ers develop life skills, the roles leaders play, what volunteers need to know to lead a 4-H poultry project, helping members select birds and possible topics for club meetings. It offers tips for planning and running a county 4-H poultry fitting and showmanship contest. It also includes fitting and showmanship scorecards for each species covered.
4-H 1457 4-H Animal Project Record for Beginning Member's (with form fields) (Adobe PDF)
Other MSU Publications
E2965 Avian Influenza – Michigan's Preparation and Response
This four-page document is available free from the MSUE Educational Materials Distribution Center, Michigan State University, 117 Central Services, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039. Visit the center at http://web2.msue.msu.edu/bulletins/mainsearch.cfm
Other Resources
The organizations and web sites listed below may provide more information in this project area.
American Poultry Association
http://www.amerpoultryassn.com
PO Box 306
Burgettstown, PA 15021
Phone: 724-729-3459
American Racing Pigeon Union
http://www.pigeon.org/
PO Box 18465
Oklahoma City, OK 73154
Phone: 405-848-5801
Backyard Poultry
http://backyardpoultrymag.com
Countryside Publications
145 Industrial Dr.
Medford, WI 54451
Phone: 800-551-5691
Michigan Allied Poultry Industries, Inc.
http://web1.msue.msu.edu/poultry/MAPI.htm
George E. House, Executive Director
PO Box 242
Ada, MI 49301-0242
Phone: 616-676-5593
Michigan Department of Agriculture
http://www.michigan.gov/mda
PO Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
800-292-3939
Pullorum Testing
For information on pullorum testing or to obtain a list of pullorum testers in Michigan please contact Marcia Weld at the Michigan Department of Agriculture at (517) 335-5713.
Rabbits (Including Cavies)
The 4-H rabbit project is ideal for young people in urban areas or on small farms where lack of space, facilities or money makes it hard to raise larger animals. Rabbits enable kids to gain experience in feeding and managing animals for fun, companionship and profit.
Rabbit and Cavy Training & Events
4-H Rabbit Leaders Workshop
This workshop gives adult and teen volunteers aged 13 and up a chance to explore the 4-H rabbit project area through a variety of topics including genetics, basic rabbit management, health care, ideas for local 4-H programs, rabbit crafts and breed information. The next workshop will be in the fall of 2011.
State 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show
Last year's results:
State 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Expo
This year's results:
Rabbit and Cavy Resources
Michigan 4-H Publications
National 4-H Publications
The following 4-H publications are available from the National 4-H Curriculum System at http://www.4-hcurriculum.org/
Rabbit
Youth will find out "What's Happening" as they "Make Tracks" and listen with "All Ears" when they use these revised rabbit materials.
1– Rabbit 1– What's Happening (08080)
2 – Rabbit 2 – Making Tracks (08081)
3 – Rabbit 3 – All Ears (08082)
Rabbit – Helper's Guide (08083)
Rabbit –Set of 4 (08084)
Rabbit Pattern
The model rabbit made from the Rabbit Pattern is so realistic it could win a prize. It is an excellent model for identifying parts, determining sex, checking for disqualifications, practicing handling, trimming nails, showing and many other management practices.
Rabbit Pattern (07199)
Other Resources
The organizations and web sites listed below may provide more information in this project area.
American Rabbit Breeders Association
http://www.arba.net/
P.O. Box 5667
Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: 309-664-7500
Veterinary Science
The health of animals influences a great many things. Because some diseases are transmitted to human through animals, their health can affect ours. In a 4-H veterinary science project, members explore the broad scope of veterinary medicine and animal health. Young people also learn how animal management and feeding affect animal health.
Veterinary Science Training & Events
4-H Veterinary Science Teen and Adult Leaders Workshop
Adult and teen volunteers aged 14 and up will explore animal health and animal systems by sharing experiences, asking questions and quizzing veterinarians about the skills taught in local 4-H groups. Participants can also take part in hands-on demonstrations that will teach them how to help members recognize healthy, sick or injured animals. They'll also meet 4-H'ers who have developed outstanding veterinary science projects and will learn how to help 4-H'ers start their own projects.
Veterinary Science Resources
Other MSU Resources
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
http://www.cvm.msu.edu/hospital
Small Animal Clinic
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824‑1314
Phone: 517‑353-5420
Other Resources
The organizations and web sites listed below may provide more information in this project area.
Michigan Veterinary Medical Association
http://www.michvma.org/
2144 Commons Parkway
Okemos, MI 48864-3986
Phone: 517‑347-4710
Learning Materials
More information on learning materials available to support these activities can be found at Michigan 4-H Educational Materials or through the MSU Bulletin Office.
Other Animal Science Resources
- Kids Korner
This site is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The site is hosted by Booster Rooster and features educational information about animal agriculture; field crops; floriculture; agriculture-related fairs and festivals; the Michigan State Fair; a chat room; games; and stories and pictures about kids' lives on Michigan farms.
- 4-H Animal Science Skills for Life Materials
The 4-H "Skills for Life" Animal Science Series includes 45 pieces written by Cooperative Extension Service youth educators, university animal scientists, animal industry representatives, volunteers and youth for the 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System. This series encourages youth to learn about their favorite animal while they develop important life skills.
- Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H Virtual Farm
The Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H Virtual Farm illustrates farming and the farmers, who do the work, to produce the food we eat everyday. You can see some of the people who earn their living off the land. You'll see where they live and work, how your favorite foods get from the farm to your plate or lunch box and even have a chance to win virtual ribbons!
- Oklahoma State University Department of Animal Science Breeds of Livestock
The Breeds of Livestock resource is presented by the Department of Animal Science at Oklahoma State University. This site is intended as an educational and informational resource on breeds of livestock throughout the world. Breeds from every inhabited continent are listed. Hopefully you'll enjoy the information provided and find it both educational and fun.
Contact Information
For more information on how to get involved as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or:
Jacob DeDecker, Ph.D., 4-H Program Leader
4-H Youth Development
Michigan State University
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
USA
Phone: 517-432-7604
Fax: 517-355-6748
Email: dedecke4@msu.edu
Back to Top
Copyright © 1999 - 2010 Michigan State University
Last Updated: January 26, 2010
Last Reviewed: March 26, 2008
|
