This document summarizes an Animal Science Day Camp held in southeastern Nebraska for youth to learn about various topics related to agriculture over five days. Each day focused on a different theme: showmanship and judging on day one, anatomy and physiology on day two, nutrition on day three, genetics on day four, and meat science and food safety on day five. Approximately 17 youth participated daily in hands-on activities, demonstrations, and discussions related to the daily theme. As a result of the camp, the majority of youth indicated improved knowledge in areas like showmanship, anatomy, nutrition, genetics, breeding, and meat handling and safety.

1. Chichester,* L. M.1, Jones, J. G2, Rutt, J. R. 3, Nutsch-Fulton, K. 4, Meints, A.5, & Jones, T. F.6
1 Extension Educator, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, Richardson County, NE, 68355; 2 Extension Educator, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, Johnson County, NE, 68450;
3 Extension Assistant, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, Richardson County, NE, 68355; 4 Extension Assistant, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, Nemaha County, NE, 68305;
5 Extension Intern, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, Nemaha County, NE, 68305; 6 Meat Science Lab Manager, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583
ABSTRACT DAY 1: SHOWMANSHIP AND JUDGING RESULTS AND IMPACTS
There is no doubt that Nebraska has strong • Youth learned what characteristics and
agricultural ties; ensuring that youth qualities a judge will be looking for in Approximately 17 youth participated daily in
market, breeding, and showmanship
understand and value the importance of classes; watched a showing this hands-on 5-day event in southeastern
agriculture is very critical to the future of the demonstration; and learned how to Nebraska. Youth rotated through six stations
state. To assist in this endeavor, an Animal fit/groom horses, cattle, sheep, goats, daily, with all stations having an education
Science Day Camp was created. This 5-day and swine.
• In addition, they had the chance to program and/or activity related to the main
event focused on a different topic each day: practice their showmanship skills and theme of the day. Youth participants indicated
showmanship and judging, anatomy and answered questions they could be asked that as a result of attending the Animal
physiology, nutrition, genetics, and meat while showing.
Science Day Camp they had improved
science and food safety. knowledge in the following areas: 67% in
DAY 2: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY showmanship and judging; 73% in anatomy
This event provided hands-on and one-to-one and physiology; 67% in nutrition; 60% in
learning with approximately 17 youth breeding and genetics; and 93% in meats and
participants daily. As a result of attending, • Youth learned about the food safety, respectively.
skeletal, nervous, muscular,
88% of youth understood how science relates
and digestive systems.
to their 4-H projects, 81% understood how • They also learned about the The Animal Science Day Camp had a unique
genetics affects their 4-H livestock projects, major organs and their blend of hands-on education and activities,
81% could properly list ingredients in feed functions, as well as terms of
body parts and the location
demonstrations, and discussion. Youth were
rations, 100% indicated they knew how to of them on various animals. asked to indicate what they would like to see
properly handle and cook meat, 88% indicated at future day camps, and the following new
they could properly handle and care for their suggestions were generated: dissection of an
livestock, and 94% indicated they could animal or eyeball, more technology or hands-
correctly name and locate animal parts and DAY 3: NUTRITION
on building projects, and learning the parts of
• Youth learned about the dietary needs
systems. Youth were also asked to indicate of their animals, what ingredients are the animal on a live animal. Youth also
their favorite workshops, the most preferred in their animal’s feed ration, what a indicated they would like to see the following
workshops included: meat taste testing, live feed label means and how to read it. workshops at another animal science day
animal demonstrations, identifying organs • They also learned the importance of
balancing a ration and how an camp: meat cutting demonstrations and taste
and their functions with rabbit intestines, unbalanced ration can make their testing, and livestock showmanship and
extracting pea DNA, and evaluating manure animals ill and cost them more money. fitting.
for what it can tell you about your animal’s • Youth learned what their animal’s
manure could tell them about the
health and diet – which was also selected as health of their animal. Finally, youth were asked to indicate what
the least favorite activity! other camps they would like to attend (in
addition to the animal science day camp),
Due to the size and strength of Nebraska’s • Youth were able to identify DAY 4: GENETICS 100% of youth would come to another
breeds of livestock by
agricultural sector, the state’s number 1 certain characteristics agricultural themed camp, 91% would come
industry, it is vital that youth have a strong specific to each breed. to a science camp, and 91% would come to a
agricultural education since they are the next • They also learned about and baking and cooking camp.
could identify genetic
generation. Animal Science Day Camp is a
defects and abnormalities.
fun and interactive way to educate youth on • Youth extracted DNA from
CONCLUSION
animal agriculture. peas and learned how to use
basic EPDs (Expected The various ages and learning levels of the
Progeny Differences). youth was a slight challenge during some of
MISSION AND GOALS the workshops; but was quickly overcome by
• To educate youth on livestock systems the youth working with other youth on
• To educate youth on the importance of DAY 5: MEAT SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY activities. The Animal Science Day Camp was
agriculture a great success and will be repeated in
• Youth learned about
• To educate youth on good agriculture following years with modifications to the
wholesale and retail cuts
production practices of meat, food safety and workshops to ensure that youth who return
• To educate youth on meat production and the importance of clean again will have a new and exciting experience!
meat safety hands, surfaces, and tools.
• The week concluded with
• To educate youth about feed and feedstuffs, a cooking demonstration
and ration balancing and a tasting panel that
included beef, lamb, pork,
Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of and rabbit.
Nebraska–Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination
policies of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.