Insemination and Calving Unit Objectives – By the end of this unit, students will be able to…- Explain the difference between insemination and conception.- Identify the window of time in which a cow should be bred after calving.- Determine when it is appropriate to breed a cow by recognizing the signs of a cow in heat.- Summarize the function of each of the following heat detection aids: heat expectancy chart, mount detection aid,tailhead markings, heat detector animals, and pedometers.- Identify when insemination should occur based on when a cow is seen in heat.- Summarize the purpose, function, use, and limitations of the following pregnancy detection methods: rectal palpation,ultrasounds, and blood testing.- Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of twinning in cattle.- Summarize and define each of the following terms: dry period, lactation, gestation, and mastitis.- Summarize the steps necessary to dry off a cow and prevent mastitis during or after the dry period.- Diagnose a case of mastitis based on its symptoms.- Diagnose whether or not a cow is about to calve based on her symptoms.- Summarize the signs of normal calving vs. abnormal calving and diagnose whether or not human intervention isnecessary.- Summarize and explain the steps required to conduct a physical exam on a cow while she is calving.- List the situations in which human intervention during calving will always be necessary.- Explain the proper intervention methods during the following scenarios: upside down calf, backwards calf, calf with ahead/leg bent backwards, calf that is positioned correctly but has not made any progress in at least 30 minutes.- Summarize how to manually dilate the cervix of a cow to aid in calving.- Demonstrate how to properly utilize and apply calving chains in order to assist with cases of dystocia.- Demonstrate how to properly care for the cow and the calf after calving in order to ensure maximal health and preventdisease and infection.

Students discuss several human reproductive technologies available today pregnancy ultrasound, amniocentesis, in-vitro fertilization and labor anesthetics. They learn how each technology works, and that these are ways engineers have worked to improve the health of expecting mothers and babies.

Student teams learn about and devise technical presentations on four reproductive technology topics pregnancy ultrasound, amniocentesis, in-vitro fertilization or labor anesthetics. Each team acts as a panel of engineers asked to make a presentation to a group of students unfamiliar with the reproductive technology. Each group incorporates non-lecture elements into its presentation for greater effectiveness. As students learn about the technologies, by creating a presentation and listening to other groups' presentations, they also learn more about the valuable skill of technical communications.