AgAlign Certification Prep
What is sustainable agriculture? What are some practices in the agricultural industry that you consider to be sustainable?
Sustainable agriculture is the practice of farming to meet people’s needs without compromising or affecting the environment negatively. Some practices in the agricultural industry that are considered to be sustainable are managing water wisely to prevent drought and minimizing air and water pollution with harvesting.
· What are the steps of the scientific method?
The steps of the scientific method are to first identify the problem, then gather background information, and form a hypothesis based on the information that was gathered. After this, you make observations based on your hypothesis and then test your hypothesis so you are able to come to a conclusion.
· What are some ag issues that are relevant in California?
Some agriculture issues that are relevant in California are the California drought, which is due to dry climate. This significantly affects the ag industry by limiting its usage on water. Another issue is export dependency. California is dependent on other countries and states for a lot of agricultural product, which can become an issue if the supplier stops supplying those products.
· What are some issues relating to sustainability and population growth in relation to agriculture/food?
Some issues related to sustainability and population growth in relation to agriculture and food are increased resource demand from the growing population. As the population grows, there is a need for more food and water which can often make big companies not consider sustainable agriculture when growing more crops to meet the demand.
· Describe the social and economic impacts of California agriculture on the state, nation and globe.
California agriculture contributes to the state’s image by giving it a positive look for using mainly sustainable farming. California’s agriculture also adds to the quality of life of California residents by providing fresh and sustainable produce.
· What are some types of agricultural technology (machinery) that have enhanced ag production?
Some types of agricultural technology (machinery) that have enhanced ag production are temperature and moisture sensors for both plants and farm animals, and remote health monitoring which can have farmers be able to see how their livestock is doing without physically checking up on them.
· What are some ways we can improve sustainability of food supplies whole taking care of our environment?
Some ways we can improve the sustainability of food supplies whole taking care of our environment are starting our own gardens, eating locally and organically, and eating less meat and more vegetables.
· What is nitrogen fixation?
Nitrogen fixation is the process by which nitrogen is taken from its molecular form (N2) in the atmosphere and converted into nitrogen compounds useful for other biochemical processes.
· What is photosynthesis? Describe the steps and how it assists with plant growth and agriculture.
Photosynthesis is the process of which plants take in light and convert it into food and energy for themselves. Photosynthesis assists with plant growth by creating carbohydrates for the plant to provide energy for plant growth. Photosynthesis helps agriculture by helping to regulate the climate and increase crop yields.
· What are the steps to cell division (including mitosis)? Describe the process and what happens in each phase.
The steps in cell division are interphase, prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Cytokinesis is the final physical cell division that follows telophase, and is therefore sometimes considered a sixth phase of mitosis. Mitosis is the process by which a cell replicates its chromosomes and then segregates them, producing two identical nuclei in preparation for cell division.
· How does reproduction work in animals?
Following fertilization, an embryo is formed, and animal tissues organize into organ systems; some animals may also undergo incomplete or complete metamorphosis.
· Describe meiosis and how the process works.
Meiosis is a process where a single cell divides twice to produce four cells containing half the original amount of genetic information. During meiosis one cell divides twice to form four daughter cells.
· What are 5 major diseases related to nutritional deficiencies in livestock?
Conditions associated with mineral imbalances include grass tetany, water belly, polioencephalomalacia, white muscle disease, and milk fever.
· What is the difference between a genotype and phenotype?
The genotype is a set of genes in DNA responsible for unique traits or characteristics, while the phenotype is the physical appearance or characteristic of an organism.
· What are GMO’s?
A GMO is a genetically modified organism. Any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
· Describe what a male, female, castrated male, full grown, and baby is called for the following species. Also list the top 5 breeds/difference between the breeds for each specie.
o Cattle
Male=Bull
Female=Cows
Castrated Male=Steer
Full grown=cows/bulls
Baby=Calf
o Dairy Cattle
Male=Bullocks
Female=Heifer
Castrated Male=steer
Full grown=Cow/bull
Baby=calf
o Meat Goats
Male=Buck
Female=Doe
Castrated Male=Wether
Full grown=Doe/buck
Baby=kid
o Dairy Goats
Male=Buck
Female=Doe
Castrated Male=Wether
Full grown=Doe/buck
Baby=kid
o Sheep
Male=Ram
Female=Ewe
Castrated Male=Wether
Full grown=ram/ewe
Baby=Lamb
o Horses
Male=Stallion/colt
Female=Mare/filly
Castrated Male=Gelding
Full grown=Stallion/mare
Baby=Foal
o Rabbits
Male=Buck
Female=Doe
Castrated Male=Capon
Full grown=Doe/buck
Baby=Kit
o Pigs
Male=Hog
Female=Sow
Castrated Male=Barrow
Full grown=Boar
Baby=piglet
· Common feeds and amount of feed for the livestock listed above.
It includes hay, straw, silage, compressed and pelleted feeds, oils and mixed rations, and sprouted grains and legumes. Grass and crop residues are the most important source of animal feed globally.
· List common feed ingredients, including forages, roughages, concentrates, and supplements for ruminant, monogastric, equine, and avian digestive systems.
Feed ingredients are broadly classified into cereal grains, protein meals, fats and oils, minerals, feed additives, and miscellaneous raw materials, such as roots and tubers.
· What are some common treatments for controlling parasites in livestock?
Having animals in good body condition and on a diet that meets all of their nutritional requirements is the most effective way to reduce the impact of parasites, both internal and external.
· Research the legal requirements for the storage, methods of application, and withdrawal times of animal medications, and know proper equipment handling and disposal techniques for needles and equipment.
The ideal location for a storage unit is a clean, dry, frost-free area, such as a farm office or utility room. Animal health products should also be protected from changes in temperature, sunlight, dust, moisture, animals and insects. A substance may be given into the mouth (orally) or delivered directly into the stomach (gastric gavage); delivered into a blood vessel (intravenous); delivered onto, into, under, or across the skin or into a muscle
· Describe the parts (anatomy) of a plant.
Plants typically have six basic parts: roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds.
· How does reproduction work in a plant? (Think about our flower unit!)
A chemical in the stigma stimulates pollen to grow a long tube down the style to the ovules inside the ovary. When pollen reaches the ovules, it releases sperm, and fertilization typically occurs.