Animal Sciences

Animal Science Program Guide Book

Welcome to the Animal Science Program Guide Book. The Maryland 4-H Animal Science Program Guidebook is a continually evolving collection of information sheets related to 4-H Animal Science projects, events, activities and programs.

Index of Topics

General Overview

• Purpose and Goals of the 4-H Animal Science Program
• Maryland 4-H Code of Animal Science Ethics

4-H Membership Guidelines Related to Animal Projects

• 4-H Membership Guidelines (Across County-State)
• Clovers Participation in Animal Projects

4-H Online Animal Husbandry and Quality Assurance (AH&QA) Program

• AH&QA Program Guidelines  -  UPDATED VERSION FOR 2024
• AH&QA Pre-Post Test Study - Parent Consent /Youth Assent Letter - Please Read
• Link to Online AH&QA Program  -  Now open for 2024! 

Animal Ownership

• Purpose of 4-H Project Animal Ownership
• 4-H Livestock Tagging Information
• 4-H Animal Ownership Dates
• Guidelines for County Approval of 4-H Livestock Housing Location
• Maryland 4-H Livestock Registration Form
• Maryland 4-H Livestock Registration Form Guidelines and Instructions
• Maryland 4-H Poultry, Rabbit and Cavy Registration Form
• Maryland 4-H Poultry, Rabbit and Cavy Registration Form Guidelines and Instructions
• Horse & Pony Card
• Dog Card 

Animal Leasing Programs

• Purpose of 4-H Leasing Programs
• Animal Lease Release Form
• Breeding Animal Lease Guidelines 
• Performance Animal Lease Guidelines

Animal Identification

• Purpose of Animal Identification
• 2018 Maryland 4-H Tagging Guidelines
• MD Dept of Agriculture - 2017 MD Exhibition NEW Livestock Identification for Cattle and Swine
• MD Dept of Agriculture - RFID Tags for MD Exhibition Livestock - Fact Sheet - March 2017

Animal Care & Management 

• Getting Started with Your Animal Projects
• Biosecurity for Exhibit Animals
• Information about the Veterinary Feed Directive for 4-H Members and Families - NEW
• Castration Policy
• Dehorning and Tipping Policy
• Maryland 4-H Sheep Tail Docking and Rectal Prolapse Policy

Animal Science Projects Curriculum

• Maryland 4-H Animal Science Projects Descriptions
• Animal Science Curriculum Resource List

Animal Science Project Records

• Why Record Keeping is Important
• Maryland 4-H Animal Science Records State Award Program Guide - 
  To submit, login into Maryland 4-H Online; under the events tab, search for "State 4-H Animal Science Record Book Contest" to upload your 3 forms. The portal will open about October 15th and will close on November 17th. 
• Maryland 4-H Animal Science Record Awards - Submission Helpsheet 
• Maryland 4-H Animal Science Records State Award Program Essay Scoresheet 
• 4-H Camelid Project Record   Download Word version,  Download PDF version
• 4-H Dairy Project Record   Go to 4-H Dairy Record Page (link is external)
• 4-H Dog Project Record   Download Word version, Download PDF version
• 4-H Horse Project Record   Download Word version, Download PDF version
• 4-H Large Animal Breeding Record  Download Word version, Download PDF version
• 4-H Market Livestock Project Record  Download Word version, Download PDF version
• 4-H Poultry Project Record   Download Word version,  Download PDF version 
• 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Project Record   Download Word version, Download PDF version
• 4-H Small Pet Project Record   Download Word version, Download PDF version

4-H Animal Science Training Opportunities for Youth and Volunteers

• State 4-H Dairy Judging Practices
• State 4-H Livestock Judging Practices
• Maryland 4-H Livestock Round-Up

Competitive Events:  Judging / Bowls / Skillathons / Hippology Contests

• General Contests Information
  • General 4-H Animal Science Opportunities
  • State 4-H Contest Eligibility Rules 
  • Competing in Alternate Age Divisions
  • Maryland 4-H Animal Science Trip Opportunities for National Contests

• Judging Contests
  • General Judging Information 
  • DAIRY - State 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest Rules
  • HORSE – State 4-H Horse Judging Contest Rules
  • DAIRY - State 4-H Dairy Goat Judging Contest Rules 
  • LIVESTOCK - State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest Rules 
  • POULTRY - State 4-H Poultry and Egg Judging Contest Rules 
  • RABBITS - State 4-H Rabbit Judging Contest Rules

• Bowl Contests
  • General Quiz Bowl Information 
  • DAIRY - State 4-H Dairy Bowl Contest
  • DOGS – State 4-H Dog Bowl Rules and Guidelines
    • 4-H Dog Bowl Resource Sheet
    • 4-H Dog Bowl Questions Template
• HORSE – State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest Rules 

• Skillathon/Hippology Contests
  • General Skillathon Information 
  • DAIRY - State 4-H Dairy Skillathon Contest Rules
  • DOGS – State 4-H Dog Skillathon Contest Rules 
  • HORSE – State 4-H Hippology Contest Rules 
  • LIVESTOCK - State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest General Rules 
  • LIVESTOCK - State 4-H Livestock Skillathon - Resources (see tab below)
  • LIVESTOCK - Jr. Sheep and Goat Skillathon Contest

• Art and Communications Contests

• • HORSE – State 4-H Horse Communications Contest Rules / More Information
  • HORSE – Jamboree Horse Art Contest

4-H Animal Fairs and Shows

• Exhibiting Animals at Fairs and Shows 
• 2023 Horse and Pony Rulebook
• 2023 Maryland State 4-H Bit Guide
• 4-H Animal Projects at the Maryland State Fair
• Maryland State Fair 

Maryland 4-H Animal Science Advisory Boards

• Dairy Advisory Council
• Dog Advisory Council 
• Horse Advisory Council

Ideas for New Guidebook Topics?

• Maryland 4-H Animal Science Guidebook Suggested Topics Form

• 4-H Livestock Skillathon - Example Score Cards 
• 4-H Meats - National 4-H Retail Cut Identification List 
• 4-H Meats Judging and Identification Web Resources 
• 4-H Meats - Carcass Fabrication Videos 
• 4-H Meats Identification Cookery Methods
• Evaluating Hay Quality Fact Sheet 
• Junior Sheep & Goat Skillathon - Maryland Small Ruminant Website(link is external)
• Ohio State University Forage Identification(link is external)
• Oklahoma State University Breeds of Livestock(link is external)
• University of Illinois Livestock e-Quiz(link is external) 
• University of Kentucky Feed Identification (link is external)
• 4-H Livestock Skillathon - Breeding Scenario w EPDs Example - NEW 2/2020

VOLUNTEERS: Do you want to keep up to date with MD 4-H Animal Science Program activities and events?

We have several e-mail lists established for volunteers affiliated with the 4-H Animal Science Programs. The list will be monitored to prevent unrelated viruses and emails from being distributed.

• 4-H Horse Volunteers
• 4-H Dog Volunteers

To join a list, email your request to Chris Anderson (link sends e-mail) with your name, county and email address.

Resource Documents

• Ohio 4-H Learning Lab - County Inventory List
• Dealing with Difficult People

Animal Science Training Opportunities for Leaders

• Animal Science Leader's Webinar: 2020 4-H Animal Science Program Updates - RECORDING from 12/17/2019 (link is external)
• Animal Science Leader's Webinar: 2019 4-H Animal Science Program Updates - RECORDING from 12/18/2018 (link is external)
• Animal Science Leader's Webinar: 2018 4-H Animal Science Program Updates - RECORDING from 12/19/2017 (link is external)
• Animal Science Leader's Webinar: 2017 4-H Animal Science Program Updates - RECORDING from 12/13/2016
• Animal Science Leader’s Webinar: 2016 4-H Animal Science Program Updates – RECORDING from 12/15/2015    
• Animal Science Leader's Webinar: 2015 4-H Animal Science Program Updates - RECORDING from 1/27/2015
• Animal Science Leader's Webinar: Statewide 4-H Animal Science Events and Contest Opportunities - RECORDING from 2/24/2015
• Animal Science Leader's Webinar: 4-H Club Activities to Support Animal Projects - RECORDING from 4/29/2014
• General 4-H Animal Science Short-Term Volunteer Opportunities
• Coach Opportunities for Out of State Trips

Exhibiting a 4-H project animal at one of Maryland’s County Fairs or the State Fair is a highlight of the 4-H year for many members enrolled in 4-H Animal Science projects. Here is a checklist of items to help members make sure that the various 4-H and fair requirements are met so that they can show.

NOTE: Always check with your County Extension Office AND the Show Rules for each Fair you choose to exhibit at for specific rules and guidelines.

1. 4-H Membership:

Youth must be enrolled in the 4-H program and be a member in good standing with their county and club.

• Enroll or Re-enroll as a 4-H Member - Check with your County Extension Office for 4-H Membership Enrollment deadlines.
• Enroll in the Animal Project(s) of your choice – Check with your County Extension Office for 4-H Project Enrollment deadlines.
• Maintain a membership of good standing within your 4-H County.
• Maintain a membership of good standing within your 4-H Club.

2. Ownership, Weighing and Tagging:

4-H members must own (or lease) project animals by the required deadlines. Deadlines vary by species and type of exhibit animal. Ownership of some animals is verified at required Tagging and Weighing sessions held within each County. Some Counties and Fairs have deadline dates that are earlier than those required for the State – be sure to check with your County Extension Office.

• 4-H Animal Ownership Dates – See the complete list of animal ownership dates
• Lease Agreements
  • Breeding Animal Lease Guidelines 
  • Performance Animal Lease Guidelines
• Weighing and Tagging
  • 2018 Maryland 4-H Tagging Guidelines
  • MD Dept of Agriculture - 2017 MD Exhibition NEW Livestock Identification for Cattle and Swine
  • MD Dept of Agriculture - RFID Tags for MD Exhibition Livestock - Fact Sheet - March 2017

3. Animal Registration:

4-H Members must register their project animals with the Maryland 4-H Program. Use the correct 4-H Registration form.

• Maryland 4-H Livestock Registration Form
  • Maryland 4-H Livestock Registration Form Guidelines and Instructions
• Maryland 4-H Poultry, Rabbit and Cavy Registration Form
  • Maryland 4-H Poultry, Rabbit and Cavy Registration Form Guidelines and Instructions
• Horse & Pony Card
• Dog Card 

Most Fairs require Breed Association Papers for Market and Breeding Animals to show in their respective breed classes.

• Breed Association Papers – Purebred animals are required to be registered in the name of the exhibiting 4-H member by the required ownership date to show in breed classes. Papers are required at Fair check-in. Contact your respective breed association for details.

4. Member Certifications:

4-H Members must sign an ethical behavior agreement and complete required training programs

• Maryland 4-H Code of Animal Science Ethics – Members must have a signed copy of the Maryland 4-H Code of Animal Science Ethics on file in the County Extension Office.
• Animal Husbandry and Quality Assurance – Members must complete this online training program prior to August 10 for the Maryland State Fair. Some counties have an earlier completion deadline.
  • Maryland 4-H Online Animal Husbandry and Quality Assurance (AH&QA): Link to Training Site (link is external)
  • Maryland 4-H Online Animal Husbandry and Quality Assurance (AH&QA): Program Guidelines and Tips
• Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards – Members must pass Horsemanship Standards Knowledge Levels 1 & 2 and Riding Levels 1, 2 & 3 to show their horse – Contact your County Extension Office to schedule testing sessions.
  • Horsemanship Standards Study Guides

5. Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Animal Health Requirements:

• Maryland Animal Health Requirements for Health and Shows – Exhibitors must be in compliance with animal health requirements set forth by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) – CVIs must be completed by a Maryland Accredited Veterinarian prior to an exhibition in all Maryland Fairs/Shows. A CVI is not required for Maryland equine.
• Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins) Testing: All equine for exhibition shall be accompanied by a valid Coggins Test done within 12 months prior to exhibition entry.
• Self-Certification of Animal Health - Exhibitors must complete a Self-Certification of Animal Health before loading their animal for travel to any Fair/Show.

6. Fair Entry:

Each fair has its own set of governing rules and guidelines. It is important that you check with each fair that you plan to fully participate and read their rules.

• Fair Entry Form – Exhibitors must enter their animals for each Fair/Show in accordance with its specific rules and guidelines by the entry deadline. NOTE: Fair Entry Forms are not the same thing as Maryland 4-H Registration Forms.

Maryland 4-H—Animal Science Links

• Maryland 4-H Dairy
• Maryland 4-H Horse Program

University of Maryland—Animal Science Links

• College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Department of Animal and Avian Sciences
• Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine 
• Equine Studies at University of Maryland
• Institute of Applied Agriculture of Maryland
• University of Maryland—Eastern Shore
• Maryland Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health              
• Maryland Animal Health Requirements for Fairs and Shows                 
• University of Maryland College of AGNR Department of Animal and Avian Sciences         
• Maryland Small Ruminant Page                
• University of Maryland Extension Poultry Page                         
• University of Maryland Extension Small Flock Growers Page                

National Extension—Animal Science Links

• eXtension—Beef Cattle Community           
• eXtension—Companion Animals Community
• eXtension—Dairy Cattle Community          
• eXtension—Goat Community                    
• eXtension—Swine Community                  
• eXtension—Horse Community                  

State and Regional Fairs & Shows

• Maryland State Fair
• Eastern Shore Spring Show
• Southern Region Spring Show
• Western Maryland Spring Show
• Wills Fair                

Maryland - Livestock Associations

• Maryland Cattlemen’s Association            
• Maryland Dairy Goat Association              
• Maryland Dairy Industry Association         
• Maryland Horse Council                          
• Maryland Sheep Breeders Association       

Websites on Current Animal Science Topics

• USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service – Animal Diseases
• USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service – Animal Welfare
• Avian Influenza - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&Avian Influenza – USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 
• H1N1 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• H1N1 – Maryland Department of Agriculture
• National Scrapie Eradication Program
• West Nile Virus – USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service