Expanding Iowa State Students' Poultry Knowledge
Iowa State University students are now gaining a deeper understanding and exposure to the poultry industry thanks to a new course and study abroad program developed by Dawn Koltes, an assistant professor of animal science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).
New Course Offers In-Depth Poultry Systems Management
Previously, animal science students could take ANS 2230: Poultry Science, but that was the only poultry-specific course in the curriculum. Koltes addressed this gap by creating ANS 4230: Poultry Systems Management, which will now be offered each spring semester. Eight students enrolled in the course during the spring 2026 semester, engaging in hands-on problem-solving through group projects.
Students Tackle Real-World Issues
Assignments included addressing poultry industry issues, with students divided into smaller groups with rotating leaders. They used data and farm descriptions to identify problems and develop feasible solutions.
Harlee Lester, a senior in animal science, described the experience as "solving real world puzzles." She emphasized the importance of paying attention to details, as even small oversights can lead to significant issues.
Study Abroad Program Expands Global Perspective
Through CALS Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows program, Koltes co-led a study abroad program to Brazil and Argentina, further expanding students' exposure to the poultry industry globally.
Poultry Industry's Impact in Iowa
Iowa, the No. 1 egg-producing state with over 40 million laying hens, provides over 7,000 jobs according to the North Central Poultry Association. Koltes aims to increase students' awareness of these opportunities and the diverse career paths within the poultry industry.
Kiana Dotson, a senior in animal science, took the course to enhance her poultry knowledge, seeing connections between courses in nutrition and genetics and their application to domesticated birds.