PS11-27. Using a Competitive Card Game to Teach Breeding and Genetics Through Systems-level Thinking.

Abstract Teaching practical livestock breeding and genetics to undergraduate students presents challenges due to the long-term nature of genetic decision-making and the difficulty of linking theoretical principles with real-world production outcomes. To address this, an interactive breeding and genetics card game was developed and implemented in Fall 2025 to promote active learning and systems-level understanding of breeding strategies using sheep-based production scenarios. The game simulated multi-generational selection decisions and incorporated common constraints encountered in commercial livestock systems, including disease events, unfavorable genetic traits, market pressures, and uncertainty associated with selection, culling, and animal purchasing decisions. The activity was developed in collaboration with both graduate and undergraduate students and piloted with producers at the Washington State Sheep Producers Association Annual Convention prior to classroom implementation, allowing refinement of game structure and incorporation of producer-informed discussion prompts. The final activity was implemented in an undergraduate animal breeding course with 78 students, achieving a 95% participation rate. A brief instructional overview was given (5 min) and gameplay was completed in approximately 30 minutes across three timed rounds (10 min per round), followed by a structured debrief discussion (15 min). During gameplay and discussion, students were required to justify breeding decisions and evaluate trade-offs associated with short- and long-term herd improvement strategies. The post-activity discussion identified five core principles reinforced through this game: (1) effective breeding programs require long-term strategic planning across generations; (2) genetic progress can be disrupted by disease, environmental factors or other unpredictable circumstances; (3) phenotypic appeal does not necessarily correspond with economic profitability; (4) herd genetic merit can be improved through informed selection decisions; and (5) culling, purchasing, retention and selling decisions involve inherent risk. Overall, this activity provides a low-cost, interactive teaching tool that reinforces key livestock breeding and genetics concepts while promoting critical thinking, collaborative decision-making, and application of theory to realistic production systems. Continued implementation will allow further refinement and assessment of learning outcomes.