Course overview
Humans keep and care for domestic animals so that they can grow, reproduce and thrive, and provide food, fibre, and companionship to their human owners. Raising animals in a safe and humane environment is the practice of animal husbandry and the best animal managers possess skills and knowledge across a very broad range of disciplines. Veterinary technologists - responsible for the health and welfare of domestic animals raised in animal husbandry systems - must be familiar with the art and science of animal management in order to help, advise and guide the animal managers. This course explores animal husbandry from the beginnings of life - with topics of genetics, breeding programs and reproduction - to birth and neonatal care and the management and care of adult animals. A basic familiarity with animal production systems and basic level of competency in animal handling from prior study is assumed and this course will further develop knowledge and skills used in the care of a range of animal species from the individual household pet to species involved in large scale intensive food production systems.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the principles of genetics and inheritance and their utilisation in breeding programs for a range of animal species.
- Apply knowledge of reproductive physiology, reproductive technologies and obstetrics to the development of breeding programs in the common domestic animal species.
- Investigate neonatal care management systems and provide advice on prevention and control of important diseases of neonates of a range of animal species.
- Demonstrate advanced handling skills in a variety of animal species utilising low stress handling techniques and integrating knowledge of these skills to provide instruction to other individuals.
- Understand processes required to evaluate management systems in a range of animal species and provide advice on improvements within those management systems.