An Introduction to Animal Husbandry I (U02049)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : VET-1-IAH1

This is a two-year course in which the principles of animal husbandry and the relationships between management, breeding, genetics, nutrition, environment, behaviour, health, welfare, productivity, product quality and food safety are introduced. The husbandry of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, horses, dogs, cats, small mammals, reptiles and cage birds are described. Specific topics included are the principles of nutrition; housing, behaviour and welfare of farm animals; genetic improvement of livestock; and practical animal handling. Extra-mural studies provide an opportunity for practical experience and the critical analysis of situations in which animals are kept.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

BVMS, (Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Schedule S)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 1st year

? Delivery Period : To be arranged/Unknown

? Contact Teaching Time : 4 hour(s) per week for 24 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

1. To explain the basic principles of animal husbandry and the relationships between management, breeding, genetics, nutrition, environment, behaviour, health, welfare, productivity, food quality and food safety.
2. To describe the husbandry and management of the main farm and companion animals in the UK and to evaluate the relative merits of the systems used, on the basis of the health, welfare and productivity of the animals, and the safety and quality of the food produced.
3. To competently and safely handle and restrain animals.
4. To formulate simple diets, assess and provide advice on the adequacy of diets and feeding of animals in relation to their nutritional requirements.
5. To assess and provide advice on the adequacy of the housing and environment of animals in relation to their health, welfare and productivity.
6. To assess and provide advice on the welfare of animals 'on-farms', during transport and at slaughter.
7. To perform a 'farm-assurance' inspection.
8. To communicate effectively with members of the farming and food industries and companion animal owners using terminology appropriate to the situation.
9. To identify, describe and record the basic physical characteristics of the main farm and companion animals in the UK.
10. To assess and provide advice on the behaviour of farm and companion animals.
11. To advise on breed improvement and the control of genetic problems in farm and companion animals.
12. To understand factors affecting the economics of farming and food production.
13. To understand the financial implications of veterinary advice and treatment.
14. To critically analyse situations in which animals are kept.

Assessment Information

The Examination will contain four Units of Assessment: the End-of-Course written Examination (which takes place at the end of the second year) contributing 85% to the final mark, an Extra mural Studies report contributing 10% to the final mark (in addition satisfactory evidence of at least twelve weeks extramural experience of livestock husbandry in accordance with the guidelines set down by the School will have to be provided), Class examination in Year 1 contributing 5% to the final mark and the Practical Examination. The Practical examination near the end of Second Year will formally assess each student in terms of their ability to handle animals and of their practical knowledge of animal husbandry; if a student achieves a satisfactory standard this will be recorded as a pass (there will only be a pass/fail category).