Learn to Better Manage Farm Livestock
Study livestock management and animal husbandry.
The course is studied by distance learning, so you can study from anywhere in the world and at your own pace.
Livestock farming today is not what it once was. Globalisation of markets; food processing technologies, farm mechanisation and bioscience developments have changed all of that.
The bulk of farm production throughout much of the 20th century may have been on medium scale properties, often family owned farms. Today we have large scale farming enterprises, operating on a much larger scale; exporting livestock products all around the world. The scale of operation and competition in markets has often created extreme competition for small scale farming.
These developments have also created opportunities though for small scale farming if you are in tune with industry.
Large scale farms may be very good at producing a lot of the same thing at a very low price; but they are poor at producing small quantities of expensive products; particularly if that production requires intensive input from a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.
This course allows you to broaden and deepen your understanding of farm animals and how they might be better raised in any context on a farm; from small urban farms, to organic hobby or commercial farming or broad acre large scale farms.
COURSE CONTENT
The Advanced Certificate In Agriculture (Animal Husbandry) comprises 6 Core Modules plus a further 3 Elective Modules (a total of 9 modules).
THE CORE MODULES
These modules provide foundation knowledge for the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Animal Husbandry).
Note: If you already have strong knowledge of any of these core modules, you may seek approval to swap out one or more of them for additional electives).
THE ELECTIVE MODULES
In addition to the core modules, students are to study any 3 of the following modules.
We strongly recommend you select modules you have less knowledge of. This way you will not only deepen, but also broaden your perspective on managing livestock. You do not need to choose which electives to do until you have first completed the compulsory modules - and in many respects, this can be a better way of doing things.
Changing Issues and Priorities
Farming is a business that goes back to the beginnings of human civilisation. The way we farm and what we farm is far from static though.
To be successful in the livestock industry, you need a very broad foundation in the discipline, and a commitment to get in tune and stay tuned to trends in the industry.
In today's rapidly changing world, the factors that impact upon success and failure in the livestock industry are constantly changing.
Competition locally, regionally and globally will change from time to time, affected both by financial and political factors as well as social factors - often inter-playing with each other. There was a time when animal welfare and environmental conservation issues were of minimal importance to farming; but that is no longer the case. The wealthier livestock markets in today's world will put a premium price on livestock that is raised under ethical conditions; as well as considering the product quality.
Farm Animal Welfare
Perceptions of 'good' animal welfare vary according to a person's experience, emotions, factual knowledge, and the role of the animal in society. An example species may be the rabbit – in some cultures, people consider rabbits as lovable pets, whereas others view rabbits as a pest to be eradicated. How we view an animal will impact directly on the way the animal is treated and therefore, the welfare of the animal.
The welfare of livestock is most often concerned with issues surrounding confinement and intensive production practices. Intensive productions usually require the use of antibiotics and other disease control as there are higher levels of individuals housed together. The use of hormones and additives in animal feeding should also be considered in welfare practices.
General considerations in the safety and well-being of farm based or livestock animals include:
- Securing structures – for example, a large hay feeder should be position on flat ground so it cannot topple over onto animals.
- Maintain safe paddocks – there should be no machinery or debris left in paddocks which can fall on animals or for them to get caught on – (for example, rolls of wire, sheets of unused tin, grates, old gates, unused machines).
- Fencing should be adequate to provide safety from possible predation but also appropriate for the animal being farmed. For example, horns or legs getting caught in fencing.
- Ensure there is adequate ventilation, temperature and humidity control in enclosed housing and shelters.
- Consider parasite control and disease prevention in animal health care practice.
- Using appropriate veterinary services instead of trying to carry out some of the health management related practices which are necessary for the care of animals. Examples include dental work or castration.
- Providing enough room, bedding and environmental stimulation in concreted indoor pens.
There are rules in place that serve to protect the welfare of farm animals including all animals farmed for food, skin or external coverings and for those farmed for other purposes including fish, reptiles and amphibians. Animal welfare for farm animals differs around the world, so farmers and food producers in countries with stricter animal welfare standards are obliged to better protect the welfare of their farm animals. Overall, farm animal welfare has evolved over time with the standards of how farm animals are kept, transported and slaughtered continuously improving.
The provision of 'good' animal welfare is associated with greater costs to farmers and exporters. Countries that have stricter rules for protecting the welfare of farm animals, such as Europe and Australia, are often at an economic disadvantage as they are competing with countries that have lower animal welfare standards and who can provide their products at a less costly price. Farmers and exporters from such countries promote their favourable animal welfare conditions and practices so consumers can make choices based on what is important to them:
- The price of the product.
- The quality of the product.
- The welfare of the animal.
Learn about Ethical, Profitable and Sustainable Livestock Production
This course will enable you to -
- Work as a farmer, farm manager or providing support services or equipment and materials to livestock farmers.
- Study to develop your knowledge and understanding of technical aspects of farming and appropriate care of livestock.
- The course is suitable for the complete beginner wanting to work through from the start, or people already working in animal husbandry who want to expand and develop their knowledge.
If you have any questions about the Advanced Certificate In Agriculture (Animal Husbandry) or any of the modules which make up the course, please get in touch with our specialist Agriculture tutors today. They will be happy to answer your questions, and look at the study options available to you.