Monogastric Science

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison Unit (8344 7068 or DLU-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au ).

Health requirements

Q Fever

Students enrolling in the Melbourne School of Land and Environment are advised that some courses of study may put them at an increased risk of contracting Q Fever. Q Fever is a relatively common preventable condition which, while rarely fatal, can cause a severe acute illness and can result in damage to heart valves and chronic fatigue. It is recommended that students consider undertaking screening and vaccination for Q Fever prior to commencement of study. Students may be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to undertaking some coursework. Your course coordinator will advise you of this requirement prior to commencement of the study semester. Vaccine costs for students are not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme, Medicare, or by the University. Some students with full private medical coverage (which has hospital and ancillary cover) may receive partial re-imbursement for vaccine costs.

This subject will examine agricultural systems of monogastric animal production before focusing on the developments in production, reproduction and product quality that are improving the industry.

Topics examined include:

• size, distribution and value of the pig, poultry and other intensive animal industries
• breed selection and genetic improvement in intensive animal production
• practical feeding of breeding and growing animals
• optimisation of reproductive output
• environmental effects and the use of buildings in intensive animal production
• management regimes to maintain animal health
• maximisation of product output and quality
• analysis of production systems and consideration of alternatives
• marketing and markets.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students completing this subject will have:

• advanced skills in the study, measurement and analysis of monogastric management systems
• advanced skills to be able to offer advice on reproductive, social, feeding and other behavioural disorders of monogastric species managed in intensive production systems.