Poultry Industry Field Work

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

This subject is delivered on-line

Admission to the Postgraduate Certificate in Avian Health or to the Community Access Program if taking this subject only.

None

Current and practical experience working in the poultry industry

None

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. Students who feel their disability will impact on their academic performance are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

This 16-week subject aims to consolidate your understanding of poultry husbandry and management. All aspects of production are reviewed from production in breeder, meat and egg farms to hatchery management, incubation of fertile eggs, water quality issues, poultry nutrition, avian genetics and production in hot climates.

This subject involves a combination of reading articles, spreadsheet exercises and online quizzes. If you are not already working in a poultry production setting, you will be recommended to enter into a mentorship program with an experienced local poultry veterinarian and spend some time on a farm or hatchery to build your understanding of the processes and procedures involved in production.

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• Develop a sound understanding of the husbandry and management processes, particularly in housing environments, nutrition and breeding, which are undertaken for production of avian species in poultry industries,
• Commence developing insight into how production decisions can interact closely with health status, and
• Increase awareness of issues facing the poultry industry, such as animal welfare and environmental protection.

Assessment is carried out at the end of each month. Student progress is monitored through class exercises and case studies. The final examination is a three-hour written and on-line exam held in weeks 16 and 17. You will be required to identify a University near you where you can be supervised when sitting the exam.

The breakdown of assessment is:

• Monthly Assessment Tests (MATS) (15% of the final mark)
• The Final Examination (85% of the final mark)

Students will be provided with excerpts that are required reading.

Pattison, M. _The Health of Poultry_, (1993). Longman Scientific and Technical, UK.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students in the Postgraduate Certificate in Avian Health should:

• Possess medium- to high-level computing skills;
• Apply critical and analytical skills to the identification and resolution of problems;
• Communicate effectively; and
• Have good time management skills.

Reliable internet access with at least a medium speed connection and a personal computer are essential for undertaking the Avian Health Online program. The content is accessed through your web browser. Microsoft Office™ and Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent software packages are necessary for assessment tasks, assignments and some class exercises.