Animal Performance

This subject is not offered in 2015.

60 hours in a total of 170 hours

A physiology subject at 200 level such as:

Recommended Background Knowledge:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

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 may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The aim of this subject is to enable students to develop skills and knowledge in exercise and environmental physiology in domestic and companion animals and to be able to apply this knowledge in management of the environment for improved animal performance.
The content includes a comparative overview of basic physiological processes important in exercise physiology and environmental adaptation such as circulation, gas exchange, electrolytes and water balance, heat production and thermoregulation; physiological and metabolic adaptations during exercise and training, including environmental effects on training management; diversity in environments and the nature of stress, including physical, psychological and nutritional factors; animal health specifically related to animal performance; and management of the environment including aspects of housing.

At the completion of this subject students should be able to:

• understand how different animals cope with changing and diverse environments;
• understand the nature of stress and stressful environments;
• understand the nature of physiological regulation and adaptation;
• understand how management can influence the animal-environment interaction; and have developed experimental skills to study animal-environment interactions;
• understand the biomechanics of, and the physiological and metabolic adaptations occurring during, training and exercise
• understand the effects of environment on training management
• Understand the implications for animal health of improving animal performance

• One written assignment of 800 words (20%) due mid-semester;
• two written practical reports of not more than 600 words each (20%) during semester,
• and one written essay or short-answer style examination up to 2 hours (60%) end of semester.

N/A

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of the subject the students should have developed the following generic skills: Academic excellence, greater in-depth understanding of scientific disciplines of animal physiology and performance in a range of species. The student’s flexibility and level of transferable skills should be enhanced through improved time management and enhanced ability to communicate their ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats.

Q Fever

Students enrolling in this subject 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.