Monogastric Science

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Estimated total time commitment (including non-contact time): 170 hours

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

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; and
• analysis of production systems and consideration of alternatives.

The objective of this subject is to extend the participant's ability to:

• Understand new approaches to the management of monogastric farm species.
• Identify and develop strategies to manage the optimization of production of selected monogastric species.

• One 2500 word essay (30% of assessment) due at end of intensive period;
• 500 word essay plan (20% assessment) due at end of first week of the intensive;
• 2 hour examination (50% of assessment) held in the standard semester 1 examination period.

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students completing this subject will gain generic skills in:

• 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.

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.