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  3. Managing Production Animal Health

Managing Production Animal Health (DASC30017)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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In this subject, students will develop their understanding of the major factors influencing the health of production animals and understand how management of a production system is key to maximizing health, productivity and profitability. Students will learn about some of the important infectious agents that can affect the major production animal species in Australia with a particular focus on the importance of parasites. This will include obtaining an understanding of the economics of these parasitic diseases within various Australian production management systems and the need for a holistic approach to management to ensure optimal health and productivity.

Students will also learn to interpret data from production systems, in order to evaluate productivity as well as develop an understanding of the financial limitations on production systems, and how health and management strategies must fit within an economical framework, otherwise the business is not viable.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of this subject students should be able to

  • Understand the economically important parasites that effect the major animal health industries in Australia
  • Describe the different factors that can cause parasitic disease in all production animals
  • Understand the multi-factorial nature of parasitic diseases
  • Describe some of the major parasitic diseases of concern in the major production animal species in Australia
  • Understand how management practices contribute to the risk of disease and to optimising the health of production animals
  • Understand the limitations on production animal enterprises and how health and productivity can be maximised in an economical manner
  • Evaluate strategies for increasing the health and productivity of the major production animals
  • Collate, analyse and interpret data relating to a production animal system and communicate the results in written format
  • Develop practical laboratory skills relating to assessing animal health

Last updated: 3 November 2022