This curriculum will impart knowledge on how environment affects productivity, how physiology affects growth and reproduction, and how food quality, production and performance can be improved through animal breeding and carefully considered nutritional and other strategies. Students of this Animal Production diploma will also study animal behaviour, housing and management systems that promote optimal welfare for animals reared in captivity.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Perform the agricultural processes as applicable to animal production, taking responsibility for the quality and quantity of outputs under supervision
- Take responsibility for her/his own actions at lower levels within an animal production context, under guidance and evaluation
- Implement procedures and ensure the relevant safety, quality, hygiene and technical standards as applicable within the industry, under guidance and evaluation
- Evaluate and manage animals according to specific criteria related to anatomical and physiological systems
- Describe the scientific and technical principles of animal nutrition, feed, technology and feeding management
- Apply basic genetic principles in the planning and maintenance of animal breeding systems
- Describe potential damage and harmful effects to animal products and suggest alternatives
- Apply repetitive and basic clinical procedures and apply correct dosages for the treatment of common diseases
- Describe the historic and geographic origin and distribution of animal species
