Learning Outcomes
1. Acquire a thorough knowledge of the physiology of cattle, sheep and goats and to have the ability to recognize their physiological needs within their living space
2. Acquire a thorough knowledge of the productive capacity of the animals
3. Acquire a thorough knowledge of the layout and organization of a farm animal unit
4. To be able to provide basic recommendations for hygiene and biosecurity of farm animal species
5. To be able to recognize any issues affecting the normal function of the farms and to be able to suggest solutions towards overcoming problems in the farm productivity
Course Content (Syllabus)
1st-2nd hour Age determination of ruminants (in the laboratory) 3rd-6th hour Approach and handling of cattle. Identification of cattle breeds. Topography of body areas and parts in cattle. Assessment of body conformation. Body condition scoring of dairy and beef cattle and assessment of udder conformation in dairy cows. 7th-10th hour Approach and handling of small ruminants. Identification of small ruminant breeds. Topography of body areas and parts in small ruminants. Assessment of body conformation (young and adult animals). Body condition scoring and assessment of udder conformation in dairy sheep and goats. 11th-12th hour Function of the milking equipments. Technical specifications and control points associated with health and production. 13th-18th hour Visit to a dairy cow farm. 19th-24th hour Visit to a beef cattle farm. 25th-30th hour Visit to a dairy sheep farm. 31st-36th hour Visit to a dairy goat farm. 37th-40th hour Basic principles of hoof trimming in cattle. 41st-44th hour Basic principles of hoof trimming in sheep and goats.
Keywords
Βreeding, cattle, sheep, goats