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ANIMAL HUSBANDRY I (ANIMAL ANATOMY and PHYSIOLOGY) BAG101

Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification
Statement of Attainment

Online Course

Animal Anatomy and Physiology

  • Study animals. The focus is on farmed animals, but this course relates to any animals, particularly mammals.
  • Course developed and delivered by a team of animal scientists from the UK, South Africa and Australia.
  • Develop practical knowledge and skills that can be applied for working with animals on and off farms, veterinary services, animal welfare services, zoos and elsewhere.

STUDENT TESTIMONIAL

"I think [studying with ACS] is absolutely brilliant. I have never come across such a friendly, helpful staff and am so enjoying my course. I will definitely recommend ACS to anybody who wants to study"
Tanya, United Arab Emirates - Animal Husbandry course.

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A foundation course in animal studies

Designed as a starting point for working with and caring for all types of animals, this course is useful for farmers and other agriculture workers, animal welfare carers, and people transitioning into animal care. In this course you'll study the basic physiology of livestock, growth factors, and more.

"The course teaches you the different systems within animals in terms of structure and function, cell and tissue structure, and also the differences between different categories of animals."
Marius Erasmus - B.Sc.Agriculture, B.Science (Wildlife), M.Sc.Agriculture

  • Study the basic physiology of horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, goat, and pigs
  • Apply your learning in a farming setting – understanding how animals work will help you ensure proper nutrition, care, and more
  • Useful for wildlife management and other wildlife workers

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

Course Duration: 100 hours.

The course comprises 11 lessons as outlined, below.

1.Introduction to Cells & Tissues
Livestock classes
Livestock products
Interrelationship between crops and livestock
Cells and tissues
Special properties of cells
Osmosis
Nutrient waste

2. The Digestive System
Digestive system
Mouth, tongue, teeth,
Oesophagus
Simple stomach
Small intestine
Large intestine
Ruminant stomach
Accessory organs of the digestive system
Digestion
Absorption and utilisation in the simple stomach
Enzymes
Breakdown by microorganisms
Digestion, absorption and utilisation in the ruminant stomach
Mechanical action
Action of micro-organisms
Utilisation of the end products of digestion

3. The Circulatory System
Circulatory system
Composition of blood
Functions of blood
Clotting mechanism
Immunity
Blood vessels
Arteries
Veins
Capillaries
Physiology of the circulatory system
Rates of heart beats
Spleen
Lymphatic system
Circulatory networks

4. The Urinary System
Anatomy of the urinary system
Kidneys
Ureter
Bladder
Physiology of urinary system
Excretion in different animals

5. The Nervous System
Central and peripheral nervous system
Main parts of the nervous system
Neurons
Sensory neurons
Motor neurons
Central nervous system
The brain
Spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system
Cranial nerves
Spinal nerves
Autonomic nervous system
Reflex actions
Endocrine system
Structure and function of the ear
Hearing
Structure and function of the eye
The iris
Structure and function of the nose

6. Respiration
Anatomy of respiration
Trachea
Bronchial tree
Lungs
Physiology of respiration
Gaseous exchange
Rate and depth of breathing

7. The Reproductive System
Anatomy of the male reproductive system
Testes
Accessory organs
Penis
Physiology of male reproductive system
Hormone production
Sperm production
Erection
Ejaculation
Fertility problems in males
Venereal diseases
Other diseases
Injury
Physical immaturity
Emotional immaturity
Nutrition
Poor handling
Anatomy of female reproductive system
Ovaries
Fallopian tubes
Uterus
Cervix
Physiology of the female reproductive system
Ovulation, oestrus cycle
Fertility problems, difficulties conceiving
Venereal and other diseases
Physical abnormalities
Nutrition
Inability to carry a foetus to full-term
Pregnancy and parturition
Fertilisation
Pregnancy
Parturition
Birth process
Difficult births
Structure of the mammary glands
Secretion of milk
Milk ejection
Reproduction data for cows, sows and ewes

8. Muscles & Meat
Muscles and meat
Smooth muscle
Striated voluntary muscle
Cardiac muscle
Structure of meat
Dressing out percentage
Composition of the beef animal
Meat quality and tenderness
Juiciness
Flavour
Cuts and joints of meat

9. The Skeleton
Bones
How bones are formed
Anatomy of bones
Fractures and fracture healing
Five types of bone
Joints of bone
The skeleton
Dentition
The dental formula
Cattle
Dental formula of an ox and cow
Eruption of permanent teeth
Pigs

10. Animal Growth, Development, and the Endocrine System
Growth and development
Growth curve
Prenatal growth
Post-natal growth
Fat
Factors which affect the size of new-borns
Factors affecting post-natal growth
Early maturing
Compensatory growth
Endocrine system
Pituitary gland
Thyroid
Parathyroid
Thymus
Adrenal bodies
Pancreas
Testes
Ovaries
Pineal body
Mucous membrane of the stomach

11. Comparing Different Animals
Poultry
Digestion
Gullet
Crop
Proventricular
Gizzard
Intestine
Caecum
Rectum
Incubating eggs
Natural incubation
Symptoms of a broody hen
Fish

LEARNING AIMS

  • Explain the physical components of animals, including cells and tissues.
  • Explain the digestive system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
  • Explain the circulatory system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
  • Explain the urinary system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
  • Explain the nervous system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
  • Explain the respiratory system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
  • Explain the reproductive system of animals, including structure and function.
  • Explain the muscular system in animals, including the structure and function of muscles.
  • Explain skeletal systems of a typical mammal, in terms of both structure and function.
  • Explain the biological mechanisms underlying the growth and development of animals.
  • Explain the endocrine system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
  • Explain differences between different types of animals, in terms of both structure and function.

WHAT YOU WILL DO AS PART OF THIS COURSE

These are just some of the things you will do:

  • Distinguish between the major animal types used in primary production, including birds, fish, ruminants, and non ruminants.
  • List different types of products commercially produced or derived from various farm or wild animals.
  • Explain the role of pastures for animal husbandry, in your locality.
  • Explain an example of how cells interact in live animals.
  • Differentiate between the composition of three different types of animal tissues, using illustrations.
  • Explain the function of different animal tissue types.
  • Describe the processes of nutrient and waste exchange in animal cells.
  • Explain the role of accessory organs, including the liver and the pancreas.
  • Outline differences in the care of 2 animals observed. Comment on any differences observed.
  • Explain the biological functions of blood in animals studied
  • Explain the structure of an artery.
  • Explain the role of the urinary system of animals.
  • Describe different components of the nervous systems of studied animals.
  • Distinguish between the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
  • Describe the structure of the sensory organs, including the ear, eye and nose.
  • Explain how the respiratory system functions in animals.
  • Explain two different 'difficult birth' conditions encountered in animals.
  • Distinguish between the slides of 3 different muscle types including smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and striated muscle.
  • Define meat quality in relation to muscle development.
  • Identify the cuts and joints of meat derived from sheep, cattle, and pigs.
  • Explain how bone is formed in an animal.
  • Describe the healing process for the different types of fractures.
  • Explain the processes of growth and development at a cellular level.
  • Distinguish between different endocrine glands, for a specified animal, by location, appearance, and function.

HOW THE COURSE WORKS

You can start the course at any time. It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies.  Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way.  If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.

Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor.  The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading.

WHY CHOOSE ACS?

  • Our courses are written and taught by experienced professionals, so you know you can expect a high quality of teaching and support.
  • You can start the course at any time and study at your own pace (we do not impose a time limit for you to complete your studies).
  • Fit your studies around your own busy lifestyle - we provide full tutor support for all the time you are studying.
  • Study where you want to – online studies offer the flexibility for you to determine where and when you study.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

  • With a foundation of knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology you are well placed to understand the care and management of animals.
  • This course is a great starting point for working with animals (on farms, zoos, wildlife management, etc.)

DECISIONS?

To enrol go to the panel towards the top right of this page.  If you have any QUESTIONS or need help in choosing the right course for you, please get in touch with our specialist animal tutors using our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE, they will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.

LEARN MORE.

To enrol go to the panel towards the top right of this page.  If you have any QUESTIONS or need help in choosing the right course for you, please get in touch with our specialist animal tutors using our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE, they will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.


Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Alison Pearce (animal)B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Masters Degree in Ecotourism. P.G.Cert. Ed. (Science). Alison's first job was in 1982 as a stockwoman, working with pigs in Yorkshire. Within a few years she of that she was working for the University of Western Australia as a Research Technician and instructor with their school of Agricultural Science.In 1989 she moved to Melbourne University as Unit Manager and Instructor in Animal Husbandry. By the mid 1990's she moved back to England to work in Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing at Cambridgeshire College of Agriculture. Throughout her career, Alison has developed and delivered courses in veterinary nursing and animal sciences for vocational colleges and universities in Australia, New Zealand and Australia. She has built a high level of expertise and an outstanding international reputation as an expert in animal sciences.
Dr. Gareth PearceGraduated from the University of Nottingham in 1982 with a B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Between 82 and 85 worked as Research Assistant and Demonstator in Animal Science at the University of Leeds. Over more than 30 years he has furthered his studies, obtaining eight significant university qualifications including degrees in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Conservation and Animal Behaviour. Gareth has significant teaching experience around the world as a faculty member at eight different universities including Associate Professor at Murdoch University and Director of Studies in Veterinary Science at Cambridge University. He has over 100 prestigious research papers published, and enjoys an outstanding international reputation in the fields of animal and veterinary science.
Cheryl McLardyA scientist, teacher, writer and animal scientist, with more than 20 years experience including: Sports Horse Stud Groom, Stable Manager, Yard Manager, Equine industrial Training Manager, FE Distance Learning Manager. Cheryl has travelled widely, working in England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand; and is now based in Scotland. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons), Higher National Diploma in Horse Management, and a City and Guilds Teaching Certificate.
Marius Erasmus Subsequent to completing a BSc (Agric) degree in animal science, Marius completed an honours degree in wildlife management, and a masters degree in production animal physiology. Following the Masters degree, he has worked for 9 years in the UK, and South Africa in wildlife management, dairy, beef and poultry farming.


Check out our eBooks

Animal HealthUnderstand animal health issues, diseases and how identify and manage illnesses and injuries. Animals can become sick for many different reasons -diseases caused by infections, injuries, poisoning, genetic disorders, poor nutrition and other things.
Caring for DogsA book for both students and dog owners. This book has been designed to complement our dog care and pet care courses; but also to provide a sound foundation for choosing the right breed, and caring for a dog whether as a pet, or a working animal. Contents cover Breeds, Creating a healthy home for dogs, legal issues, dog biology, recognising poor health, parasites, illnesses, nutrition, reproduction, dog psychology, behavioural development, training tips, behaviour problems, grooming, working in the dog industry, and more.
Horse CareThis book is an accumulation of information from biology, agricultural science and veterinary medicine. It looks to explore and explain the fundamentals of appropriate horse care aims and techniques. In doing so it will consider horsemanship as a combination of art and science.
PoultryPoultry are entertaining as pets and life sustaining as a commercial product! Whether you are seeking a book as a beginner poultry keeper or if you are embarking on a new career in poultry production or management, this book is for you. Easy to read, easy to understand and packed with easy to implement practical advice. Know how to care for the health and wellbeing of poultry and make production a commercially viable enterprise.