751-6601-00L  Pig Science (HS)

SemesterAutumn Semester 2016
LecturersE. Hillmann, M. C. Härdi-Landerer
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractThe overall goal of the course is to provide the essential scientific knowledge of the genetic, physiological and special nutritional aspects of pigs metabolism, animal health and behaviour, and of the implications for environment, product quality, housing and animal welfare, and breeding programs.
ObjectiveStudents will
- understand the complex interactions of nutrition, quality traits of products, breeding and reproduction, health management, behaviour and husbandry.
- be trained to understand interdisciplinary and disciplinary research.
- be able to critically analyze published research data.
- be able to present precise scientific reports in oral and written form.
ContentFour main topics in Pig Science:
HS
- Behaviour and Husbandry of pigs: behavioral needs, husbandry related behavioral disorders, design and construction of housing systems in accordance with welfare requirements and legal regulations.
- Planning of reproductive cycle in practice
- welfare monitoring in practice
- pigs in organic farming
- Animal Health and Diseases: animal hygiene, immunology/vaccinations, metabolic diseaeses, diarrhoe, legisalation, thermoregulation, important infections, prophylaxis.
- poster, exam and evaluation

FS
- Special Physiology of Pig Nutrition: food intake; growth;
metabolism and digestion at different growth stages; energy and specific nutritional requirements; feeding systems; environmental aspects, efeed.
- Genetics: Breeding systems, reproductive techniques, performance tests and recording, etc.
- oral presentation, exam, evaluation
Lecture notesHandouts/scripts are distributed by the the lecturers.
LiteratureSpecific literature is indicated by the lecturers.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe lecture corresponds with the lecture "Ruminant Science" and knowledge in animal health, nutrition and breedin as wellas applied ethology and animal welfare are recommended.
The lecture usually is in German, but there is alsways the possibility to change to English.