Outline

Overview

Livestock Practice will develop deep learning approaches to solving problems of ruminant (mainly bovine, but also ovine and caprine) production, and reproduction. In addition to lectures and practical classes, it uses a case-based approach to deliver group case studies on-line for student presentations, known as TILHAP's (teaching innovations in livestock health and production). These cases require integration of pathological and epidemiological investigative skills to provide evidence based solutions in the management of disease and productivity problems in a 'whole farm' setting. The course is designed to advance student learning in preparation for the intramural and extramural clinical placements encountered in final year. The practical classes will continue to build the confidence of students in handling large animals in rural mixed and public practice settings.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	VETS6310
Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104 and VETS6105 and VETS6106 and VETS6107 and VETS6108 and VETS6201 and VETS6202 and VETS6203 and VETS6204 and VETS6205 and VETS6206 and VETS6207 and VETS6208 and VETS6301 and VETS6302 and VETS6303 and VETS6304 and VETS6305 and VETS6306 and VETS6307
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jennie Mohler, jennie.mohler@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Albert Tsang, albert.tsang@sydney.edu.au
	Stuart Glover, stuart.glover@sydney.edu.au
	David Palmer, david.palmer@sydney.edu.au
	Chani Barrett, chani.barrett@sydney.edu.au
	Dini Hapukotuwa, dini.hapukotuwa@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Mark Krockenberger, mark.krockenberger@sydney.edu.au
	John House, john.house@sydney.edu.au
	Imke Tammen, imke.tammen@sydney.edu.au
	Christopher Grupen, christopher.grupen@sydney.edu.au
	Luke Ingenhoff, luke.ingenhoff@sydney.edu.au
	Om Dhungyel, om.dhungyel@sydney.edu.au
	Sam Rowe, samuel.rowe@sydney.edu.au
	Eduardo Uquillas, eduardo.uquillas@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Multiple choice questions	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Teaching Investigations in Livestock Health and Production 20 minute presentation and group summary document	20%	Multiple weeks	20 minute group presentation
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Sheep practical exam Practical skill examination	5%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Cattle practical exam Practical skill examination	15%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Active participation in all RLAs 100% participation with Required Learning Activities (RLAs)	0%	Ongoing	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Please note that students must achieve a PASS (50% or greater mark) on the theory component (Final exam) of the course and must PASS (50% or greater mark) each of the practical exams (cattle and sheep) to pass this unit of study.

100% attendance at all practical classes is compulsory and is required to pass this unit of study. Attendance for TILHAPs group assessment presentation days is required. Failure to attend all of these classes may result in an "absent fail" grade for VETS6310.

If you miss a practical class(es) and have received a special consideration or concessions from the Faculty, you will be required to make up the practical class(es) according to a schedule that fits with the animal ethics use guidelines after the end of the exam period.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

Students must achieve minmum mark of 50% on the Final Exam to pass the unit of study.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submission In accordance with the University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: 1) Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. 2) After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Cattle obstetrics	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle surgery	Practical (3 hr)
	Cattle handling 5	Practical (5 hr)
	Cattle lameness/foot trimming	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Pregnancy diagnosis practical	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Sheep necropsy practical/tutorial	Practical (4 hr)
Week 03	Introduction to the Unit of Study	Lecture (1 hr)
	Bovine lameness - foot disorders, treatment and prevention	Lecture (2 hr)
	Sheep necropsy practical/tutorial	Practical (4 hr)
	Sheep reproduction practical	Practical (10 hr)
	Obstetrics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Caesarean section	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Cattle obstetrics	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle surgery	Practical (3 hr)
	Cattle handling 5	Practical (5 hr)
	Cattle lameness/foot trimming	Practical (3 hr)
	Obstetrics foetotomy/embryotomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Castration and dehoming	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Lameness in sheep and goats	Lecture (1 hr)
	Footrot in sheep and goats	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pregnancy diagnosis practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Parasite management/resistance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Application of genetics in breeding decisions	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sheep necropsy practical/tutorial	Practical (4 hr)
	Sheep reproduction practical	Practical (10 hr)
	Investigating spasticity, flacidity and altered mentation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Reproductive management in sheep	Lecture (1 hr)
	Investigating herd lameness problems	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lameness and welfare/cases - pulling it all together	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Maximising reproductive efficiency	Lecture (2 hr)
	Sheep reproduction practical	Practical (10 hr)
	Cattle obstetrics	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle surgery	Practical (3 hr)
	Cattle handling 5	Practical (5 hr)
	Cattle lameness/foot trimming	Practical (3 hr)
	Investigating spasticity, flacidity and altered mentation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Should I call the emergency disease hotline?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Pregnancy diagnosis practical	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Sheep necropsy practical/tutorial	Practical (4 hr)
Week 09	Does that eye need to come out?	Lecture (1 hr)
	TILHAPs overview	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nutrition: feeding the rumen	Lecture (1 hr)
	Meeting the feed gap: energy and protein	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sheep necropsy practical/tutorial	Lecture (4 hr)
	Sheep reproduction practical	Practical (10 hr)
	Cattle obstetrics	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle surgery	Practical (3 hr)
	Cattle handling 5	Practical (5 hr)
	Cattle lameness/foot trimming	Practical (3 hr)
	Applied ruminant nutrition	Lecture (1 hr)
	Johnes disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pestivirus	Lecture (1 hr)
	How to address that itch	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Pregnancy diagnosis practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Investigating neonatal mortality	Lecture (1 hr)
	Weaner management	Lecture (1 hr)
	Investigating and managing ill thrift	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Sheep necropsy practical/tutorial	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle obstetrics	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle surgery	Practical (3 hr)
	Cattle handling 5	Practical (5 hr)
	Cattle lameness/foot trimming	Practical (3 hr)
	Diagnosis and management of lumps and swelling	Lecture (1 hr)
	Small ruminant anaesthesia	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pig anaesthesia	Lecture (1 hr)
	Female reproductive disorders	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Keeping the udder healthy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Mastitis causes and cures	Lecture (1 hr)
	Investigating dairy milk quality problems	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pregnancy diagnosis practical	Practical (2 hr)
	What can be learned from colour	Lecture (1 hr)
	Humane euthanasia of ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	To cut or not to cut and where to cut	Lecture (1 hr)
	Investigating sudden death	Lecture (2 hr)
	Surgery lecture - more surgeries	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cattle obstetrics	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle surgery	Practical (3 hr)
	Cattle handling 5	Practical (5 hr)
	Cattle lameness/foot trimming	Practical (3 hr)
	Sire managment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Reproductive management and monitoring performance	Lecture (1 hr)
	Necropsy tutorial	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Pregnancy diagnosis practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Review lecture on sheep management diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Investigating and managing straining	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please note that students must achieve a PASS (50% or greater mark) on the theory component (Final exam) of the course and must PASS (50% or greater mark) each of the practical exams (cattle and sheep) to pass this unit of study.

100% attendance at all practical classes is compulsory and is required to pass this unit of study. Attendance at TILHAP presentation session during Weeks 11 and 12 of the semester are RLA. Failure to attend all of these classes may result in an "absent fail" grade for VETS6310.

DVM program attendance requirements apply. Required learning activities (RLA) are identified in the timetable.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. competently handle, restrain, and perform a complete physical examination on domestic ruminants in a manner that is safe for the animal and operator
LO2. competently perform common technical skills performed by veterinarians working with domestic ruminants
LO3. demonstrate a systematic problem solving approach to a sick ruminant, identify major differentials, use diagnostic tools, develop treatment options and describe their cost benefit for common diseases
LO4. advise on the nutrition of ruminants for production and health
LO5. develop plans for use of sedation, local anaesthetic and general anaesthesia for ruminants on farm
LO6. demonstrate systematic and cost - effective approaches to herd disease and sub optimal performance investigations and analyze relevant clinical, pathological and epidemiological data, and use to produce prioritized advice to producers on management and disease prevention
LO7. describe how veterinarians apply the principles of preventive medicine and herd performance improvement on farm.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 13. An ability to perform effectively in a workplace including an understanding of organisational systems, human and physical resource management, performance indicators, occupational health and safety, knowledge management and quality control 2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species 4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species American Veterinary Medical Association - 1. comprehensive patient diagnosis (problem solving skills), appropriate use of diagnostic testing, and record management 3. anesthesia and pain management, patient welfare European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.16. Handle and restrain animal patients safely and with respect of the animal, and instruct others in helping the veterinary surgeon perform these techniques. 1.17. Perform a complete clinical examination and demonstrate ability in clinical decision-making. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.10. General certification procedures
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 10. To collect, organise and analyse information in relation to specific problems, assessing its validity and reaching probabilistic judgements 11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 16. A desire to promote animal welfare 20. A recognition that it is not always in the interests of clients to do everything that is technically possible to make a precise diagnosis or attempt to modify the course of a disease 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species 5. The principles of epidemiology, of diseases and zoonoses and their impacts on the environment 6. Public health and food safety 7. Economically and environmentally sustainable animal production systems European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. 1.20. Assess the physical condition, welfare and nutritional status of an animal or group of animals and advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding. 1.21. Collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests, interpret and understand the limitations of the test results. 1.22. Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including providing an appropriate history. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species 7. Economically and environmentally sustainable animal production systems European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.20. Assess the physical condition, welfare and nutritional status of an animal or group of animals and advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 13. An ability to perform effectively in a workplace including an understanding of organisational systems, human and physical resource management, performance indicators, occupational health and safety, knowledge management and quality control 16. A desire to promote animal welfare 18. An ability to recognise when a clinical problem exceeds their capacity to deal with it safely and efficiently and of the need to refer the case for help from others when this occurs European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.30. Safely perform sedation, and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint. 1.31. Assess and manage pain. 1.32. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it with respect of the animal, using an appropriate method, whilst showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, with due regard to the safety of those present; advise on disposal of the carcase. 2.4. A knowledge of the businesses related to animal breeding, production and keeping. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.8. Animal welfare
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 10. To collect, organise and analyse information in relation to specific problems, assessing its validity and reaching probabilistic judgements 11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 20. A recognition that it is not always in the interests of clients to do everything that is technically possible to make a precise diagnosis or attempt to modify the course of a disease 21. Recognition of the critical role of veterinarians in biosecurity and in the management of veterinary issues that have national and international implications 5. The principles of epidemiology, of diseases and zoonoses and their impacts on the environment 6. Public health and food safety 7. Economically and environmentally sustainable animal production systems American Veterinary Medical Association - 2. comprehensive treatment planning including patient referral when indicated 7. understanding of health promotion, and biosecurity, prevention and control of disease including zoonoses and principles of food safety 8. ethical and professional conduct; communication skills including those that demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to how clients’ diversity and individual circumstance can impact health care European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. 1.21. Collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests, interpret and understand the limitations of the test results. 1.36. Advise on, and implement, preventative programmes appropriate to the species and in line with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards. 2.4. A knowledge of the businesses related to animal breeding, production and keeping. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.10. General certification procedures 2.11. Communication skills 2.2. Transboundary animal diseases 2.3. Zoonoses 2.4. Emerging and reemerging diseases 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs 2.6. Food hygiene 2.7. Veterinary products 2.8. Animal welfare 2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 12. To work and communicate effectively and empathetically with colleagues and clients through a range of media with compassion, courtesy, respect, honesty and without discrimination 16. A desire to promote animal welfare 17. An awareness of the need to communicate with clients and to involve them fully in planning and management 20. A recognition that it is not always in the interests of clients to do everything that is technically possible to make a precise diagnosis or attempt to modify the course of a disease 21. Recognition of the critical role of veterinarians in biosecurity and in the management of veterinary issues that have national and international implications 5. The principles of epidemiology, of diseases and zoonoses and their impacts on the environment 6. Public health and food safety 7. Economically and environmentally sustainable animal production systems American Veterinary Medical Association - 7. understanding of health promotion, and biosecurity, prevention and control of disease including zoonoses and principles of food safety European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.36. Advise on, and implement, preventative programmes appropriate to the species and in line with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We thank the students from the previous year for feedback given for our unit of study. And I have passed on all feedback to lecturers and demonstrators. Key issues highlight were level of content and assessment. One area highlighted from the feedback was that students were asking lay staff and demonstrators information on practical exam assessment process. It will be important to use the Unit of Study coordinator as a point contact for any queries about examinations and assessments processes. I will use CANVAS announcements to relay information about the Cattle Practical Examination for each subgroup. And the Cattle Practical Exam information is set up on CANVAS and available for all students to review two weeks before the start of semester. Another issue concerned expected knowledge from DVM 1 and DVM2 units and VETS6304 which are prerequisites to VETS6310. Another issue was multiple units with assessments at the same time. I submit my assessments dates to the Year 3 coordinator who manages and the timing of assessments for all DVM3 units of study. I will feed back this information for future consideration. Multiple intrasemester assessments was a common theme for stress in the feedback. While there was a desire to have a midsemester examination from students, I have decided to keep one theory examination during exams week. I will continue to provide 10 hours of review opportunities during the semester. As well as office hours during STUVAC for students to attend via ZOOM. Additionally, I supply practice examination MCQ questions to allow students to self-assess throughout the semester and during STUVAC. Once again thank you for valued input.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Q-fever vaccination and completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6310: Livestock Practice B

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect