Many people are returning to their roots these days and venturing into one of the oldest professions - farming - but on a smaller scale. Small scale farming is a viable source of side income as well as a great family food source. This course will provide you with resources and information needed to start raising, caring for and profiting from small animals and cattle. You will gain information about every aspect of raising farm animals, from selecting the right animals to harvesting and butchering.
* You have 4 weeks to complete this course from date of your enrollment.
Farm Animals and Their Health course content
The Farm Animals and Their Health course consists of 4 modules:
Farm Animals and Their Health Module 1 Chapters 1-2 Starting with Your Land and Chickens
Module one provides an in-depth overview of the difficulties and benefits of raising livestock. Will take a look at the beginning stages of farm development, such as selecting the proper land based on what types of animals you’d like to acquire and the associated cost of start-up materials. The proper way to raise chickens to ensure their optimal development and as well as potential health concerns will also be addressed.
- Farm Expenses
- The Difficulties and Benefits to Raising Livestock
- Selecting, Raising and Feeding Your Chickens
- Common Health Concerns
- How to Benefit From Your Investment
Farm Animals and Their Health Module 2 Chapters 3-5 Discovering the World of Waterfowl, Turkeys, Game Birds and Rabbits
Module two explores the specifics of raising and handing various breeds of waterfowl, turkeys, game birds and rabbits. Learning how to prepare for the arrival of these types of animals is essential as it is a thorough process with many components. The proper ways to handle reproduction and caring for the young are essential skills to ensure a healthy and functioning farm.
- Common Breeds
- Selection and Husbandry
- Handling
- Common Health Concerns
- Reproduction and Caring for the Young
Farm Animals and Their Health Module 3 Chapters 6-8 Growing Your Farm with Goats, Sheep and Pigs
Module three addresses all aspects of raising animals that are a bit larger and require more care, such as goats, sheep and pigs. We will take a look at what is involved in selection, breeding and husbandry. Specific handling techniques for the breeds based on size will be looked at, as well as potential health concerns and disease prevention measures.
- Common Breeds
- Various Purposes for Animals
- Selection and Husbandry
- Potential Health Concerns
- Suggested Cage Sizes for Larger Breeds
Farm Animals and Their Health Module 4 Chapters 9-12 Cattle and the Necessary Steps to Profit
Building on the last module, module four focuses on both beef and dairy cows and what is involved in raising these large animals. We will also look into two subjects that can be difficult for a beginner, the subjects of medicating and butchering your livestock. Proper ways to keep cows healthy to increase profit and reproductive health will be covered.
- Common Breeds
- Husbandry, Reproduction and Caring for Calves
- Common Health Concerns
- Administering Medication
- Proper Methods for Butchering your Animals
After completing the Farm Animals and Their Health course
After completing the Farm Animals and Their Health course, you should be able to:
- Identify and select healthy animals to use in production
- Utilize proper housing structures and feed
- Recognize common health concerns
- Identify proper breeding signs and techniques
- Recognize proper harvesting and butchering methods
Course duration
The Farm Animals and Their Health course is 24 hours long, taught over 4 weeks.