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Animal husbandry explained – everything you need to know

When it comes to all things animal husbandry, My Learning Online has got you covered.

In this blog, we will take you through the different types of animal husbandry in the industry, giving you the inside scoop into the different animal farming sectors, as well as further information about our professionally-tailored online courses in animal husbandry.

So, let’s get a moo-ve on!

What is animal husbandry?

Animal husbandry refers to the practice of rearing animals for consumption, or for the use of products created by these animals. This can be anything from sheep, cattle, pigs and poultry, to fish farming and the keeping of bees. 

The proper care and maintenance of these animals in a farming environment is of the utmost importance to ensure both the animal’s welfare and to achieve the best results from the farming process.

Animal husbandry definition infographic

Animal husbandry in Australia

Cattle Farming

Cattle farming is probably the most popular animal husbandry practices in Australia – divided into the beef and dairy sectors, cattle are responsible for a significant amount of the country’s wealth. Here at My Learning Online we have an extensive range of cattle-led husbandry courses to choose from, equipping you with all the necessary tools and skills you will need to correctly care for cattle. 

Farming and Agriculture are extremely affluent industries in Australia, with cattle farming making up a considerable percentage of this. This is an excellent sector for any budding farmer looking to break into a thriving industry sector.  

Sheep farming

Sheep are farmed for their wool, milk and meat and are an extremely high demand animal within the farming industry. 

Those in the business of sheep farming will need a firm knowledge and skill set in sheep environment maintenance (e.g. terrain and climate), appropriate holding and herding procedures, how to mate their male and female sheep, lamb care, as well as knowing the various processes for shaving wool, producing milk and readying the herds for meat processing. 

Pig farming

Known for their intelligence and sociable nature, pigs are a delightful animal to rear and care for. Pig farmers must be knowledgeable about the pig breeding process, including mating, farrowing and piglet weaning, all the way to preparing the animals for meat processing.

Like any animal farming sector, there are always multiple steps to consider – animals must receive the correct and appropriate care from birth through to adulthood to ensure their health and best farming results.

Any aspiring pig farmer will need to get to grips with correct pig feeding and nutrition procedures, enclosure options (indoor and outdoor), how to mate their boars and sows correctly, farrowing processes to ensure easy and stress-free births, appropriate piglets weaning and care, all the way to preparing the fully grown pigs for meat processing. 

Poultry Farming

Farming poultry involves the caring for and keeping of birds, such as chickens, geese and turkeys, rearing them for either meat or egg production. The keeping and farming of poultry contains many elements that must be expertly implemented to ensure a healthy flock. 

Those undertaking poultry farming will need to get to grips with correct feeding and nutrition measures for the different birds, creating a sustainable environment in which the birds can thrive, preferably taking a free-range approach to keep the birds in their natural environments, and therefore in the best form for meat and egg production. 

Poultry farming also comes with risks of diseases like bird flu and infections that may spread quickly throughout a flock. Poultry farmers will need to be equipped with the knowledge of how to apprehend and manage outbreaks such as this.

Fish Farming

Aquaculture is an increasingly popular farming industry in Australia; involving the farming of fish such as Australian sardines, Atlantic salmon, bluefin tuna, barramundi and assorted shellfish among some of the most predominant in the region. 

With the mass farming and demand of fish becoming greater than ever, there has been more focus on ensuring biosecurity within this farming sector, with strict environmental management, aquatic animal health and food safety measures being implemented to ensure a more sustainable and healthy way of farming sea life. These practices are vital in maintaining a healthy and undisturbed natural environment for aquatic life, making for a better outcome for both wildlife and the consumer.

Apiculture

Apiculture is the practice of keeping bees for honey and beeswax production, as well as for pollination purposes. Apis mellifera – more widely known as the European honey bee – are the most commonly kept bees in Australian regions, and their hives run like a well-oiled machine, with worker bees out earning the bread to maintain the queen and colony. 

Using chemicals and signalling movements, the bees work as one to communicate with one another and get the job done. The result is sweet spreadable nectar, natural wax that can be used in a variety of useful and sustainable ways, and a thriving, well-pollinated environment,

We often hear the term ‘save the bees’ – but how important is this really? Well put it this way: without bees, there is no pollination, without pollination plants don’t grow, and without plants that provide food and oxygen for the planet, we will not survive. And with the looming environmental damage being done worldwide, it is more important than ever to ensure the health and wellbeing of our stripy little friends.

Animal husbandry in Australia infographic

Want to become the best you can be?

Are you asking yourself ‘are there any animal husbandry courses near me?’

With My Learning Online, you have the freedom to work from the comfort of your own home. Offering some of the most comprehensive animal husbandry courses in Australia, My Learning Online

Our courses cover a wide variety of pathways, from livestock management, cattle farming, both in the beef and dairy industries, as well as a combined course of both sheep and cattle farming, there is sure to be a course to suit your needs.

Enrolling in an animal studies course online gives you the time and flexibility to work your studies around your busy schedule and lifestyle – with 24/7 access to your online learning you can complete your course at a pace that suits you.

All of our animal husbandry courses online come with a downloadable brochure, providing more information on course content and modules, assessments, online learning and tutor support. Also, to make financing your studies a little bit more manageable, we offer course fee payment plans.

If you have any questions about enrolling in one of our animal husbandry courses, our course consultants are on hand to guide and advise you, getting you to where you need to be.

Follow your farming dreams with My Learning Online.

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