Did you know that pigs are among the smartest of all domesticated animals? If fact, some believe they are even smarter than dogs! This course is ideal for anyone who deals with our porcine friends – from farmers and vets to agricultural and educational professionals. It will help you improve your farm management, raise pigs on a small or large scale, or develop your future career or business prospects.
The Certificate of Pig Husbandry is a professional development course that will give you a solid foundation in pig biology, production and husbandry with an emphasis on how to manage the practical daily needs of pigs.
In this piggery farming course, you will learn about pig health, building systems, economics, environmental controls and how to manage a piggery. You will also study the various pig breeds (including hybrids), how to breed, feed and fatten pigs, and how to manage boars, sows and litters.
On completion of this course, you will have developed the necessary skills to manage pigs for commercial production, self-sufficiency or as part of your own pig-friendly hobby farm.
Course Structure
Unit - Pigs
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Background to pig raising
- Pig Farming
- Pig Husbandry terms
- Hybrids in pig farming
- Pig breeds
- Pig Production systems
- Building systems
- Environmental controls
- Building materials
- Floors
- Pig pens
- Waterers and feeders
- Fencing
- Waste water treatment using reed beds
- Water flow
- Anaerobic ponds
- Suitable plants
Unit 2 – Breeding and selection
- Heritability in pigs
- Testing pig performance
- Points for selection
- Pure breeding
- Cross breeding
- Crossbreeding systems
- Single cross
- Back crossing
- Rotational crossing
- Hybrid breeding
- Artificial insemination
- Animal selection
Unit 3 – Feeding Pigs
- Types of rations
- Energy requirements
- Protein requirements
- Mineral requirements
- Vitamin requirements
- Digestive system
- Understanding feeding
- Feeding on pasture
Unit 4 – Pig diseases
- General health problems
- Management practices
- Notifiable pig diseases
- Some major diseases affecting all pigs
- Diseases affecting sows
- Diseases of growing and fattening pigs
- Handling and restraining pigs
- Vices in pigs
- Summary of pig diseases
- Pre-weaning period
- Post-weaning period
- Breeder pigs
Unit 5 – Managing the boar
- Selecting a boar
- Housing
- Feeding
- Health
- Breeding
Unit 6 – Managing the sow and litter
- Selection of gilts
- Housing
- Feeding
- Weaning
- Ovulation
- During pregnancy
- Before farrowing
- Farrowing
- Lactation
- After farrowing
- Management of the suckling pig
- Marking Pigs and Ear Notching
- Points to consider at weaning
Unit 7 – Management of Fattening pigs
- Feeding fatteners
- Housing
- Transporting to market
- Cuts of pig meat
Unit 8 – Economics and records
- Efficiency factors
- Gross output
- Records
- Pig Calender
- Pig Ration
- Pig Register
- Sow Record
Unit 9 – Managing a Piggery
- Research innovative practices
- Evaluate the production performance of a specified piggery.
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Piggery Managers
- Piggery Free Range Farmer
- Pig Breeder
- Wholesale/Retail Specialist
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