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Pigs
Pigs 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Pigs
Pigs Online Course.
This Pigs course will help you develop a better understanding of pig production and how to cater to their wellbeing. You’ll learn to develop pig management skills and knowledge making you a better pig farmer.
You will cover and gain skills in a comprehensive range of topics, including:
- breeding and selection
- feeding
- diseases
- managing the boar
- sow and litter
- fattening pigs
- economics
- records
This exceptional course is broad-based and provides an excellent foundation for developing your pig husbandry skills whether for commercial or domestic purposes.
Pig production can be highly sophisticated, as in the case of commercial production or unsophisticated, where pigs are often kept as pets or in small numbers as hobby farms.
Either way, having a better understanding of pig biology and production can only benefit their overall wellbeing, which in turn is good for us all.
Why Farm Pigs?
Pigs are a vital component in supplying essential food to humans. On average one billion pigs are butchered each year worldwide, with nearly 10 million pigs alone slaughtered in the UK.
Most pigs are used for human consumption, but they also provide valuable by-products, such as: skin, fat and other materials.
These materials are often used in the production of clothing, ingredients for processed foods, cosmetics for the beauty industry, and medicinal use.
USEFUL MEMBERSHIPS TO HELP YOU!
If you are interested in a career in Pig Husbandry, we recommend you consider membership in the: National Pig Association. Their membership fees are very reasonable.
This organisation will help you keep abreast of the changes taking place in the industry, as well as being a very useful resource while studying our Pigs Online Course.
http://www.npa-uk.org.uk/
another useful resource is Pig World:
https://www.pig-world.co.uk/
WHY LEARN WITH ADL?
Flexible Online Learning – enjoy the FREEDOM to study from home, at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.
Tailored Feedback – You receive tailored feedback each time you submit an assignment. This tailored feedback approach is very beneficial to you. It helps encourage you to progress to the next assignment, while at the same time adding to your knowledge.
Lots of Support from Admin and Tutors – We have developed our very own support platform to facilitate easier learning and to make contact with your tutor more accessible.
Course Information
Other Categories
Lessons
Lesson Structure:Pigs BAG209
There are 9 lessons in this course:
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
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
3 Feeding Pigs
- Types of rations
- Energy requirements
- Protein requirements
- Mineral requirements
- Vitamin requirements
- Digestive system
- Understanding feeding
- Feeding on pasture
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
5 Managing the boar
- Selecting a boar
- Housing
- Feeding
- Health
- Breeding
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
7 Management of Fattening pigs
- Feeding fatteners
- Housing
- Transporting to market
- Cuts of pig meat
8 Economics and records
- Efficiency factors
- Gross output
- Records
- Pig Calender
- Pig Ration
- Pig Register
- Sow Record
9 Managing a Piggery
Research innovative practices
Evaluate the production performance of a specified piggery
Learning Goals
Learning Goals: Pigs BAG209
- Explain differences between various pig varieties being farmed
- Explain the physical facilities of a pig farm including buildings and equipment
- Select appropriate pig breeds for different purposes
- Explain the management of the breeding of pigs
- Explain the procedures used in the feeding of pigs
- Explain the procedures used in the management of health in pigs.
- Explain the management of husbandry operations associated with a boar.
- Explain the management of husbandry operations associated with a sow and litter.
- Explain the management of husbandry operations associated with farming pigs for slaughter
- Develop different strategies for marketing of pigs and pig products, including both traditional and innovative approaches
- Develop different strategies for the management of general operations associated with pig farming, including both traditional and innovative approaches
Practical (Set Tasks)
Practicals: Pigs BAG209
- List the commercial breeds of pigs being successfully farmed in a specific locality.
- Compare the different characteristics of common breeds of pigs including:
- appearance
- hardiness
- commercial potential
- Select appropriate pig breeds for three different specified situations.
- Explain heritability factors relevant to pig breeding.
- Explain how pig performance testing is carried out by one experienced tester.
- List factors which affect the selection of pigs for breeding.
- Compare applications for straight breeding with cross breeding of pigs.
Describe how the process of artificial insemination of a pig is carried out by an experienced technician.
Explain the different husbandry operations carried out during each of the different stages of pig breeding, including:
- Weaning to service
- Early pregnancy
- Mid pregnancy
- Late pregnancy
- Lactation
- List the minimum facilities, including equipment and buildings necessary for growing healthy pigs.
- Recommend three items of machinery which can be used to automate a piggery operation, including details of:
- the supplier
- cost
- technical specifications
- Explain the housing requirements of pigs in a specified commercial production enterprise.
- Compare housing requirements for boars with those for sows, in a researched piggery.
- Develop maintenance guidelines for pig shelters, including large and small sheds.
- Prepare a sketch design of an area for farming pigs, showing the location of major facilities.
- Assess the disposal system(s) being used for effluent at a specified piggery.
- Explain the concept of reed bed treatment of effluent, for a piggery.
- List pests and diseases that commonly affect pigs.
- Develop a checklist of general signs which indicate ill health in pigs.
- Describe three significant pests or diseases of pigs, including their symptoms and effect.
- Explain a treatment for each of three different common pests or diseases in pigs.
- Determine the health status of a unit of pigs at a piggery, using a checklist which you create.
- Report on the significance of health services for pigs, including veterinary and quarantine services, as used on a specified piggery.
- Explain a vaccination program, including what it is, how it is performed and it’s expected benefits, that is used at a specific piggery.
- Explain the function of the different parts of a pigs digestive system, including the:
- oesophagus
- stomach
- duodenum
- intestines
- colon
- anus
- List various food sources for different food nutrients for pigs, including:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Analyse the ingredients in a pig diet, being used at a commercial piggery.
- Describe food ration requirements for a specific pig, with reference to:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Prepare a sample of pig feed suitable for either a boar, a weaner, or a porker.
- Explain the differences in feeding pigs under different circumstances, including:
- young pigs
- growing pigs
- gestating sows
- lactating sows
- replacement gilts
- breeding boars
- Explain the techniques used to physically handle pigs in different situations, including:
- at a piggery
- during transportation
- during slaughter for meat
- when showing
- Prepare a timetable of husbandry tasks, from weaning to marketing, for fattening a pig.
- Compare two different, but commercially viable, systems of raising pigs, with reference to:
- costs
- materials
- equipment
- labour
- production output
- Prepare an annual program of routine pig husbandry tasks, for a specified enterprise.
- List pig products commonly sold through retail outlets in your locality.
- Analyse wholesale and retail marketing systems for pig products.
- Explain the factors affecting sales of pig products, over a twelve month period, in a specific locality.
- Explain the factors affecting the cost of pig products, over twelve months, in a specific locality.
- Analyse the marketing of a specified pig product from the farm through to the consumer, including associated work tasks, and costs involved.
- Write an innovative plan for the marketing of pigs or a specified pig product.
- List factors which affect the profitability of a pig farm in a specified locality.
- Evaluate the production performance of a specified piggery.
- Explain the organisational structure of a specified piggery.
- Write a job specification for one member of staff of a piggery.
- Assess the impact of staff interactions on productivity in a specified piggery.
- Recommend ways to increase unit performance of a piggery reviewed in a case study.
- Write a management procedure, including contingency arrangements, for control of production targets and budgeted costs on a pig farm.
- Explain the legal requirements and regulations appropriate to operating a specified commercial piggery.
- Analyse the procedures involved in purchasing a specific piggery which is advertised for sale.
- Determine three innovations in the pig industry, which may improve management of a specified pig enterprise.
- Evaluate three different innovations being used in the pig industry.
- Develop a production plan for pigs on a specified property, which includes:
- a production timetable
- details of animals required
- lists of facilities required
- materials requirements
- a schedule of husbandry tasks
- cost estimates
- Design a form for record keeping of appropriate piggery data.
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
PIG DISEASES
Good Management Practices
Many pig illnesses can be prevented by good management. Particular points to bear in mind are:
• Provide good housing which shelters the pigs from rain and wind but which allows plenty of fresh air;
• Keep the pigs warm in winter and cool in summer. Pigs are not covered in hair the way that other animals are so they cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently. They suffer under conditions that are too hot or too cold and can get sunstroke if no shelter from the sun is available.
• Feed each class of pigs – properly balanced rations. Pigs must receive the correct amount of carbohydrate, protein, minerals and vitamins for their size and weight and they must have access to clean water at all times.
• Keep pigs clean by mucking out their pens every day and giving them fresh litter in the form of straw, stover or sawdust.
Pigs are, by nature, clean animals and will defecate (pass dung) in the part of their pen away from the sleeping area. Regular cleaning will keep them free from lice and mange and will reduce the flies in the piggery.
There are two types of pig normally kept on farms:
Pigs reared for meat production
Pigs kept for breeding.
Each group tends to have specific diseases. For example, the breeding stock will have diseases associated with reproduction. Some pig diseases, however, are common to all types and ages.
NOTIFIABLE PIG DISEASES
In most countries there are diseases that are classified as being “notifiable” – which means that the farmer must notify the State Veterinary Department (or relevant government authority) that an animal on his farm has the disease.
The State Veterinarian will then arrange for the pig to be culled and for its body to be safely disposed of. At the same time, the State Veterinarian will tell the farmer how to prevent the disease spreading any further. Notifiable diseases are usually very contagious and cause widespread death or production problems.
The following table gives an example of previously “Notifiable Diseases” of pigs in the state of New South Wales (Australia) and compares (overlays) these with the range of notifiable pig diseases in the United Kingdom (UK).
Notice that the extent of the list differs considerably.
You should realise from this example that the notifiable disease list will differ from state to state, and country to country.
You need to familiarise yourself with the notifiable diseases that are relevant to your locality. Also, you should keep checking with your relevant government authority for updates on current Notifiable Diseases.
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit. - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
Career Options
What's Included
What your tuition fees include
- All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
- Assignments Marked
- Professional Tutor Feedback
- Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
- Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
- Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
- Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
- All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
- Qualification Certificate
- Official Transcript with assignment grades
- Student Manual
Plus FREE
- Academic Writing course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Critical Thinking course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Job Seekers Careers Guide
- Study Tips on How To Study Better
- Career Counselling by ADL Staff
- CV Writing Help, Tips and Advice
There are no hidden extras
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERAL
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q: When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q: I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q: Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A: The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q: What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A: Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q: When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q: Where Do I Take My Exams?
A: UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q: Exam Pass Marks?
A: Module – pass 50%. Commendation 70%.
Qualification: 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A: You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,