Master of Veterinary Medicine in Pig Herd Health

This is a professional Degree and equips the learner with a broad, scientific background in the theoretical and practical aspects of the chosen field of specialisation. Learners will have well-developed skills and competence to promote the health and production efficiency of production animal populations and is essentially about the efficient production of food producing animals. The primary goals are to:

• Improve and maintain animal health, reproduction, growth and production at the most efficient level that will provide maximum economic returns to the farmer.
• Maintain a balance between animal health and production.
• Ensure the well-being of animal populations (freedom from malnutrition, provision of comfortable housing, behavioural freedom, freedom from pain, stress, fear, injuries and disease)
• Ensure holistic sustainable resource management (protection of biota, maintenance of biodiversity and sustainability of biotic populations).
• The provision of safe, sound and wholesome animal products to the consumer.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science Honours, NQF Level 8.
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal and Poultry Science, NQF Level 8.

1. Obtain in-depth knowledge and insight in the field of porcine herd health and production.
2. Application of knowledge, insight, skills and competencies in integrated on-farm problem-solving situations.
3. Initiate a research project (need not be original) and write and submit a protocol for approval.
4. Perform and manage the research proposal after approval and transfer knowledge.

One

• Appropriate and wide sources of Literature are located.
• Information is gathered independently from supervision.
• Information is organised, analysed and choices are made and justified as to the relevance.
• Information is evaluated and innovative recommendations concerning pig herd health and production qualifications are put forward.

Two

• Recognising health and production problems from history, herd and laboratory reports, clinical information and farm observations.
• Observations made are consistently and accurately recorded.
• Information is gathered independently from supervision.
• Information is organised, analysed and choices are made and justified as to the relevance.
• Information is evaluated with cost effective recommendations and actions formulated.
• Apply the methodology of routine monitoring health and performance qualifications as a follow-up action.

Three

• The research proposal is relevant and sufficiently understood.
• Justification for the proposal is given (literature review, problem or hypothesis, benefits arising from the experiment and objectives).
• The materials and methods is clearly described and understood (model system, experimental design, experimental procedures, observations, analytical procedures and data analysis).

Four

• Observations made are consistently and accurately recorded.
• The research process is successfully managed and carried out under supervision.
• Publishing of research results in an accredited journal.
• Completion of a dissertation according to scientific norms.

Integrated Assessment

• Portfolios.
• Simulations.
• Work-place assessments.
• Written examinations.
• Oral examinations.

Other

- Portfolio

> Literature surveys.

> Seminars and literature reviews.

> On farm case studies.

> Protocol on a research project.

A learner must submit a dissertation which deals with the particular field of study prior to the examination in the theoretical section of the chosen field of study.

A dissertation is completed and evaluated by an external examiner.

A draft article based on the dissertation, prepared for publication in an acknowledged journal must be submitted with the dissertation, in default of which the qualification will not be conferred.

Formative assessment

• Learners give feedback to supervisors on seminars or literature reviews, on farm case studies, other case studies and present on farm discussions and seminars or literature reviews in their study field.
• The progress of a learner is monitored by a guidance committee allocated to the learner by the postgraduate curriculum committee of the Faculty of Veterinary Science.

Summative assessment

Portfolio work has been completed and assessed.

Written and oral examinations at the end of the study.