Master of Veterinary Medicine in Small Stock Herd Health

The M Med Vet (Small Stock) is a professional qualification 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 Honours, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science, NQF Level 8.

1. Obtain in-depth knowledge and insight in the field of small stock flock health and production (sheep and goats) which includes suitable data collection, recording and evaluation systems which will enable the learner to give cost-effective advice and make decisions.

Awareness of how to access information to be in a position to remain up to date with the profession.

1. Knowledge and ability to carry out any procedures applicable to small stock flock health.
2. Research dissertation that is relevant to the field of specialisation.

• The research proposal is acceptable (literature review, problem or hypothesis, benefits and objectives).
• The materials and methods are clearly described and understood (model system, experimental design, experimental procedures, observations, analytical procedures and data analysis).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Structured seminars and discussions.
• Health and production problem identification and solving exercises based on history, flock and laboratory reports and clinical information using manual and computerised systems
• Interpret market trends.
• Forecast trends and suggest strategies in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
• Demonstrate knowledge regarding literature searches in a library and on the internet. Awareness of importance of State Vet, Industry and community as source of information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Perform applicable procedures.
• Plan and implement a flock health programme where routine monitoring of health and performance is an integral part of the follow-up action.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

- Successful completion of the dissertation

• Research results are published in an accredited/refereed journal.
• Dissertation is completed 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 for a research project.

Submission of a dissertation which deals with the particular field of study prior to the examination in the theoretical section of the particular field of study. The dissertation is 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 or if already published, a copy of the article.

Formative assessment

Seminars, literature reviews, on farm case studies and other case studies.

Protocol submission

Progress is monitored by a guidance committee allocated to the learner by the post-learner curriculum committee of the Faculty of Veterinary Science

Summative assessment

Dissertation.

Written and oral examinations at the end of the study.