Livestock Husbandry Fundamentals
Develop the essentials skills for livestock management and welfare.
What you will learn
After completing this course, you will:
- understand the basic regulatory requirements of provincial and federal governments, how these regulations are enforced and monitored, along with understanding how to interpret local government zoning bylaws. You will also learn about funding and certification opportunities.
- understand the foundational elements of livestock health, including anatomy, vital signs, body condition, biosecurity practices and vaccination that promote wellness on small-scale farms.
- recognize, prevent and manage common livestock diseases and parasites, respond appropriately to emergencies, and access veterinary and diagnostic services when needed.
- understand nutritional requirements for ruminants, swine and poultry, and the economics of feed.
- assess and design livestock housing systems that meet species-specific physical and behavioural needs, distinguish between survival- and thrive-level environments and make informed decisions that improve welfare, reduce disease risk and support productivity.
- understand how to plan and manage breeding cycles safely and sustainably; recognize heat and birthing signs; assist appropriately during parturition; assess the impacts of castration on behavior, health, and meat quality; and explore alternative breeding methods such as artificial insemination.
- understand the economic considerations when starting a livestock enterprise
What you will do in this course
You will prepare a livestock management plan to using the concepts, principles and practices from the course.
Course details
Dates
Online classes: January 8 to 29, 2026 (Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 to 9 pm)
Field days: January 17 and 24, 2026 (Cowichan Valley)
Final assignment due: January 30
Course fee: $980 + GST