- Description
- Students learn to identify and demonstrate the basic steps involved in raising and caring for a domestic animal. Students gain an understanding of general care to ensure animal health.
- Prerequisite
- None
Outcomes The student will:
1 demonstrate an understanding of the processes and procedures involved in caring for a domestic animal
1.1 differentiate among livestock, performance and companion animals; e.g., dairy cattle, horses, dogs
1.2 identify and describe the basic physical needs of a domestic animal, including:
1.2.1 water requirements
1.2.2 light intensity and duration
1.2.3 climate and temperature
1.2.4 air/ventilation
1.2.5 space variables
1.2.6 nutrient requirements
1.3 describe a strategy for protecting the health of the animal, including:
1.3.1 taking of vital signs and knowing what is “normal”
1.3.2 identification of diseases, deficiencies and ailments
1.3.3 treatment, control and prevention
1.4 describe municipal, provincial and federal laws related to the ethical and legal care of domestic animals
1.5 relate concepts of breeding and selection to production practices; e.g., systems of breeding, selection criteria, genetic engineering
1.6 describe buildings/structures and equipment appropriate to caring for the animal, considering:
1.6.1 design features
1.6.2 operation and maintenance
1.6.3 safety
1.6.4 economics/cost
2 demonstrate an understanding of safety practices and risk management involved in working with a domestic animal
2.1 identify and discuss the potential hazards in caring for a domestic animal, including:
2.1.1 moving the animal
2.1.2 restraining the animal
2.1.3 humane handling
2.1.4 safe transportation of the animal
2.1.5 health signs that indicate the need for professional veterinary care
2.1.6 zoonotic diseases
2.1.7 bites, scratches and allergies
2.2 specify measures needed to avoid hazards
2.3 describe the warning signs of a threatened animal
2.4 describe the appropriate way to care for an animal, considering:
2.4.1 approaching the animal
2.4.2 moving the animal
2.4.3 restraining the animal
2.4.4 transporting the animal
2.4.5 health signs that indicate the need for professional veterinary care
2.4.6 methods for handling injuries and allergies
2.5 identify and describe common practices/equipment that should be used around animals
3 demonstrate basic competencies
3.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
3.1.1 communicate
3.1.2 manage information
3.1.3 use numbers
3.1.4 think and solve problems
3.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
3.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
3.2.2 be responsible
3.2.3 be adaptable
3.2.4 learn continuously
3.2.5 work safely
3.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
3.3.1 work with others
3.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
4 make personal connections to the cluster content and processes to inform possible pathway choices
4.1 complete/update a personal inventory; e.g., interests, values, beliefs, resources, prior learning and experiences
4.2 create a connection between a personal inventory and occupational choices
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.