Module Information

Module Identifier
VN20820
Module Title
Nursing of Large Animals
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
VE20720 Optional module, cannot be taken if VE20720: Nursing of Exotics is selected.
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Case study  1000 Words  40%
Semester Assessment Group presentation  15 Minutes  20%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   Written exam  40%
Supplementary Assessment Case study  1000 Words  40%
Supplementary Assessment Individual presentation  10 Minutes  20%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Written exam  40%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Discuss methods of handling and restraint for large animals with consideration of individual and herd patient needs and behaviour.

Identify common species of large animal and critique recognised methods of identification.

Discuss husbandry and nutritional requirements of large animals.

Discuss common infectious and non-infectious diseases and their treatment options.

Justify the need for surgical interventions for a range of conditions in large animals.

Critique methods of analgesia and anaesthesia for large animals.

Brief description

Students who select this module will gain insight into the nursing requirements of large animals (livestock to include cows, sheep, pigs, goats, alpacas and llamas). Initially, handling and restraint will be explored, along with identification of common species and their husbandry and nutritional requirements. Common diseases (both infectious and non-infectious) will be discussed, with recognised treatment options (including nursing requirements). Finally, common surgical procedures along with anaesthesia and analgesia will be considered.

Content

1. Handling and restraint
2. Patient needs and behaviour
3. Common species and methods of formal identification (including microchipping and passports)
4. Infectious diseases; treatment options and nursing interventions including TB testing
5. Non-infectious diseases; treatment options and nursing interventions
6. Surgical procedures
7. Analgesia; pain scoring
8. Anaesthesia

All content will be covered via a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions. There will also be an expectation for students to undertake 155 hours of independent or directed study.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Co-ordinating with others Group work and group presentation
Digital capability Design of presentation material
Professional communication Presentation of information
Subject Specific Skills Knowledge and practical skills concerning nursing of large animals

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5