Module 2

Ruminant Physiology
September 17 – September 30

Module 2 introduction
Now that you have a thorough knowledge of the structure of an animal this imparts a lot of information about the various functions it is capable of performing. Mastering the material in Module 2 will assist you in recognizing the normal, in order to determine the abnormal. All systems will perform as they should in a healthy animal. When a structure or organ develops a glitch there will be an observable change in function (recognized by symptom). You need to be able to recognize normal system function to help you determine if an animal has sustained an injury or developed a disease. Understanding organ and system function will help you understand the unique capabilities or limitations of a particular species; to understand what happens in the nutrition and growth processes; and to assist you to get better performance from your animals. Please watch the videos and imagine how each system works in your own body and what happened when you had a disruption in function. (It may be difficult to imagine how your rumen works). Could you recognize this function disruption in an animal?

Objectives

  1. Identify the components of immune, circulation, respiration, reproductive and digestive systems.
  2. Describe the function of various organ systems including immune, circulation, respiration, reproduction and digestion.
Estimated Time to Complete
 Instruction  3 hrs
 Assignments  3 hrs
 Collaboration  2 hrs

Learning Activity

Read pages 4-12  of the Reindeer Health Aide Manual.
View the following videos:






Quiz

Module 2 Quiz Ruminant Physiology
Due Sebtember 30th before midnight.

Reflection and Writing

Why are reindeer (and other northern ungulates) successful living in one of the most hostile environments in the world? Refer to at least 10 features of systems that we covered in this module. For example hair.