Professor: Fred Launer
Semester: Spring/Fall
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: AVS 101.

Catalog Description: Principles of the care and management of domesticated monogastric animals including swine, horses, and poultry. Emphasis will be given to modern production methods. Participation in field trips required.

The main goal of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to gain an understanding of non-ruminant management.

Class Topics

• Non-ruminant management
• Overview of livestock industry
• Housing
• Nutrition
• Breeding
• Disease prevention and control
• Breeds of swine
• Selection and breeding of swine
• Feeding of swine
• Diseases and management of swine
• Horses
• Feeding, management and housing
• Horse diseases
• Poultry - housing and feeding
• Rabbits
• Finances of livestock management

Grades will be based on the following criteria:

• Quizzes
• Homework - 2 mini-projects
• Mid-term exam
• Final exam

Fred Launer
Lecturer, Animal Science
University of Rhode Island
Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science
25 Woodward Hall
Kingston, RI 02881
Office: (401)874-9535
Fax: (401)874-7575
fredthefed@comcast.net
Additional Office at Peckham Farm

Fred Launer is a new addition to the Animal Science department. Fred specializes in the area of animal management, handling and disease. He came to the University of Rhode Island after extensive experience as an Animal Health Technician with the USDA and a Veterinary Paramedic with the State of Rhode Island DEM, Division of Agriculture. Fred comes to us with a wealth of knowledge regarding disease prevention, testing and education. Before taking the lecturer position at the University of Rhode Island, Fred has acted as an adjunct and guest lecturer at Tufts Veterinary School and the University of Connecticut, respectively. Students enjoy Fred's interactive style of teaching, his depth of knowledge and his dedication to his students and classes.

Education

• B. S. University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
• M. S., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY

"I didn't really know what to expect when I signed up for this class. I had very little experience with animals of any sort. During the semester, learned A LOT about non-ruminant animals and Prof. Launer encouraged class discussion. The professor was easy to talk to. His classes are very interesting, and he has some cool stories to tell. I also liked his approach to teaching - less formal and easy to understand." - Katherine

"It's a fun course and the professor is really nice. You will really enjoy this course. I know I did and I am taking AVS 323 with the same professor next semester." - Sarah

• National Swine Registry
• American Association of Swine Veterinarians
• Horse and Horse Information
• US Poultry and Egg Association