Livestock Production Systems

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

60 hours contact time; study, assessment and readings; total time commitment up to 170 hours

A physiology or nutrition subject at 200 level such as:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject aims to provide an introduction to the principles and practices in effective operation and improvement of the major livestock industries in Australia. This subject will cover:

• the major livestock industries in terms of size, distribution and value
• factors that determine the location of the different industries in southern Australia
• basic annual and seasonal cycles of production
• the feedbase for ruminant and non-ruminant industries
• basic inputs and outputs, i.e. the roles of genetics, environment, nutrition, reproductive efficiency and health in setting the opportunities and constraints
• practices that influence profitability, environmental impact
• product quality
• new and emerging animal industries
• current and future issues affecting industry development, e.g. welfare and human health concerns.

On completion of this subject, students should be:

• aware of all the major inputs and products of an animal production system, for a range of animal industries;
• able to understand the effects of changes in inputs and/or outputs on the efficiency of the production system;
• analyse animal production systems in terms of their biological efficiency, and identify ways of improving their efficiency;
• apply scientific principles of growth, reproduction and breeding of animals to the design and management of livestock production systems; and
• apply skills in problem solving to practical situations

• One two-hour examination at the end of semester (50%),
• Two field trip reports of 750 words each due in weeks 6 and 12 of semester, contributing 15 and 20% of final marks respectively.
• One feed budget assignment of 500 words due in week 8 of semester, contributing 15% of final marks.

Information Not Available

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

• On completion of the subject the students should have developed the following generic skills: Academic excellence, greater in-depth understanding of scientific understanding of the humane care, and efficient management of farm animals.
• The student’s flexibility and level of transferable skills should be enhanced though improved time management and enhanced ability to communicate their ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats.

Q Fever

Students enrolling in this subject are advised that some courses of study may put them at an increased risk of contracting Q Fever. Q Fever is a relatively common preventable condition which, while rarely fatal, can cause a severe acute illness and can result in damage to heart valves and chronic fatigue. It is recommended that students consider undertaking screening and vaccination for Q Fever prior to commencement of study. Students may be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to undertaking some coursework. Your course coordinator will advise you of this requirement prior to commencement of the study semester. Vaccine costs for students are not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme, Medicare, or by the University. Some students with full private medical coverage (which has hospital and ancillary cover) may receive partial re-imbursement for vaccine costs.