Livestock Production Systems

Subject AGRI30030 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours of lectures and 36 hours of practicals
Total Time Commitment: 60 hours contact time; 60 hours directed study, assessment and readings; total time commitment of 120 hours
Prerequisites:

A physiology subject at 200 level such as:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Corequisites: N/A
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Recommended Background Knowledge:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 2
12.50
Non Allowed Subjects: N/A
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Prof Frank Dunshea

Contact

Email: fdunshea@unimelb.edu.au

Phone: 8344 7124

MSLE Student Centre

Email: msle-ugrad@unimelb.edu.au

Phone: 8344 0276

Subject Overview:

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.
Objectives:

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
Assessment:
  • One three-hour examination at the end of semester (50%),
  • plus two assignments submitted week 4 & 10 worth 2000 word each (25% each).
Prescribed Texts: Information Not Available
Breadth Options:

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

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.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • 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.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Agriculture
Bachelor of Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Agricultural Science
Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Animal Disease Biotechnology
Animal Science
Livestock Production

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