Livestock Production Systems

This subject is not offered in 2013.

60 hours contact time; 60 hours directed study, assessment and readings; total time commitment up to 120 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 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/

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 three-hour examination at the end of semester (60%), plus two assignments – Field Trip and Feed Budget (up to 2500 words each) worth 25% and 15% respectively..

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.