Animals in Intensive Production Systems

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Approximately 120 hours

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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 will build on the knowledge and skills developed in VETS10024 Animals in Extensive Production Systems.

The aim of this subject is to give students a fundamental understanding of the different intensive animal production industries in Australia. This subject will focus primarily on the use of feedlots in housing cattle and sheep for meat production, and pig and poultry production. This will enable students to further develop their understanding of the chain of production, with particular reference to intensive production systems.

As with VETS10024 Animals in Extensive Production Systems, the focus will be on the production of ‘food and fibre’, which in the context of intensive production systems mainly includes meat and eggs. The factors that determine the location of production systems will be discussed, on-farm husbandry and management, right through to the final product. This subject will also include a field trip that will provide students with opportunities to experience aspects of both intensive and extensive animal industries.

At the completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Describe in detail the major intensive animal production systems in Australia: feedlots (cattle and sheep), and pig and poultry production
• Understand the major inputs and products for each of the major intensive animal production systems
• Describe in detail the differences and similarities between intensive and extensive production systems, in terms of infrastructure, productivity and impacts on animal health
• Describe industry benchmarks for productivity in the major intensive production animal systems
• Explain the ‘paddock to plate’ approach to production systems
• Describe how intensive animal production systems impact on the local environment
• Understand the principles of animal welfare and be able to identify situations where there is a particular welfare concern
• Understand the basic principles of codes of practice and laws governing production animal systems
• Develop some animal handling skills for production animal species

• A 1-hour written examination held mid semester (30%)
• Short assessments based on case studies/workshops/practicals, submitted online throughout the semester (20%)
• A 2-hour written examination in the examination period (50%)

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject, students should:

• Be able to critically assess and assimilate new knowledge and apply their skills to solve problems in a ‘real-world’ context
• Develop problem solving skills
• Be able to work effectively in small groups
• Access information sources and discern the quality and relevance of the information