Animals in Extensive 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

Production animals are vital component of the agricultural sector. An understanding of the systems in which these animals are raised is essential to their management and in maximising productivity. The aim of this subject is to give students a fundamental understanding of the different animal production industries in Australia. This subject will focus on extensive production systems in particular, and the major species covered will include beef cattle, sheep and dairy cattle. This will enable students to develop a detailed understanding of the chain of production. The focus will be on production of ‘food and fibre’, which includes products such as meat, milk and wool. The factors that determine the location of production systems will be discussed, on-farm husbandry and management, right through to the final product.

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

• Describe in detail the major extensive animal production systems in Australia: beef cattle, sheep and dairy cattle
• Understand the major inputs and products for each of the major extensive animal production systems
• Describe industry benchmarks for productivity in the major extensive production animal systems
• Explain the ‘paddock to plate’ approach to production systems
• Describe how an extensive animal production system would impact on the local environment
• Understand the basic 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

• 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