Animals in Intensive Production Systems

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Approximately 130 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 intensive ruminant production systems and the pig and poultry industry. This will enable students to further develop their understanding of the chain of production, with particular reference to intensive production systems. Other intensive production systems will be covered more briefly.

As with VETS10024 Animals in Extensive Production Systems, the focus will be on the production of agricultural products, which in the context of intensive production refers mainly to meat and eggs. The production systems will be covered using a 'farm-to-fork' approach, from factors determining the location of production systems, to on farm management of production through to marketing of the final product to consumers. 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: beef feedlots 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
• Explain the 'farm to fork' 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%)
• Attendance and participation at the two-day Dookie intensive (Hurdle)

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science

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.

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

This subject involves a two day intensive field trip prior to the start of semester 2. This experience involves observing and handling farm animals including sheep, cattle and pigs. There are some risks in handling livestock including potential infection with Q fever, and it is therefore recommended that all students be vaccinated against Q fever prior to undertaking the field trip.