Livestock Production Systems

Subject AGRI30030 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

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

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours of lectures and up to 36 hours of practicals
Total Time Commitment:

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

Prerequisites:

A physiology or nutrition subject at 200 level such as:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 2
12.50
Non Allowed Subjects: None
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/

Contact

Melbourne School of Land & Environment Student Centre
Ground Floor, Melbourne School of Land and Environment (building 142)

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au

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.
Learning Outcomes:

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 two-hour examination at the end of semester (50%), plus two assignments – Field Trip and Feed Budget (up to 1000 words each) worth 25% each, respectively.

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.
Notes:

Q Fever

Students enrolling in the Melbourne School of Land and Environment are advised that some courses of study may put them at an increased risk of contracting Q Fever. Q Fever is a relatively common preventable condition which, while rarely fatal, can cause a severe acute illness and can result in damage to heart valves and chronic fatigue. It is recommended that students consider undertaking screening and vaccination for Q Fever prior to commencement of study. Students may be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to undertaking some coursework. Your course coordinator will advise you of this requirement prior to commencement of the study semester. Vaccine costs for students are not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme, Medicare, or by the University. Some students with full private medical coverage (which has hospital and ancillary cover) may receive partial re-imbursement for vaccine costs.

http://www.land-environment.unimelb.edu.au/current-students/your-subjects/q-fever-information.html

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Agricultural Science
Animal Disease Biotechnology (specialisation of Animal Health and Disease major)
Animal Science and Management
Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
Selective subjects for B-BMED
Sustainable Production

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