Animals in Extensive Production Systems (VETS10024)

Production animals are a 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.