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Livestock Production Systems (AGRI30030)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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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

Intended 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
  • Able to analyse animal production systems in terms of their biological efficiency, and identify ways of improving their efficiency
  • Able to apply scientific principles of growth, reproduction and breeding of animals to the design and management of livestock production systems
  • Able to apply skills in problem solving to practical situations

Generic skills

On completion of the subject the students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • Academic excellence
  • Improved in-depth understanding of scientific understanding of the humane care, and efficient management of farm animals
  • Improved time management
  • Enhanced ability to communicate their ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats

Last updated: 3 October 2024