Animal Production Systems (AGRI10049)

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Understand the structure and operation of agricultural production industries of Australia, as well as an understanding of Australia's role in global food and fibre production
• Understand the principal factors that determine location, environmental impact, sustainability, profitability and international trade competitiveness in animal production systems
• Describe the major extensive animal production systems in Australia: beef cattle and sheep, and dairy cattle and the major intensive animal production systems in Australia: aquaculture, pigs and poultry, including free range and conventional farming systems noting the differences and similarities between these different production systems
• Understand the major inputs and products for each of the major animal production systems and be able to describe productivity benchmarks in the major production animal systems
• Describe the differences and similarities between intensive and extensive production systems, in terms of infrastructure, productivity and impacts on animal health and the environment
• Understand the basic principles of codes of practice and laws governing production animal systems including understanding the principles of animal welfare and be able to identify situations where there is a particular welfare concern
• Demonstrate the ability to facilitate and participate in group discussions to analyse and interpret data that relates to issues and challenges affecting the sustainability of animal production systems

Generic skills