ASC474 Intensive Animal Production and Welfare (8)

Intensive animal production and welfare is becoming increasingly important in feeding the world's population. Animal welfare is an important and emotional issue that affects Australian animal industries, as well as companion animal owners and research establishments. Humans have an ethical responsibility to provide adequate care for animals under their control, and animal production professionals have particular obligations and responsibilities in this area. Students will explore the feedlot beef, pig, poultry and fish industries and the role of animal production professionals in serving them. Topics examined include the economic basis of the industries, factors affecting productivity and profitability, issues related to public perception, animal welfare and environment, genetics and selection, principles of housing design and the integration of nutrition, health and reproduction management to attain high levels of productivity. This subject will provide opportunities for students of Livestock Production and Animal Science to integrate knowledge gained previously in animal health, behaviour and welfare, economics, genetics, reproduction and ruminant nutrition. Students will participate in day trips to intensive animal production enterprises and undertake case study activities.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ASC474. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Bachelor of Animal Science (Honours) Integrated Honours

Other students with the permission of their Course Director and the Subject Coordinator

Assumed Knowledge

ASC110 or ASC100

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe common production systems for feedlot beef cattle, pigs, poultry and farmed fish;
  • be able to describe the characteristics of production systems which are associated with high productivity and profitability;
  • be able to discuss important aspects of managing feedlot cattle, intensively raised pigs, poultry and fish;
  • be able to discuss principles of yard and housing design in relation to animal production, welfare and environmental constraints; and
  • be able to discuss the issues in feedlot beef, pig, poultry and fish production which relate to animal and human health, food quality and safety, and market sustainability.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • the economic importance of each industry;
  • markets, product quality and profit drivers;
  • systems of production;
  • the role of genetics and selection;
  • management of nutrition, health, welfare and reproduction;
  • animal husbandry;
  • principles of yard and housing design and waste management; and
  • the role of animal production professionals.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of ASC474 in Session 1 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Pig production assignment
10
2
Mid-session exam
40
3
Feedlot assignment
10
4
Final exam
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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