791-036 Pigs

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Agricultural Production Systems II.

Corequisites

Biology III.

Contact

Subject Description

The objective of this subject is to enable students to:

• explain the structure and function of the various Australian pig industry organisations;
• appreciate the range of production alternatives in the Australian pig industry and the factors which influence these alternatives;
• apply their understanding of the factors which underline the management of pig enterprises to practical situations;
• analyse and evaluate biological, industry, marketing and physical production functions as factors affecting management decisions in the Australian pig industry;
• utilise their understanding of the above in making competent practical management decisions in the pig industry.

The content includes: The structure of the Australian pig industry, patterns and trends of pig holdings, herd size and production levels. Nutritional requirements of, and feeding strategies for, various age groups of pigs. Environmental requirements of pigs at various stages of growth; the role of different housing systems in providing optimum conditions for pig performance and welfare. Specific aspects of pig breeding and mating management. The nature of significant pig diseases and their effect on herd performance parameters. Specific aspects of pig behavioural patterns. Marketing strategies, carcass classification, pork promotion programs, and consumer attitudes to pig meat.

Assessment

Two hour examination (55%); assignment of 2500 words (45%).