208-260 Intensive Animal Management

This subject should enable students to:

• explain the structure and function of the various sectors in the Australian intensive animal industries;

• investigate the range of production alternatives in the Australian pig and poultry industries and the factors which influence these alternatives;

• apply their understanding of the factors which underline the management of pig, poultry and feedlot enterprises to practical situations;

• discuss concepts of QA programs in various sectors of the intensive animal industries;

• understand concepts of feedlot design, animal nutrition and health of feedlot animals;

• monitor, evaluate, control and manage the environment in a building used for intensive housing of animals, and understand how the environment of the animals influences production; and

• discuss the appropriate legislation and regulations within the intensive animal industries.

The content includes:

• the structure of the Australian intensive animal industries, patterns and trends of animal holdings, herd and flock size and production levels;

• specific aspects intensive animal breeding and management, nutritional requirements of various classes of stock; significant diseases, animal behaviour, and industry marketing strategies; and

• legislation regarding the establishment of facilities; requirements of design including welfare considerations, industry codes of practice, strategies for sourcing foodstuffs and livestock, ruminant nutrition and preparation of appropriate rations to achieve performance targets, and the development of QA programs.

One 2.5-hour written examination worth 40% of final marks, two assignments equivalent to 3000 words and worth 30% of final marks each.