208-264 Livestock Management

This subject should enable students to:

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

• investigate the range of production alternatives in the Australian animal 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 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 animal industries.

The content includes:

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

• specific aspects of animal breeding and management: nutritional requirements of various classes or 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.

Specialisation into specific animal industries will be conducted through assignments and practicals.

One 2.5-hour written examination (40%) and two assignments equivalent to 3000 words (30% each).