208-271 Animal Management

Topics include:

• the nutritional requirements of farm animals for maintenance and production, stages of livestock growth and development from conception to maturity;

• livestock appraisal, assessment of age, basic carcass and condition score evaluation, conformation and breed identification;

• general livestock marketing, reproductive management of farm animals for optimum fertility, new technology in animal breeding; the nature of animal diseases, immunity and its development;

• common causes of disease in farm animals, planned health programs for farm animals;

• animal behaviour, genetic and environmental influences, welfare issues affecting the production and management of farm animals; and

• industries in South-East Australia will be emphasised.

At the completion of this subject students should be able to:

• describe cycles of production and factors influencing profitability of enterprises;

• demonstrate awareness of animal welfare and relevant codes of practice;

• describe industry trends and factors influencing these trends;

• evaluate management strategies and potential of new technologies; and

• demonstrate an awareness of the impact of animal industries on the environments in which they operate.

Two 3000-word mid-semester assignments (30% each of total marks), and 2-hour end-of-semester exam (40% of final marks).