208-207 Animal Management and Production

This subject involves the use of animals. Students should be aware that this is an essential part of the subject and exemption from this component is not possible.

On completion of this subject, students should be:

• aware of all the major inputs into an animal production system;

• aware of the products of animal production systems and product quality;

• able to understand the effects of changes in inputs and/or outputs on the efficiency of the production system;

• capable of the basic analysis of a production system;

• aware of alternative production systems; and

• capable of surveying an animal industry.

The course provides a review of the major animal production industries of Australia and includes a basic introduction to the following key issues in livestock production systems:

• the size, distribution and value of each animal industry;

• breed selection and genetic improvement;

• practical feeding of breeding and growing animals;

• optimisation of reproductive output;

• environmental effects and use of buildings;

• management regimes to maintain animal health;

• maximisation of product quality;

• production system analysis and consideration of alternatives; and

• marketing and markets.

One three-hour examination (50%); a 3000 word assignment on the major field excrusion (30%); and a 2000 word report on an industry survey (20%).