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Unit of study_
ANSC4100: Applied Livestock Systems
2025 unit information
Providing animal protein and fibre to feed and clothe the world requires innovative approaches to sustainably improve livestock productivity and profitability in a changing environment. This unit provides an advanced understanding and appreciation of Australian sheep (meat and wool) and beef cattle production systems within a global production and consumption context. The course provides a whole-system approach across the supply chain, integrating animals, pastures, environment, management and economics to understand key challenges and develop appropriate solutions. Tropical and temperate production regions will be compared and include extensive grazing and intensive feedlot system management. Major issues impacting product quality and quantity will include livestock breed, breeding systems, nutrition, production and husbandry practices and animal welfare. This includes first stage processing in abattoirs and top-making plants as well as marketing. In addition, you will gain skills in meat grading and an opportunity to participate in the Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) program. Lecture material is complemented with hands-on activities including practicals, day trips to 'Arthursleigh' and 'Pye Farm' (University farms) for sheep/cattle husbandry and farm management, and a 5-day study tour to regional south-west NSW to evaluate commercial beef, wool and prime lamb production, marketing and processing systems. Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses. Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week one of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete. Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment. Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally. Please refer to the University’s website https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/q-fever-vaccinations.html for more information on student vaccinations.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3 or Bachelor of Science in Agriculture years 1-3 or {144 credit points of units of study including a minimum of 12 credit points from [ANSC3106 and (ANSC3888 or AVBS3888 or SCPU3001)]} |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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AVBS4012 or AVBS3010 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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3000-level knowledge in animal production management and behaviour and welfare of production animals |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Evaluate the relationships between Merino strain and environment on wool production, quality determinants, processing and product value across the supply chain to enhance productivity and profitability.
- LO2. Describe the role of breed, environment, processing and marketing options in optimizing prime lamb production and quality across the supply chain.
- LO3. Describe the role of breed, environment, processing and marketing options in optimizing beef production across northern and southern Australian grazing and feedlot production systems.
- LO4. Evaluate the relationships between meat quality determinants, processing and product value to enhance productivity and profitability.
- LO5. Evaluate the role of pasture management, budgeting and fodder conservation to fill feed gaps and meet specific nutritional requirements for livestock production.
- LO6. Evaluate the impact of a variable climate and increased occurrence of drought on livestock production and develop strategies to assist minimise impact.
- LO7. Describe innovative approaches to improve sustainable livestock health, production, productivity and welfare domestically and internationally.
- LO8. Formulate and develop solutions to improve farm production systems with management plans that integrate cross-disciplinary expertise.
- LO9. Develop communication skills that are articulate, evidence-based and appropriate for stakeholders of the livestock industries.
Unit availability
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