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Unit outline_

AVBS3010: Livestock Production Systems

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Livestock production systems are changing rapidly as a result of pressures to increase productivity, sustainability and profitability. These changes are further augmented by the rapid growth in new knowledge and emergence of new technologies, and changes in the diet of world populations. In this unit you will be exposed to contemporary livestock production systems through a whole-system approach integrating animals, pastures, environment, management and economics. The unit starts with a section describing the holistic approach to livestock production systems, then examines each component of the production system, and how these interact and affect each other. You will integrate concepts from animal biology and ecology, genetics, nutrition, reproduction, health and welfare, agronomy and economics. You will analyse farming systems and develop solutions to optimise production, sustainability and social goals. You will learn the use of simulation models and decision support systems, new technologies and holistic farm business analysis and planning. Computer-based and field classes will allow you to gain direct, practical experience in key areas required to work with the livestock industries in leading roles as consultants, advisors, managers or scientists in sustainable livestock enterprises

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points from (AVBS2XXX or ANSC3101 or BIOL2XXX or FOOD2000 or GEGE2X01 or GENE2001 or GENE2002 or ITLS2000)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
AGRO4005
Assumed knowledge
? 

Familiarity with data analysis and animal handling.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Luciano Gonzalez, luciano.gonzalez@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Lachlan Ingram, lachlan.ingram@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Practical report 1
See Canvas for more details
5% Week 02
Due date: 08 Mar 2020 at 23:59
700 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment Practical report 2
See Canvas for more details
5% Week 06
Due date: 05 Apr 2020 at 23:59
700 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment group assignment Case study report 1
Report for the case study property
20% Week 08
Due date: 24 Apr 2020 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Assignment Practical report 3
See Canvas for more details
5% Week 09
Due date: 03 May 2020 at 23:59
700 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
Assignment Practical report 4
See Canvas for more details
5% Week 10
Due date: 10 May 2020 at 23:59
700 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment group assignment Enterprise management report
Report for the case study property
40% Week 12
Due date: 01 Jun 2020 at 23:59
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Presentation group assignment Oral presentation
Group presentation
20% Week 13
Due date: 25 May 2020 at 08:00
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.

Distinction

75 - 84

At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.

Pass

50 - 64

At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Gathering and analysing data for business appraisal Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Integrated livestock farming systems and enterprise management Lecture (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Holistic analysis of livestock enterprises Lecture (4 hr)  
Describe the calculation of stocking rate and key productivity indicators Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 03 Livestock production and productivity Lecture (4 hr)  
Soil testing and soil fertility for animal production Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 04 The feedbase and vegetation Lecture (4 hr)  
Week 05 Pastures types and new pastoral systems Lecture (4 hr)  
This practical class is to receive hands on experience on farm business and animal management, record keeping and analysis. Students will receive explanations and hands on experience on plant (forages and weeds) identification, sowing, monitoring and equipment used to maintain pastures. Animal management and calendar of operations, husbandry practices and care. Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Rangeland ecophysiology and management Lecture (4 hr)  
Pasture production estimation and remote sensing Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 07 Sustainable grazing of pastures and decision support Lecture (4 hr)  
Calculate beef and wool productivity indicators. Tutorial preparing these for the case study Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 08 Animal growth and body composition Lecture (4 hr)  
Analyse data from growing animals to understand the impact on animal productivity, maturity and development Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 09 Livestock nutrition and feeding Lecture (4 hr)  
Management of livestock nutrition. Develop feed supplementation strategies for granzing animals and feed formulation. Understand factors affecting nutritional requirements Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 10 Feedlot production and management Lecture (4 hr)  
Describe the process for analysing and monitoring feedlot cattle performance and key productivity indicators. Feedlot management Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 11 Livestock genetics and breeding Lecture (4 hr)  
Describe the use of genetic breeding values applied to improve livestock production and welfare. Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Environmental and natural resource management Lecture (4 hr)  
Tutorial for case study preparation (presentation and dossier) Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 13 Presentations of the case study for all groups Presentation (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Nutrient Requirements of Domesticated Ruminants. 2007. Primary Industries Standing Committee. Publisher: CSIRO Publishing.

The Farming Game: Agricultural Management and Marketing. 2005. Editors: Bill Malcolm, Jack Makeham, and Vic Wright. Publisher: Cambridge University Press.

Beef Cattle Production and Trade. 2014. Edited by: David Cottle and Lewis Kahn. Publisher: CSIRO Publishing.

Sheep Farming for Meat and Wool. 2010. Editors: Jane Court, Sue Hides, and John Webb-Ware. Publisher: CSIRO PUBLISHING. Achieving Sustainable Production of Sheep. 2017. SERIES Burleigh Dodds Series in Agricultural Science. EDITION 1. Editor: J. P. C. Greyling. Publisher. Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Limited.

International Sheep and Wool Handbook. 2010. D. J. Cottle. Nottingham University Press.

Grazing Management (2001). 2nd Edition. John F. Valentine. Academic Press. Hardcover. p.659. ISBN 0-12-710001-6

Range Management. Principles and Practices (2011). Sixth Edition. p.444. Jerry l. Holechek, Rex D. Pieper & Carlton H. Herbel. Prentice Hall. Paperback. p. 444. ISBN-10: 0-13-501416-6.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. investigate concepts from junior, specialised units relevant for livestock farming systems including soils, plants, and animals (e.g. nutrition, reproduction, genetics, animal body functions)
  • LO2. evaluate the impact of animal nutrition, health and welfare, genetics and management on the farming system
  • LO3. describe livestock farming systems, their components and the way these interact with each other to affect key outcomes
  • LO4. investigate and identify factors affecting productivity (e.g. productivity leakages), profitability, sustainability and animal welfare
  • LO5. develop management strategies to optimise the livestock production systems with ethical, efficient and sustainable practices
  • LO6. formulate and develop solutions to improve farm production systems with management plans that integrate cross-disciplinary expertise
  • LO7. develop communication skills that are articulate, evidence-base and appropriate for stakeholders of the livestock industries
  • LO8. collaborate in a multidisciplinary team to address livestock production challenges and communicate outcomes effectively to the target audience

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Work, health and safety

Q fever vaccination for field class

Risk assessment completed and signed

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.