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Unit outline_

AVBS4002: Dairy Production and Technology

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Dairy science is arguably the most multidisciplinary of all animal production areas. Topics such as animal physiology, nutrition, reproduction, genetics need to be understood in the context of more distant disciplines like pasture and forage crops, milk harvesting and robotics, farm economics; and the integration of all these into the whole system. In this UoS, we combine face-to-face lectures, interactive group discussions, guided field exercises and activities, and visits to commercial farms (ranging from small pasture-based to large-herd indoor systems milking >2000 cows) to gain understanding of key components of dairy system and of the system of production as a whole. This unit connects basic knowledge with practical application and contributes to develop students' ability to integrate knowledge. Completing this course successfully will give students the tools and confidence required to assist commercial farmers to improve practice change on farm and increase profitability. In line with the research expertise of the dairy science team, emphasis is placed on automatic/robotic systems and the use and application of technology in dairying.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
48cp of 2000-level or 3000-level units
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Enrolled students are expected to have some understanding of key components of the dairy production system, including basic knowledge of animal physiology and nutrition.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Sergio Garcia, sergio.garcia@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Sabrina Lomax, sabrina.lomax@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Weekly Quiz
Assessment during practicals
50% Multiple weeks Variable
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Assignment group assignment Project Plan (written)
Groups present written Project Plan - value of 12.5% of total UoS mark
12.5% Week 05 4-5 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO11
Presentation group assignment Project Presentation (oral)
Oral presentation of the Group Project - all students present.
12.5% Week 12 20 min
Outcomes assessed: LO11
Assignment group assignment Project Report (written)
Final written report of Group Project
18.75% Week 12 10-12 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO11
Assignment Project evaluation (professional-communication)
A mark based on our observations of students' comms with the farmers
6.25% Week 12 Variable
Outcomes assessed: LO11
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Project Plan (group):  Students work with real problems/cases from commercial farms; meet with the farmer/s and submit a (written) Project Plan outlining title, objectives, methods and expected outcomes (Due Wk 5; 12.5% of total UoS mark)
  • Project Presentation (Group presentation with all students presenting individually): Students present their projects and findings to the class and industry people (Due Wk 12; 12.5% of total UoS mark) 
  • Project Report (group): Students submit a written Project Report outlining the aim and methodology in more detail and the results and conclusions achieved (Due Wk 12; 18.75% of total UoS mark)
  • Project Evaluation (group): Students are assigned a group mark for their professional conduct and handiling of the project and communication with the farmers and among themselves (6.25% of total UoS mark).
  • Weekly Quiz (individual): Weekly quiz to asses LO of each module (week). Questions target critical thinking and integration of concepts, encouraging attendance and participation in class (10 quizzes of 5% each-  50% of total UoS mark).

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.

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 The Australian dairy industry - systems of production Lecture (3 hr) LO1
Physical and economic data analysis and interpretation Practical (3 hr) LO1
Week 02 Drivers of Profitability: Feed and feedbase planning Lecture (3 hr) LO2
Farm visit or Farm case study Field trip (3 hr) LO2
Week 03 Drivers of profitability: the cow Lecture (3 hr) LO4
Practical aspects of lactation physiology Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 04 Drivers of profitability: Nutrition and feeding of dairy cattle Lecture (3 hr) LO3
Pasture and feed ration formulation Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 05 Milk harvesting Lecture (3 hr) LO5
Milk harvesting: comparison of conventional and robotic milking systems Field trip (3 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 06 Reproduction and health management Lecture (3 hr) LO6
Farm case study (analysis of commercial farm reproduction data) Practical (3 hr) LO6
Week 07 Calf and heifer rearing - Dry cow management Lecture and tutorial (6 hr) LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 08 Visit farms on the South Coast Field trip (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO10
Week 09 Data management and technology application in dairy systems Lecture (3 hr) LO9
Data into information Workshop (3 hr) LO9
Week 10 Milk quality and milk processing Lecture (3 hr) LO10
Visit to processing facility or Case study Field trip (3 hr) LO10
Week 11 The future of dairy Workshop (6 hr) LO1 LO11
Week 12 Project presentation and discussion -Revision and integration of knowledge and concepts Project (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11
Week 13 UoS Review - Discussion Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend all lectures and practicals (field-trips practicals, tutorials, workshops). The LO of each module (week) will be assessed via a weekly quiz (10 quizzes in total, 50% of the total UoS mark).  

Quizzes can include MCQ as well as problem solving and other type of questions, all arising from the material presented/discussed in class or during the practical/tutorial/farm visit. 

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

Dairy Australia ‘Situation & Outlook June 2021’, pp 2-8

https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/industry-statistics/industry-reports/situation-and-outlook-report#.YQd0bi0RoTs

Future Dairy Tech Note 3

https://futuredairy.com.au/publications/

AgVic-Dairy Australia Feeding Dairy Cows e-book (download from Canvas)

Dairy Australia fact sheet ‘Your herd’s milk production curve’ 

http://feed.dairyaustralia.com.au/feeding-your-herd/your-herds-milk-production-curve

Future dairy AMS Guidelines – 

https://futuredairy.com.au/ams-guidelines/

Australian animal welfare standards and guidelines for cattle – a guide for dairy farmers 

https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/animal-management/animal-welfare

 ‘Milking Edge’ AMS Modules –  (students will be given online access) 

  • AMS Generalities 
  • Incentive Management in AMS

https://tocal.instructure.com/enroll/8P8X9T?fbclid=IwAR03T0QymskKrvBjUGA7pSEAPjDf2aJAjIcaKov9gUq229CsnsAjbYJqc4M

Dairy Australia Transition dairy cow (students will be given access during the course) 

Recommended Literature for Consultation:

Feeding the Dairy Cow (Chamberlain and Wilkinson 1996)

Milk Production from pasture (Holmes et al 2002)

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. Dairy industry and systems: Describe the Australian dairy industry and its key challenges, the different production systems and drivers of profitability, and be able to analyse farm technical data to evaluate the impact of costs of production on the profitability of a farm business.
  • LO2. Feed systems and planning: Identify the types of feed systems used in Australian and be able to apply industry feed planning and budgeting tools and analyse data to evaluate the feed management practices of farm systems and describe the role of feed as a key driver of profitability
  • LO3. Nutrition and feeding: Describe the nutritional requirements of dairy cows throughout lactation and analyse the impact of feed quality on animal health, milk production and quality as a key driver of profitability in the farm system. Confidently use a step by step approach to feeding cattle and use ration formulation programs.
  • LO4. Lactation physiology: Be able to describe mammogenesis, lactogenesis and galactopoiesis and the impact of the cow including breed, genetics, health and lactation physiology on milk production and quality as a key driver of profitability
  • LO5. Milk harvesting: Compare and contrast the functionality of conventional milking system and automated (robotic) milking systems for evaluating milk quality, herd health and labour efficiency outcomes and their impact on business profitability
  • LO6. Reproduction and health management: Understand the importance of good reproduction and health management as key for farm productivity and profitability. Be able to identify and describe prominent diseases affecting dairy cattle and analyse their impact on animal health, production and milk quality.
  • LO7. Rearing calves: Describe the calf rearing life cycle and identify key time points for managing animal health and welfare outcomes. Know industry targets and be able to compare and contrast calf rearing systems
  • LO8. Dry cow management: Describe the importance of effective dry cow management and identify the risk factors impacting pre and post calving. Be able to develop and analyse diets for enabling successful transition cow management
  • LO9. DairyTech: Identify automation technologies used in the dairy industry to improve production efficiencies. Demonstrate capability to analyse and interpret datasets from a variety of automation technologies
  • LO10. Milk quality: Describe how milk quality is defined and the importance for the producer and processor in terms of farm income, product processing and meeting consumer demand. Describe the basics of milk processing
  • LO11. Additional LO (professional project working with commercial farms and industry): Describe opportunities and challenges for the dairy farm business of the future and analyse the role of innovation, entrepreneurship and business acumen in securing success. Critically analyse dairy farm systems and apply technical knowledge to generate creative and innovative solutions to real business challenges. Demonstrate professionalism in communication and collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders for evaluating the farm system to generate applicable solutions

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.

ULO's have been more clearly defined and refined. This year the projects will be derived entirely from top commercial farms (students will be working on real case problems, enhancing application and LO). Field trips have been the highlight in all last 3-4 students' surveys but were restricted by Covid19 in 2020 and they are likely to be restricted again in 2021. Back-up real case studies with videos shot at commercial farms and practical exercises have been prepared to accomodate Covid19 restrictions.

More information related to this unit can be found on Canvas or will be provided in class

Additional costs

Students may be required to travel to dairy farms relatively close to Sydney (e.g, Camden area; Albion Park/Nowra) for farm visits (pending on Covid-related restrictions)

Site visit guidelines

Guidelines will be provided on a case by case basis, as site visits are pending on Covid-related restrictions

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.
 

General laboratory safety rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances 
  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory 
  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories 
  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door 
  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory 

As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

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.