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Unit of study_
AVBS4012: Extensive Animal Industries
2022 unit information
This unit introduces the concepts of sheep (wool and meat) and beef cattle production in the Australian environment within the context of world food and fibre consumption and production. The key products as well as domestic and export markets for these are presented. The course provides a historical perspective of the basis for each of these industries and describes each of the production systems designed to meet the demand for these products. Production in both the tropical and temperate regions of Australia will be covered and include the key elements of extensive grazing and intensive feedlot systems. Major issues will include breeds and breeding systems, basic nutrition and production practices and animal welfare issues as they affect the quality and quantity of product marketed. The concepts of first stage processing of both meat and fibre products in abattoirs and top-making plants respectively will be presented. The major factors that influence the quality of product and therefore grading and market demand will be presented. Lecture material will be supported with appropriate practical classes, a 2 day trip to the University's 'Arthursleigh' farm and a 5 day study tour to the Riverina to evaluate different commercial production systems. Students will also have an opportunity to compete in the annual Inter Collegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) competition as a member of the University of Sydney team. This competition involves teams from numerous universities throughout Australia as well as Japan and the USA.
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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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Senior tertiary 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. understand the direction, learning outcomes, objectives and aims of the Unit of Study
- LO2. understand the different learning styles and how this may influence an individual’s learning
- LO3. self-assess background knowledge in the Unit of Study
- LO4. understand the background history of Merino sheep and their role in the Australian wool industry
- LO5. identify the relationships between quality determinants, processing and product value
- LO6. demonstrate familiarity with the importance and role of breed, environment and marketing options in prime lamb production
- LO7. demonstrate familiarity with the importance and role of breed, environment and marketing options in beef production
- LO8. identify the relationships between quality determinants, processing and product value
- LO9. understand the specific role of pasture management, budgeting and fodder conservation to fill feed gaps and meet specific nutritional requirements for extensive animal production
- LO10. understand the role of animal behaviour in the development of new technologies and approaches applicable to improved animal management and production
- LO11. demonstrate familiarity with the impact of drought on extensive animal production and explore strategies to assist in minimising this impact.
Unit availability
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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