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The animal production sector is critical to the health of regional Australian and the economy. It is important that the individuals supporting the animal production industries are familiar with the methods of producing livestock products (milk, meat, and fibre). Such knowledge and associated critical and creative thinking, will be required to ensure that productivity in the animal industries continues in a landscape with increasing constrained biophysical resources. Knowledge of the interactions between the production system, animal welfare outcomes, and broader environmental impacts will also be important so graduates can contribute to the sustainability of the broader agricultural landscape. Understanding consumer expectations regarding the production of safe and sustainable food, animal welfare, and environmental impacts will prepare graduates for the future opportunities and challenges facing the animal production sector.

The course examines and critically evaluates the production systems used for extensive and intensive animal production to produce milk, meat and fibre. Extensive grazing, intensive grazing, dairy, feedlot and housed systems will be covered. Through lectures, tutorials and site visits, students will examine and evaluate these production systems from their production, sustainability, food safety and quality and animal welfare perspectives.

This course contains a highly recommended residential school for both external and on-campus students (non-attendance will mean the student misses an element of assessment preparation). To participate in the residential school students will need to have immunity to or have been vaccinated against Q fever (A zoonotic disease).

On completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Explain the characteristics of the main animal production systems used in Australian animal agriculture;
2. Apply competence in the design and analysis of animal production systems;
3. Apply an appreciation for the principles of animal husbandry used to produce meat, milk and animal fibre;
4. Critically evaluate the natural, demographic, logistical economic, and political pressures facing animal production systems.