Program Overview

Introduction to VSC110 Animal Production and Welfare

VSC110 Animal Production and Welfare presents a preliminary study of animal production systems, providing an integrative link for the study of animal genetics, welfare, behaviour, agricultural economics, pasture production, and nutrition. The subject examines each industry, including beef, dairy, wool, meat sheep, poultry, pigs, and aquaculture, from the perspective of the industry as a whole, the individual producer, and veterinarian.

Subject Outlines

The subject outlines the basic principles and application of ruminant nutrition and develops animal handling skills in the context of animal behaviour, welfare, and operator safety in both classroom and practical settings.

Availability

The subject is available in Session 1, with classes held on the Wagga Wagga Campus.

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The subject is one session in duration.

School

The subject is offered by the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences.

Enrolment Restrictions

Enrolment is restricted to students in the following courses:

• Bachelor of Veterinary Biology
• Bachelor of Veterinary Science
• Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science
• Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons)
• Bachelor of Science (Agriculture)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• describe an animal production system at a basic level in terms of nutritional and environmental requirements, husbandry procedures, breeding, disease management, genetics, and welfare
• describe and analyse the key issues in relation to the livestock industries globally, including supply, demand, and environmental impacts
• recognise the common breeds of animals used in farm animal production and describe their characteristics
• confidently, competently, and safely handle cattle and sheep and carry out a basic health assessment
• outline the characteristics of a simple handling facility appropriate for each production animal species
• describe the role of the veterinary profession in providing services to each industry
• explain how animal welfare is defined and assessed

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:

• an introduction to the subject and its relationship to the courses being studied
• an overview of animal production in Australia and worldwide and the veterinary role in animal health and welfare and human safety
• an introduction to animal nutrition, particularly the role of pasture as a nutritional source for ruminants
• each of the major farm animal industries and the production systems used in Australia, including beef and dairy cattle, wool and meat sheep, pigs, poultry, and aquaculture
• human interaction with farm animals, including handling, behaviour, facility design and operation, safety for man and beast, and stockmanship