Courses & Units
Animal Production Systems KLA120
Introduction
This unit provides an overview of the major Tasmanian animal production systems and how they fit within the broader Australian and worldwide contexts. Students use systems thinking to explore the variety of strategies that growers use meet their production targets and explore the impact of grower management decisions along the value chain. These include decisions around production intensification, husbandry, genetic tools, feed base and niche market opportunities. Students learn about key biological processes that enable animals to grow and reproduce and explore how these processes impact product quantity and quality. Excursions to commercial animal production enterprises enable students to see the real-life complexities of these growing systems and to interact with well-established Tasmanian producers. Students apply their systems-based thinking by comparing the visited enterprises and designing a stock management plan. Understanding how the many system elements can impact production and preparing management plans prepares students for undertaking further animal studies (including production animal research) or working in many industry roles including as growers, consultants, extension officers and processors.
Summary
| Unit name | Animal Production Systems |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KLA120 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture |
| Discipline | Agriculture and Food Systems |
| Coordinator | Doctor Sarah Andrewartha |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Launceston | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 26/2/2024 | 22/3/2024 | 15/4/2024 | 2/6/2024 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Describe key biological principles that impact profitable animal production
- Compare the key characteristics and drivers of efficient, effective and profitable animal production systems.
- Communicate scientific and industry information to a scientific audience
- Design an animal management plan based on collected data
Fee Information
The 2024 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the domestic fee information as soon as we have more details.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Lecture, 2 x 50min lectures weekly; Practical, 1 x 3hr practical or 1 x 2hr tutorial or 1 x 4hr field trip weekly |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Systems test (10%)|Nutrient capture and use test (20%)|Animal management report and plan (30%)|Examination (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
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