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

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 21/2/2022 22/3/2022 11/4/2022 29/5/2022

* 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 2022 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2022 will be available from the 1st October 2021. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
050101 $498.00 $498.00 not applicable $2,783.00

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

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 

AssessmentExamination (40%)|Systems test (10%)|Animal management report and plan (30%)|Nutrient capture and use test (20%)
TimetableView 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.

LinksBooktopia textbook finder

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