Animal Production

About the major

Contemporary animal production aims to yield high-quality products in an efficient, sustainable and humane fashion. As a student in the Animal Production major, you will:

• Learn how environment affects livestock productivity, how physiology affects production and reproduction and how to improve animal performance through the application of underpinning animal sciences.
• Study animal behaviour and learn about production systems that promote animal wellbeing and welfare.
• Acquire a sound understanding of resources required to address the challenges associated with achieving sustainable and profitable animal production enterprises.
• Graduate with a recognised industry-oriented and science-based education with a strong focus on enhancing the health, well-being and productivity of animals used in production systems, through innovative approaches.

Requirements for completion

The Animal Production major and minor requirements are listed in the Animal Production unit of study table.

Contact and further information

W sydney.edu.au/science/life-environment/
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Example pathways

Those with a strong interest in beef or sheep production may choose the below pathway in this major:

1000-level: AVBS1002, BIOL1007
2000-level: AVBS2004, GEGE2001
3000-level: ANSC3888, ANSC3106, ANSC3102 and AVBS3010

Those with a strong interest in aquaculture may choose the below pathway in this major:

1000-level: AVBS1002, BIOL1007
2000-level: AVBS2004, GEGE2001
3000-level: ANSC3888, ANSC3106, AVBS3008 and AVBS3009

Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate from Animal Production will be able to:

1. Exhibit a broad and coherent knowledge of animal nutrition, reproduction and body systems and evaluate disturbances to homeostasis that occur from production systems.
2. Integrate a deep understanding of the principles and concepts of the structure and function of animal body systems to evaluate the responses of animals to environmental factors and stressors.
3. Optimise meat, milk or fibre production for humans and assess product safety prior to consumption.
4. Handle production animals in authentic farming settings both individually and as part of diverse teams, conducting themselves in a professional and ethical manner and minimising risk and stress for both human and animal.
5. Communicate concepts and findings in animal production through a range of modes for a variety of purposes and audiences, using evidence-based arguments that are robust to critique.
6. Evaluate the impact of animal nutrition and genetics on the health and wellbeing of animals used for production purposes.
7. Develop solutions for challenges faced by producers across diverse social and cross-cultural settings, applying detailed knowledge of animal farming systems.
8. Enhance ethical, efficient and sustainable animal production through the application of innovative technologies.
9. Communicate and advocate for the principles of ethical animal farming by applying best practice, both within and across diverse social and cultural groups.
10. Address authentic problems in animal production, working responsibly and ethically within diverse, collaborative, interdisciplinary teams.