Handbook

Humans have an ethical responsibility to provide appropriate care for animals under their care, and veterinarians have particular obligations and responsibilities in this area. Animal Production and Welfare (VSC110) presents an introduction to animal production systems and provides an integrative link for the study of animal health and husbandry, welfare, behaviour, agricultural economics, intensive and extensive production systems, as well as introducing the principles of scientific writing, literature research and review, skills in numeracy and referencing. Basic information on livestock production systems is presented, and the application of this information to informed consideration of health, welfare, productivity, market access, public health and environmental impact. This subject is foundational to study of the sciences underpinning animal health and welfare and productivity, including genetics, nutrition, physiology, pathology, microbiology, parasitology and epidemiology. Animal handling skills are developed in the context of animal behaviour, health and welfare and operator safety in both classroom and practical settings as preparation for student participation in animal husbandry extramural (AHEMS) placements.