Outline

Overview

Providing animal protein and fibre to feed and clothe the world requires innovative approaches to sustainably improve livestock productivity and profitability in a changing environment. This unit provides an advanced understanding and appreciation of Australian sheep (meat and wool) and beef cattle production systems within a global production and consumption context. The course provides a whole-system approach across the supply chain, integrating animals, pastures, environment, management and economics to understand key challenges and develop appropriate solutions. Tropical and temperate production regions will be compared and include extensive grazing and intensive feedlot system management. Major issues impacting product quality and quantity will include livestock breed, breeding systems, nutrition, production and husbandry practices and animal welfare. This includes first stage processing in abattoirs and top-making plants as well as marketing. In addition, you will gain skills in meat grading and an opportunity to participate in the Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) program. Lecture material is complemented with hands-on activities including practicals, day trips to 'Arthursleigh' and 'Pye Farm' (University farms) for sheep/cattle husbandry and farm management, and a 5-day study tour to regional south-west NSW to evaluate commercial beef, wool and prime lamb production, marketing and processing systems. Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses. Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week one of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete. Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment. Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally. Please refer to the University’s website https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/q-fever-vaccinations.html for more information on student vaccinations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3 or Bachelor of Science in Agriculture years 1-3 or {144 credit points of units of study including a minimum of 12 credit points from [ANSC3106 and (ANSC3888 or AVBS3888 or SCPU3001)]}
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AVBS4012 or AVBS3010
Assumed knowledge ?	3000-level knowledge in animal production management and behaviour and welfare of production animals
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Russell Bush, russell.bush@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Russell Bush, russell.bush@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam Closed book exam with 10 short answer questions and 2 mini-essays	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Meat grading video video of selecting, cooking and taste testing two meat samples	10%	Week 05 Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 23:59	max 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Grazing trial Written newspaper article with data analysis and interpretation	25%	Week 09 Due date: 02 May 2025 at 23:59	1000 words plus appendix
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Meat grading quizzes Retail cut identification, questions and answers and/or placings	5%	Week 09	Short quiz weeks 9, 11-13
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Excursion Report Written report	20%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59	1000 words plus excursion notes
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Final Exam: The final exam is a closed book examination of 2 hours duration that will be held in the formal exam period. All material and activities covered in the unit will potentially be examinable. The final exam assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Meat grading video: Video to be created reflecting selection, cooking and taste testing of two meat samples from different parts of a carcass.

Grazing Trial Newspaper Article and Appendices: This is a written assessment based on the style of a newspaper article (targeted at an appropriate audience and written in an appropriate style) with data analysis and interpretation.

Excursion Report: This is a written report based on the compulsory field excursion to SW NSW. Note: detailed notes taken at each site visited during the excursion also need to be submitted with your completed report.

Meat grading quizzes: In weeks 9 and 11-13 you will attend practical and tutorial sessions to further enhance your knowledge and understanding of meat grading and carcass assessment. In addition to the video in Assessment task 1, you will complete four (4) short quizzes with one (1) quiz in each of weeks 9 and 11-13. All quiz responses will be collected and marked, with two (2) quizzes to be allocated 2.5% each for a total of 5%. Please assume all of the four (4) quizzes are examinable as you will not be told which two weeks the marks will be recorded.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Refer to unit handbook for grading rubrics for each submitted assessment task.

Zoonosis Awareness Module: This is an online Canvas module which provides introductory content on zoonoses—diseases transmitted from animals to humans.
This module is an essential part of your work health and safety induction for practical activities requiring frequent contact with animals. It must be completed before you begin any practical activities and is mandatory for this unit of study.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Written assignments submitted late without permission (see Special Considerations: http://sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration-and-arrangements.html) will incur a late penalty equal to 5% of the maximum awardable mark per day. These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days or until a solution for the assignment is released or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. • For example, on an assignment given a mark of 7/10, the penalty would be 0.5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 6.5/10. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 3 marks and the final mark would be 4/10. If the assignment is more than 10 days late, the final mark will be zero.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction, Beef supply chain, history, products and markets	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 01	Grazing practical #1	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Meat quality	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	ICMJ Introduction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Meat processing	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Meat grading	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Wool supply chain, history, products and markets	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Wool types	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Wool quality	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Grazing practical #2	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Nutritional management	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Grazing Practical #3	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Whole farm evaluation	Tutorial (6 hr)
Week 09	Prime lamb production	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Meat grading	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Drought management	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Meat grading	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Livestock production in developing countries	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Meat grading	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Livestock welfare	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Meat grading	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

This is an applied unit with numerous hands-on activities and discussions in class. Attendance to all lectures/tutorials/practicals and field trips/excursions is strongly encouraged to ensure skill and knowledge attainment in order to satisfactorily complete all assessment tasks.

Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Some references that will benefit your understanding of key concepts for this course:

Anderson RS, Edney ATB (1991) Practical animal handling, Pergamon Press

Battaglia RA (2007) Handbook of livestock management 4th Edition, Prentice Hall

Cottle, DJ (2010) International sheep and wool handbook, Nottingham University Press

Cottle, DJ and Kahn, L (2014) Beef cattle production and trade CSIRO Publishing

Ensminger, ME & Perry RC (1997) Beef cattle science, Interstate Publishers

Lawrie, RA (2006) Lawries Meat Science, 7th edn, CRC Press

Massy, C (1990) The Australian merino, Viking O'Neil

Philips, CJC (2010) Principles of Cattle Production 2nd Edition, Landlinks Press, Collingwood

Temple, G (2000) Beef cattle handling and facilities design, Grandin Livestock Systems, Fort Collins, Colo

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Evaluate the relationships between Merino strain and environment on wool production, quality determinants, processing and product value across the supply chain to enhance productivity and profitability.
LO2. Describe the role of breed, environment, processing and marketing options in optimizing prime lamb production and quality across the supply chain.
LO3. Describe the role of breed, environment, processing and marketing options in optimizing beef production across northern and southern Australian grazing and feedlot production systems.
LO4. Evaluate the relationships between meat quality determinants, processing and product value to enhance productivity and profitability.
LO5. Evaluate the role of pasture management, budgeting and fodder conservation to fill feed gaps and meet specific nutritional requirements for livestock production.
LO6. Evaluate the impact of a variable climate and increased occurrence of drought on livestock production and develop strategies to assist minimise impact.
LO7. Describe innovative approaches to improve sustainable livestock health, production, productivity and welfare domestically and internationally.
LO8. Formulate and develop solutions to improve farm production systems with management plans that integrate cross-disciplinary expertise.
LO9. Develop communication skills that are articulate, evidence-based and appropriate for stakeholders of the livestock industries.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Staff will seek formal and informal student feedback throughout semester to continually improve content and delivery.

Additional information

Additional costs

There will be a cost associated with attending the field trip to 'Arthursleigh' and the SW NSW Excursion. These costs are subsidised through sponsorship from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI).

Site visit guidelines

See site requirements on the unit's Canvas page.

Work, health and safety

Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses.

Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week one of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete.

Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment.

Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally.

Please refer to the University’s website here for more information on student vaccinations.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ANSC4100: Applied Livestock Systems

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links