Outline

Overview

Dairy science is arguably the most multidisciplinary of all animal production areas. Topics such as animal physiology, nutrition, reproduction, genetics need to be understood in the context of more distant disciplines like pasture and forage crops, milk harvesting and robotics, farm economics; and the integration of all these into the whole system. In this UoS, we combine face-to-face lectures, interactive group discussions, guided field exercises and activities, and visits to commercial farms (ranging from small pasture-based to large-herd indoor systems milking >2000 cows) to gain understanding of key components of dairy systems and of the system of production as a whole. This unit connects basic knowledge with practical application and contributes to develop students' ability to integrate knowledge. Completing this course successfully will give students the tools and confidence required to assist commercial farmers to improve practice change on farm and increase productivity and profitability. In line with the research expertise of the dairy science team, emphasis is placed on automatic/robotic systems and the use and application of technology in dairying. 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 ?	48 credit points of 2000-level or 3000-level units
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Enrolled students are expected to have some understanding of key components of the dairy production system, including basic knowledge of animal physiology and nutrition
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sarah Wilma Jean Legge, s.legge@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Rezaul Rakib, rezaul.rakib@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Sergio Garcia, sergio.garcia@sydney.edu.au
	Sarah Wilma Jean Legge, s.legge@sydney.edu.au
	Sam Rowe, samuel.rowe@sydney.edu.au
	Juan Garguilo, juan.garguilo@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final Exam Supervised Exam	30%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Zoonosis Awareness Module Zoonosis Awareness Module: This is an online Canvas module which provides introductory content on zoonoses—diseases transmitted from animals to humans.	0%	Week 01 Due date: 04 Aug 2025 at 13:00	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 1 In class quiz	10%	Week 05 Due date: 04 Sep 2025 at 10:00 Closing date: 04 Sep 2025	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Project Plan (written) Groups present written Project Plan - value of 10% of total UoS mark	15%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:59	4-5 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	Quiz 2 Supervised Test (BYOD) Secure	20%	Week 08 Due date: 25 Sep 2025 at 10:00 Closing date: 25 Sep 2025	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Q&A Q&A following presentation	5%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2025 at 10:00	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Project Presentation (oral) Oral presentation of the Group Project - all students must be present.	15%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2025 at 10:00	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Project evaluation (professional-communication) Peer-evaluation and reflection	5%	Week 12 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1 page	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

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.
Project Plan (group): Students work with a real problem or case. Problems can be from commercial farms or the dairy industry more generally; each group submits a written Project Plan outlining title, objectives, methods and expected outcomes.
Project Presentation (group presentation with all students presenting individually): Students present their projects and findings to the class and industry people.
Presentation Q&A (individual): Each group member will address a question on their presentation.
Project Evaluation (individual): Students assign a mark to the other group members and write a reflective statement about their contribution to their group.
Quiz 1 (individual): Students will be individually assessed on learning outcomes from the first 4 weeks of semester content.
Quiz 2 (individual): Students will be individually assessed on learning outcomes from weeks 5 to 7 of the semester content.
Final Exam (individual): All learning outcomes assessed in the formal exam period, this is a compulsory requirement.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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.

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.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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:

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.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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	The Australian dairy industry - systems of production - System components - Feedbase	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 02	Drivers of Profitability: Feed and feedbase planning Physical and economic data analysis and interpretation	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 03	Feeding cows on pasture-based systems	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 04	Feeding cows on Intensive systems (total mixed ration diets)	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 05	Intensive system design and cow comfort. Farm visit	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 06	Calf and heifer rearing	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 07	Lactation physiology - ONLINE by Zoom from UCDavis	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 08	Milk harvesting & DaTA (Data, Technology and Automation) in dairying	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 09	Visit farms on the NSW South Coast - Recognise key characteristics and drivers of different production systems	Field trip (8 hr)
Week 10	Reproduction and health management	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 11	Milk quality and milk processing - visit to a processing site	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 12	Project presentation and discussion	Project (6 hr)
Week 13	Course closure - Revision and integration of knowledge and concepts	Workshop (6 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend at least 80% of lectures and practicals (field-trips practicals, tutorials, workshops). The LO of each module (week) will be assessed via quizzes.

Quizzes can include MCQ as well as problem solving and other type of questions, all arising from the material presented/discussed in class or during the practical/tutorial/farm visit.

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

Dairy Feedbase and Contained Housing - National Guidelines 3rd edition (Dairy Australia - Ag Vic)

Dairy Australia ‘Situation & Outlook June 2023’, pp 2-8

https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/industry-statistics/industry-reports/situation-and-outlook-report#.YQd0bi0RoTs

Future Dairy Tech Note 3

https://futuredairy.com.au/publications/

AgVic-Dairy Australia Feeding Dairy Cows e-book (download from Canvas)

Dairy Australia fact sheet ‘Your herd’s milk production curve’

http://feed.dairyaustralia.com.au/feeding-your-herd/your-herds-milk-production-curve

Future dairy AMS Guidelines –

https://futuredairy.com.au/ams-guidelines/

Australian animal welfare standards and guidelines for cattle – a guide for dairy farmers

https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/animal-management/animal-welfare

‘Milking Edge’ AMS Modules – (students will be given online access)

AMS Generalities
Incentive Management in AMS

https://tocal.instructure.com/enroll/8P8X9T?fbclid=IwAR03T0QymskKrvBjUGA7pSEAPjDf2aJAjIcaKov9gUq229CsnsAjbYJqc4M

Dairy Australia Transition dairy cow (students will be given access during the course)

Recommended Literature for Consultation:

Feeding the Dairy Cow (Chamberlain and Wilkinson 1996)

Milk Production from pasture (Holmes et al 2002)

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. Dairy industry and systems: Describe the Australian dairy industry and its key challenges, the different production systems and drivers of profitability, and be able to analyse farm technical data to evaluate the impact of costs of production on the profitability of a farm business.
LO2. Drivers of system profitability and planning. Identify the types of feed systems used in Australian and be able to apply industry feed planning and budgeting tools and analyse data to evaluate the feed management practices of farm systems and describe the role of feed as a key driver of profitability
LO3. Feeding cows in pasture based systems. Describe the nutritional requirements of dairy cows throughout lactation and analyse the impact of feed quality on animal health, milk production and quality as a key driver of profitability in the farm system. Confidently use a step by step approach to feeding cattle on pasture based systems. Learn the useof remote sensing (satellite) monitoring of pastures and their application to manangement
LO4. Rearing calves: Describe the calf rearing life cycle and identify key time points for managing animal health and welfare outcomes. Know industry targets and be able to compare and contrast calf rearing systems
LO5. Lactation physiology: Be able to describe mammogenesis, lactogenesis and galactopoiesis and the impact of the cow including breed, genetics, health and lactation physiology on milk production and quality as a key driver of profitability
LO6. Intensive systems: get familiar with key characteristics and components of intensive (Total Mixed Ration) systems like dry lots, compost-barns and free-stall barns, which are becoming increasingly common in Australia. Confidently apply a step by step approach to feeding cattle on intensive systems including the use or ration formulation programs.
LO7. Dry cow management: Describe the importance of effective dry cow management and identify the risk factors impacting pre and post calving. Be able to develop and analyse diets for enabling successful transition cow management
LO8. DairyTech: Identify automation technologies used in the dairy industry to improve production efficiencies. Demonstrate capability to analyse and interpret datasets from a variety of automation technologies
LO9. Reproduction and health management: Understand the importance of good reproduction and health management as key for farm productivity and profitability. Be able to identify and describe prominent diseases affecting dairy cattle and analyse their impact on animal health, production and milk quality.
LO10. Milk harvesting: Compare and contrast the functionality of conventional milking system and automated (robotic) milking systems for evaluating milk quality, herd health and labour efficiency outcomes and their impact on business profitability
LO11. Milk quality: Describe how milk quality is defined and the importance for the producer and processor in terms of farm income, product processing and meeting consumer demand. Describe the basics of milk processing
LO12. Additional LO (professional project working with commercial farms and industry): Describe opportunities and challenges for the dairy farm business of the future and analyse the role of innovation, entrepreneurship and business acumen in securing success. Critically analyse dairy farm systems and apply technical knowledge to generate creative and innovative solutions to real business challenges. Demonstrate professionalism in communication and collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders for evaluating the farm system to generate applicable solutions

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.

Quizzes have been consolidated to two with a final exam.

Additional information

More information related to this unit can be found on Canvas or will be provided in class

Additional costs

Students may be required to travel to dairy farms relatively close to Sydney (e.g, Camden area; Albion Park/Nowra) for farm visits

Site visit guidelines

Guidelines will be provided on a case by case basis

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.

General laboratory safety rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory

As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Q-Fever vaccination and completion of the Canvas Module 'Zoonosis Awareness' is compulsory as is completion of the Farm Safety Induction Task.

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)

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

AVBS4002: Dairy Production and Technology

Semester 2, 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)

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