Outline

Overview

This unit introduces the concepts of sheep (wool and meat) and beef cattle production in the Australian environment within the context of world food and fibre consumption and production. The key products as well as domestic and export markets for these are presented. The course provides a historical perspective of the basis for each of these industries and describes each of the production systems designed to meet the demand for these products. Production in both the tropical and temperate regions of Australia will be covered and include the key elements of extensive grazing and intensive feedlot systems. Major issues will include breeds and breeding systems, basic nutrition and production practices and animal welfare issues as they affect the quality and quantity of product marketed. The concepts of first stage processing of both meat and fibre products in abattoirs and top-making plants respectively will be presented. The major factors that influence the quality of product and therefore grading and market demand will be presented. Lecture material will be supported with appropriate practical classes, a 2 day trip to the University's 'Arthursleigh' farm and a 5 day study tour to the Riverina to evaluate different commercial production systems. Students will also have an opportunity to compete in the annual Inter Collegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) competition as a member of the University of Sydney team. This competition involves teams from numerous universities throughout Australia as well as Japan and the USA.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	AVBS4012
Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
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
Assumed knowledge ?	Senior tertiary 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

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Record+)	Final exam Type B	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Meat grading Short quiz	15%	Multiple weeks	Three quizzes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	‘Arthursleigh’ pre-trip report Written report	10%	Week 03	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Grazing trial extension article Written report	20%	Week 08	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Excursion report Written report	15%	Week 13	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

‘Arthursleigh’ pre-trip report: This assessment task will assist you in preparing for the 2 day Field trip to ‘Arthursleigh’ in week 4 or 5. During this activity you will be required to think about the short/medium/long term challenges/constraints/opportunities facing ‘Arthursleigh’ and the information required for decision making so that the farm can meet its production objectives.
Grazing trail extension article: This assignment will assist in developing your “journalistic” style and enable you to
effectively communicate in ‘layman’ terms.
Meat grading: This assessment is comprised of:
- a written reasons class (40%)
- a questions and placing’s class (30%)
- a retail cut identification class (30%)
Excursion report: During the 5 days of the regional NSW excursion you will have the opportunity to question a number
of primary producers and processors covering a range of sheep and cattle enterprises. In order to critically evaluate the practices observed during the trip, you will be allocated specific sites at which you will lead the question and answer sessions. Note: you need to take detailed notes at every site as the information presented will complement information you have gained in class, will be useful when completing your report and is potentially examinable.
Written examination: A closed book examination of 2 hours duration will be held in examination week. The examination
will consist of short answer questions (10) and short essay questions (2). All material covered in the unit will potentially be examinable.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work awarded a high distinction grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics: Accurately answers the question in an impressive, compelling, or highly persuasive manner Presents relevant material accurately in a thoroughly convincing or forceful manner or with the facts well-integrated into an extended and comprehensive explanation or argument Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate Evidence of exhaustive independent research Evidence of extensive critical analysis of concept, and/or innovative perspective on the topic, and/or deep understanding of problem Answers demonstrate striking originality, an innovative approach, or impressive analytical skill Answers are exceptionally well written, with excellent structure expression Is otherwise exceptional in some way
Distinction	75 - 84	Work awarded a distinction grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or presentthe described characteristics: Accurately answers the question in a convincing, confident manner Presents relevant material accurately in a concise manner or with the facts well-integrated into a comprehensive explanation or argument Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate Evidence of extensive independent research Evidence of extensive critical analysis of concept, and/or innovative perspective on the topic,and/or deep understanding of problem Answers are well written, with clear structure and cogent expression
Credit	65 - 74	Work awarded a credit grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics: An appropriate, accurate and reasonable detailed answer or response is provided Appropriate key point or points (facts) and/or concepts clearly presented without significant errors or misconceptions Presents relevant material concisely with facts clearly integrated into the explanation Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate Evidence of some independent research or critical analysis of concept or problem Answers are easily understood with both clear expression and structure if appropriate
Pass	50 - 64	Work awarded a passing grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics: An appropriate but superficial answer or response is provided Presents relevant material in a superficial manner or in a simplistic descriptive style Correctly identifies key point or points (facts) but does not develop an appropriate explanation or argument if this is required Contains some minor errors or presents minor inaccuracies and misconceptions Little or no evidence of indepth analysis or deep understanding of the concept Answers can be understood but may be poorly worded or somewhat flawed due to poor grammar, expression or structure
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following criteria: No answer or response is provided Does not address or otherwise answer the question Contains numerous minor errors or presents a significant misconception Presents irrelevant material No evidence of research or analysis Presents a significantly inaccurate or flawed argument The answer is incomprehensible or difficult to understand due to significant problems with grammar, expression or structure

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

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introduction to Unit; 2. History of the Australian Merino, wool production, products and markets	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 01	Grazing practical 1	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Wool quality determinants	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Wool practical	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Nutritional management of Merino sheep	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Prime lamb production, products/markets	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Grazing practical 2	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	ICMJ Intro and training theory (Group 2)	Lecture (3 hr)
	2-Day Field trip (Group 1)	Field trip (9 hr)
	Meat grading for ICMJ	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	2-Day Field trip (Group 2)	Field trip (9 hr)
	ICMJ Intro and training theory (Group 1)	Lecture (3 hr)
	Meat grading for ICMJ	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Beef cattle production, products/markets	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Grazing practical 3	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Meat - quality determinants	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Meat grading for ICMJ	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Meat - processing	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Meat grading for ICMJ	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Extensive animal industries regional NSW excursion	Field trip (30 hr)
Week 11	Resource management and drought strategies	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Meat grading for ICMJ	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Livestock production in developing countries	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Meat grading for ICMJ	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Major welfare issues and industry insights	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Meat grading for ICMJ	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Due to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance requirements for this unit of study have been amended. Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific online class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

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.

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. understand the direction, learning outcomes, objectives and aims of the Unit of Study
LO2. understand the different learning styles and how this may influence an individual’s learning
LO3. self-assess background knowledge in the Unit of Study
LO4. understand the background history of Merino sheep and their role in the Australian wool industry
LO5. identify the relationships between quality determinants, processing and product value
LO6. demonstrate familiarity with the importance and role of breed, environment and marketing options in prime lamb production
LO7. demonstrate familiarity with the importance and role of breed, environment and marketing options in beef production
LO8. identify the relationships between quality determinants, processing and product value
LO9. understand the specific role of pasture management, budgeting and fodder conservation to fill feed gaps and meet specific nutritional requirements for extensive animal production
LO10. understand the role of animal behaviour in the development of new technologies and approaches applicable to improved animal management and production
LO11. demonstrate familiarity with the impact of drought on extensive animal production and explore strategies to assist in minimising this impact.

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.

Constructive student feedback is always appreciated and incorporated into the following year's teaching where possible.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Q-fever vaccination and completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

AVBS4012: Extensive Animal Industries

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect