AP501 Food, Fibre, and Protein

DESCRIPTION

The unit focuses on principles crop and livestock production, and the scope and scale of different segments of agricultural industry. Some selected major Australian food crops are considered with reference to the importance of the crop, field operations and crop establishment, varietal considerations, and cultural practices. Production and management of important livestock resulting in production of proteins and fibre in form of milk, meat, and wool are discussed. The unit also provides students an understanding of innovations and information about potential disruptive technologies in these fields.

RELEVANT COURSES

Master of Agricultural Information Management*

Master of Business Administration (Agribusiness)*

Graduate Diploma of Agribusiness*

Graduate Certificate in Agriculture*

*Core unit

CREDIT POINTS

10

DELIVERY MODE

On campus

Online

Mixed mode

Intensive

Extensive

PREREQUISITE OR CO-REQUISITE

Nil

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

LO1 Understand the scope and scale of agricultural industry in Australia, its structure in the form of major crops, and livestock production systems

LO2 Critically analyse factors affecting crop and livestock productivity and suggest alternative measures for sustainable agriculture

LO3 Investigate and apply innovative approaches in the management of agricultural and livestock production

LO4 Critically appraise and apply cultural and management practices of major cereals, fibre, legume crops, and major livestock for optimum production and product quality

LO5 Critically analyse and discuss smart agriculture, current and potential disruptive technologies in agriculture

CONTENT

  • Scope and scale of agriculture in Australia
  • Soils, plant nutrition, and water sustainability; principles of crop production and innovation
  • Innovations in irrigation, manures, and fertilisers in crop production, cropping patterns, cropping system
  • Cereal, fruit, and vegetable crop production, cultural practices, and innovations
  • Legume and fibre crop production, cultural practices, and innovations
  • Principles of livestock containment and housing; pasture species, assessment, and management of pastures
  • Animal physiology and nutrition, animal health
  • Cattle production and management: Detailed aspects of care and management of different classes of dairy cattle for milk and meat production
  • Sheep and goat production and management: Detailed aspects of care and management for meat and fibre production
  • Poultry, meat, and egg production: Detailed aspects of care and management for meat and fibre production
  • Protective plant production
  • Smart agriculture: Urban agriculture, smart designs, and vertical farms, hydroponic and aeroponics, use of sensors and drones in agriculture

ASSESSMENT METHODS

  1. Oral presentaion – 20%
  2. Literature review – 30%
  3. Exam – 50%

PRESCRIBED READINGS

Nil

Check with the lecturer each semester before purchasing any textbooks