Sustainable Livestock Production Systems University of Reading

Overview

Throughout the Sustainable Livestock Production Systems course from the University of Reading eight weeks of interactive, online sessions and discussions, delivered through the University of Reading’s Virtual Learning Environment, you will develop a detailed understanding of environmental, social, and economic factors associated with sustainability across a range of livestock sectors.

After completing the course you will have an excellent understanding of sustainability factors impacting livestock production systems and will be able to identify specific issues relating to pig, poultry, dairy, and ruminant meat production systems. This will be of particular use to professionals working with livestock and looking to develop sustainability, but would also be relevant to anyone across the food industry looking to increase their understanding of these topics.

This online learning module is available to students on the following modes of study: students enrolled on the distance learning MSc by research in Animal Science programme; students enrolled on AgriFood Training Partnership programmes; students wishing to undertake independent study on a modular basis; students engaged in continuing professional development (CPD), taken as a stand-alone module with or without assessment.

Aims:

To provide a background overview of key livestock production systems (dairy, ruminant meat, mongastric meat and egg production systems) and a critical awareness of the challenges and opportunities associated with developing sustainable livestock production systems. 

Outcomes:

• By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• Critically evaluate the challenges and opportunities facing different livestock sectors

• Critically evaluate measures to improve the sustainability of a livestock production system

• Use appropriate tools to identify reliable information and literature on a given topic

• Communicate research findings clearly

• Demonstrate good academic practice in the use, citation and referencing of source material