Livestock production systems
Understanding Livestock Production Systems
- Grasp the purpose of livestock production systems for different purposes such as meat, milk, eggs, wool or as draught animals for work.
- Understand that duration of the production cycle, including breeding, gestation, rearing and finishing, varies between animal species and can be affected by management choices.
- Differentiate between intensive production systems, where large numbers of animals are kept in confinement with high input of feed, labour and technology, and extensive systems, where animals graze on large areas with lower inputs and outputs per animal.
- Recognise the relevance of monogastric (e.g. pigs, poultry) and ruminant (e.g. cattle, sheep) animals in production systems, with implications for feeding, housing and health management.
- Appreciate the variety of production systems tailored to different species, such as layer systems for egg production, and understand how different breeds of animals may be suited to different systems.
Keys Factors in Livestock Production Management
- Understand the importance of nutrition and feeding management in livestock production, providing the necessary energy, protein, vitamins and minerals for growth, reproduction and health.
- Acknowledge the role of breeding and genetics in livestock production, from selecting appropriate breeds to using artificial insemination, embryo transfer or genetic selection to enhance performance.
- Recognise the crucial role of disease and health management in livestock production, including preventive measures like vaccination and biosecurity, and treatment or culling of sick animals.
- Grasp that animal handling and husbandry skills are key for successful livestock production, involving routine tasks such as milking, shearing or calving, as well as emergency care.
- Understand how waste management and environmental sustainability can affect production efficiency and public perception of livestock farming, including issues like manure management, greenhouse gas emissions and water use.
Impact of Production Systems on Animal Welfare and Ethics
- Learn about the potential animal welfare issues associated with different production systems, from confinement and crowding in intensive systems to predator attacks or feed shortages in extensive systems.
- Appreciate the importance of legal and industry standards for animal welfare in livestock production systems, and recognise that management practices can go above these standards to provide ‘high welfare’ conditions.
- Understand the correlation between good animal welfare and profitable production, but also be aware of potential conflicts between welfare and production goals.
- Reflect on the ethical debates around livestock production, such as consumer attitudes to animal treatment, impacts on biodiversity or climate change, and the tension between affordable food production and animal welfare.
- Grasp the importance of continual learning and adaptation in livestock production, based on scientific research, on-farm experience and societal expectations.