APS-31306 Future Livestock Systems

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Assumed knowledge on:

APS-20806 and APS-30306

Contents:

This course explores livestock farming systems that meet future societal, ecological and economic demands. Drivers of development for a variety of livestock systems will be explained and discussed. Systems vary from high to low external input systems, from conventional to organic systems and from systems with the emphasis on meat and milk production to those with emphasis on nature and landscape management and social reasons for keeping animals. The course covers future developments, analysis of values and functions of animals, resource use and livestock environment interactions in both developed and developing countries.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course students are expected to be able:
- to explore future roles of livestock in farming systems;
- to relate drivers for livestock farming system development to livestock farming system development;
- to relate values and functions of animals and animal systems, resource use and environmental issues to livestock development;
- to use an analytical approach (the logical framework) to develop projects and strategies for livestock system development;
- to critically judge and discuss livestock system development.

Activities:

Students will acquire these skills through lectures, assignments, group discussions and the writing and presentation of a report based on the logical framework approach.

Examination:

Written English exam answered in English or Dutch and an English report on a design of future livestock systems.

Literature:

Study guide and reader in English.