The Sustainable Livestock Production Systems course will explore a range of different livestock production systems and the opportunities and challenges of implementing sustainable practices. Through 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. You 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 module is available for CPD (£450) or credit (£700). Modules taken as CPD can be later converted to credit for a fee of £250.
Contact Name for Enquiries: Fiona Lee or Cathy Crips
Email address: aftp@reading.ac.uk
Telephone Number: 0118 378 3312 or 0118 378 8722
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Each topic will be introduced with some interactive online material and downloadable materials. There will be a series of online discussions and exercises to support learning. An online presentation by each participant on a blueprint for sustainable livestock production will form the basis of discussion at the end of the course and form part of the assessment of the course.
The course will be assessed by written coursework and a screencast/ online presentation. The report will review the sustainability (economic, environmental and social) of a particular livestock production system and the means by which its sustainability may be improved. This would comprise 60% of the overall course assessment. An online presentation (screencast) will be prepared that will propose a blueprint for sustainable livestock production. This will be uploaded for viewing by peers and academic staff as part of an online conference/discussion. The presentation and the contributions made to the online discussion will comprise the remaining 40% of the overall course mark.
Online exercises and quizzes, and feedback and contributions from others in the online discussion fora will provide the basis for formative assessment.
Dr Caroline Rymer
AgriFood Training Partnership
The University of Reading
PO Box 226, Whiteknights
Reading RG6 6AP