Learn about global food security and livestock systems. Explore challenges in animal production and sustainable solutions.
Learn about global food security and livestock systems. Explore challenges in animal production and sustainable solutions.
This course explores the concepts driving current food production science, focusing on livestock production. It covers population growth, urbanization, resource constraints, and biological limits affecting food production. The course examines major food animal species (dairy, swine, beef, and poultry) in terms of their life cycles, production constraints, and emerging societal issues. It addresses health benefits and concerns of animal products, environmental impacts, production cost reduction, and different types of animal food production systems. Myths and misconceptions surrounding animal food systems are discussed, along with global issues and challenges. Experts from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine deliver lectures, providing insights into animal production systems.
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Instructors:
English
21 languages available
What you'll learn
Understand the concepts driving current food production science
Explore the life cycles and production constraints of major food animal species
Analyze the health benefits and potential concerns of animal product production and consumption
Evaluate the environmental impact of animal production
Examine cost reduction strategies for animal products while maintaining health and safety
Understand different types of animal food production systems
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
8.91 Hours PreRecorded video
22 quizzes
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
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There are 8 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive overview of global food production, focusing on livestock systems. It explores the challenges of feeding a growing world population while addressing environmental concerns and animal welfare issues. The course covers the production cycles of major food animals including dairy, swine, poultry, and beef. It examines topics such as resource use, food safety, antibiotic use in livestock, and the impact of animal production on the environment. The course also discusses emerging trends and technologies in animal agriculture, as well as the differences between production systems in developed and developing countries.
Population Growth and Global Animal Industries
Module 1 · 2 Hours to complete
Issues Surrounding Animal Production
Module 2 · 1 Hours to complete
Animal Feeds and the Environment
Module 3 · 2 Hours to complete
General Animal Production, Efficiency and Food Safety
Module 4 · 2 Hours to complete
Dairy Production
Module 5 · 2 Hours to complete
Swine Production
Module 6 · 1 Hours to complete
Poultry Production
Module 7 · 2 Hours to complete
Beef Production
Module 8 · 4 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financial Aid
Instructors
Leading Animal Health Economics at Penn Vet
David T. Galligan, VMD, MBA, is a professor of animal health economics and the director of the Center for Animal Health and Productivity at Penn Vet. His research focuses on evaluating the economic value of veterinary technologies and management strategies within animal production systems. Dr. Galligan is dedicated to enhancing the role of veterinary medicine in promoting economic and environmental efficiency alongside animal health. Currently, his economic research involves developing various visual analytical tools designed to aid management decision-making in dairy production, contributing to advancements in the field.
Expert in Food Systems and Nutrition
Dr. James Ferguson is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania, where he has dedicated his career to studying food systems, nutrition, and agricultural practices. He teaches the course "Feeding the World" on Coursera, which addresses critical issues related to global food security, sustainable agricultural practices, and the nutritional needs of populations around the world. His expertise encompasses various aspects of food production and distribution, emphasizing the importance of effective strategies to combat hunger and malnutrition.Throughout his academic career, Dr. Ferguson has contributed significantly to understanding how agricultural practices can be optimized to improve food availability and quality. His research often integrates insights from social sciences to address the complex challenges facing modern food systems. By sharing his knowledge through online education, Dr. Ferguson aims to equip learners with the tools necessary to engage in meaningful discussions and actions regarding global food issues. His work continues to influence both academic discourse and practical approaches to enhancing food security worldwide.
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4.7 course rating
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