Feeding the World
Offered By
Feeding the World
University of Pennsylvania
About this Course
4.6
41 ratings
This course will explore the concepts driving current food production science (population growth, urbanization, emerging affluence, resource constraints, and underlying biological limits) with the main focus on livestock production. Each of the major food animal species (dairy, swine, beef, and poultry) will be covered in terms of their universal life cycles, constraints to production and emerging societal issues.
Throughout the course, we will tackle some difficult and important questions:
What are the major health benefits and potential concerns regarding the production and consumption of animal products?
How does animal production affect the efficient use of resources and impact our environment?
Can cost of production be reduced to meet growing demand for animal products around the globe while maintaining health and safety for both animals and consumers?
What are the different types of animal food production systems?
Myths and misconceptions surrounding the animal food systems will be discussed. We’ll also look closely at some of the global issues, problems, and challenges in these food systems which scientists, farmers, and veterinarians, are attempting to solve through collaboration.
Lectures will be delivered by several experts from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine who are intimately involved in the study and advancement of animal production systems. The course is geared towards learners who seek a greater understanding of animal food systems as well as those who might have never visited an animal farm, but have a desire to learn more about where some of our food comes from and issues surrounding sustainability.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1
Section
Population Growth and Global Animal Industries
This module introduces the course by discussing the pressing need to address global food security as well as the accompanying challenges and ethical issues. We also explore the role that livestock play in the food production system and review trends in animal production.
10 videos (Total 93 min), 2 quizzes
10 videos
Welcome to the Course1m
Global Food Security: What's the Status?11m
What About Livestock Systems? Part 110m
What About Livestock Systems? Part 214m
What are the Ethical Issues? Part 110m
What are the Ethical Issues? Part 213m
Mega Trends in Animal Production Part 19m
Mega Trends in Animal Production Part 29m
Demand for Animal Products8m
2 practice exercises
Population Growth and Global Food Security16m
Trends in Animal Production10m
2
Section
Issues Surrounding Animal Production
This module begins to explore the fundamental principles of animal production operations and the issues surrounding animal production. We will look at the efficiency and environmental impact of the food system as well as animal welfare concerns. Finally, we will discuss the importance of water as an essential resource for the food production system.
6 videos (Total 54 min), 2 quizzes
6 videos
"Long Shadow - Concerns"8m
Introduction to Animal Welfare7m
Land Use: Animal Feeding Systems and Major Food/Feed Crops10m
Water: The Essential Resource for the Food Industry Part 110m
Water: The Essential Resource for the Food Industry Part 210m
2 practice exercises
Livestock Issues in Food Security20m
Water as a Resource in Food Production10m
3
Section
Animal Feeds and the Environment
This module focuses on animal feeds and their important role in the animal production system. You will gain an understanding of the constituents in feed as well as how feed is classified. We will also examine and explain how nutrients flow through the environment. Finally, we will look at the problem of food waste and identify solutions.
9 videos (Total 78 min), 3 quizzes
9 videos
What are Roughages?11m
Feed Analysis7m
Nutrient Concentration in Modern Animal Systems7m
Nitrogen (N) in Food Production8m
The N/P Ratio Dilemma6m
Animal Manure: Waste or Resource10m
Feeding Management: Nutrient Source Control9m
Food Waste7m
3 practice exercises
Animal Feed Components and Their Analysis12m
Nutrients in Animal Production16m
Food Waste8m
4
Section
General Animal Production, Efficiency and Food Safety
This module continues the discussion of animal production operations by looking at factors that affect farms’ animal yields and environmental efficiency. We will also explore food safety, how and why antibiotics are used in food production, and the importance of veterinary medicine as part of the livestock system. Finally, we will look at the challenges of food security and livestock farming in the developing world.
7 videos (Total 57 min), 3 quizzes
7 videos
Food Safety, Elements of Concern - The Big Picture6m
Antibiotic Use in Livestock5m
Growth Promotion vs. Disease Prevention8m
Trends in Antibiotic Use5m
Rinderpest11m
Challenges of Food Security in the Developing World9m
3 practice exercises
The Animal Production Unit6m
Food Safety and Antibiotic Use10m
Livestock, Veterinary Medicine and Food Security8m
4.6
Top Reviews
By JQ•Jul 28th 2017
exceptionally interesting course, with a lot I personally found vital to know. thanks so much!
By EA•Jan 7th 2018
Excellent course, excellent teacher. Thanks very much.
Instructors
Dr. David Galligan
Professor of Animal Health EconomicsSchool of Veterinary Medicine
James Ferguson
Professor of NutritionSchool of Veterinary Medicine
About University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Penn) is a private university, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. A member of the Ivy League, Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and considers itself to be the first university in the United States with both undergraduate and graduate studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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