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University of Pennsylvania

Feeding the World

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.

Status: Environment
Status: Production Process
BeginnerCourse20 hours

Featured reviews

JQ

5.0Reviewed Jul 27, 2017

exceptionally interesting course, with a lot I personally found vital to know. thanks so much!

MR

5.0Reviewed May 30, 2022

Great foundation for understanding the beef industry!!

RV

5.0Reviewed May 12, 2020

I loved this class! I learned so much and it taught so well

EA

5.0Reviewed Jan 6, 2018

Excellent course, excellent teacher. Thanks very much.

PG

5.0Reviewed Sep 20, 2020

This is a relevant course even for animal health practitioners.

YK

5.0Reviewed Mar 4, 2019

Fantastic Course! I was so pleased to participate in a course on Feeding the World and to learn it's reality. Thanks to all who put this course on.

MN

5.0Reviewed Feb 24, 2020

Excellent content covering the broad scope of U.S. and international livestock-based agriculture. This course addressed the many concerns that consumers have regarding animal products.

ES

4.0Reviewed Apr 6, 2020

Good and informative, but needs to be updated as i believe the numbers are not current and up to date.

SB

5.0Reviewed Jul 24, 2020

Such a wide diversity of topics presented by a wide diversity of teachers. Right level of information, quantitative and qualitative, for an introductory course.

AA

5.0Reviewed Mar 10, 2019

Coursera indeed has changed my life and empowered me the right skills for a better tomorrow .i am gratefully appreciate you , for all you have done to bless us

MB

5.0Reviewed Oct 16, 2021

It provide a lot of information about feeding the world like food safety, food security and much more.

LC

5.0Reviewed Jul 19, 2020

VERY easy to understand, well paced, and has a wonderful array of educators with relevant credentials.

All reviews

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