Sustainable Livestock Farming

44M0524

Master

English

5.0

only summer term

1 semester

Lectures will be held in Enlish. If all students speak German as their native language, lectures will be held in German, with englisch course material.

Sustainable livestock farming is an integrated approach that aims to meet the present needs of livestock farmers without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This involves minimising environmental impact and promoting animal welfare while optimising the use of resources.

The module provides an integrative understanding of sustainable livestock farming, taking into account ecological, economic, social, and ethical dimensions. Students learn to critically analyze existing production systems and to evaluate sustainable solutions on a scientific basis.

- Basic principles of sustainable livestock farming

- International concepts and frameworks

- The environmental impact of livestock farming and key sustainability indicators

- Animal welfare and animal health as a sustainability dimension

- Methods of sustainability assessment (e.g. LCA)

- Sustainability measures, their trade-offs and synergies

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• oral exam or
• Written examination

The standard examination form is an oral exam. Alternatively, a written exam may be chosen by the lecturers; the exam type will be defined upon the start of lectures.

The oral examination will be carried out by two examiners per student.

ca. 20-30-minute oral examination (standard) or a 2 hour written exam (alternative)

Sound knowledge of livestock husbandry methods

Students are familiar with key characteristics of sustainable livestock farming and know the principles of sustainable husbandry.

Students can evaluate the sustainability of animal husbandry based on various criteria. They can assess different methods and forms of animal husbandry in terms of their sustainability and evaluate opportunities for optimization.

Students can apply assessment methods and evaluate the impact of animal husbandry. They can develop arguments on the sustainability aspects of husbandry systems and discuss possible alternative approaches.

Students can identify and evaluate the ecological, economic and social impacts of animal husbandry and understand how to minimize these impacts.

By addressing the impacts, frameworks and requirements of sustainable livestock farming, students are encouraged to discuss innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the sector and to question the status quo.

Students can explain sustainable livestock farming systems using technically and ethically correct language. The practical orientation of the module creates a good basis for practical cooperation.

Students can recognise the potential of modern livestock husbandry methods. They can review their decisions professionally. They can scrutinise and reflect critically on husbandry concepts from a sustainability perspective.

• Münster, Pia

• Münster, Pia
• Hinrichs, Birgit
• Waßmuth, Ralf