About this course
Consumers in wealthy countries demand high quality safe food that is produced with minimal environmental losses, and under optimal conditions for animal welfare. In less developed countries, livestock production should not only satisfy an increasing demand, but also contribute to poverty alleviation of smallholders. This course gives an overview of various methods that can be used to assess animal production systems across the world, with a special focus on their impact on the environment (i.e. on efficient use of resources and on emissions to air, water or soil), their impact on the livelihood of people (i.e. on farm income, volatility, employability, and food security) and their impact on animal welfare (i.e. on animal behaviour, animal health). Furthermore, an optimization model is used to explore various scenarios to contribute to more sustainable food production. Finally, trade-offs and synergies between sustainability aspects are analysed.
Learning outcomes
Calculate indicators for environmental assessment of animal production systems
Explain the potential use of environmental indicators from a farm and life cycle perspective
Analyze livelihoods with an economic-based model for different animal production systems
Compare and judge tools to assess animal welfare
Interpret results of a risk factor analysis on animal welfare indicators
Explain why and how food systems models are used and what kind of insights they provide
Identify synergies and trade-offs among sustainability aspects within animal production systems
Interpret outcomes of different scenarios using food systems optimization modelling
Assessment method
- Written test with open questions (70%)
- Assignment essay (20%)
- Assignment other (10%) During the practicals, 3 assignments must be submitted by each student. These will be graded sufficient or not sufficient. When all 3 assignments are graded sufficient, 1 point is added to the grade based on essay and written exam.
Prior knowledge
APS20806 Systems Approach in Animal Sciences
Resources
- Study guide and reader in English available via Brightspace.
Additional information
- More infoCourse page on website of Wageningen University & Research
- Contact a coordinator
- Levelmaster
- Mode of instructionon campus
Starting dates
9 Mar 2026
ends 3 May 2026