Feeding the World from Coursera

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.

What's inside

Syllabus

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dairy Production

Welcome to the first week of the course which explores a particular animal production sector. The focus for this module will be dairy. The life cycle of a dairy cow as well as the environmental impact of dairy production will be covered. We'll also explore housing systems, milking technologies, trends and animal welfare issues in the dairy production system. Finally we will address public health concerns in dairy production including hormone use, antibiotic use, and milk safety in the U.S.

Swine Production

This module will examine the life cycle of market hogs and mother sows in the U.S. swine production system. Swine housing and the rationale behind those facilities will be covered in addition to welfare and the trends and challenges currently affecting the swine industry.

Poultry Production

This module examines the production system and life cycle of U.S. poultry. We'll address animal welfare issues and emerging challenges and finish the week with a discussion about public health concerns related to the poultry production system.

Beef Production

The final module of the course focuses on beef production systems. We will examine the production system and life cycle of U.S. beef cattle. Then, we'll address animal health as well as public health issues. Finally, we'll finish the week with a discussion about the international beef industry.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive exploration of animal production science as it relates to the global food system

Taught by highly experienced professors and experts in both animal production science and veterinary medicine

Examines the latest industry issues and challenges related to animal production and food safety

Covers cutting-edge topics such as the efficient use of resources, animal welfare concerns, and emerging societal issues

Provides a broad overview of different types of animal food production systems in the United States

Explores the complex ethical issues surrounding animal production, including animal welfare and the use of antibiotics

Reviews summary

Enthusiastically reviewed course on food production

Learners say this well received course excels at presenting engaging assignments and difficult exams that help them learn about the intricacies of feeding the world. Students praise the course's excellent instructors and appreciate its comprehensive content that covers a global scope of livestock-based agriculture while highlighting the US food system in particular.

The course features a global perspective on food production.

"This course support the variety of topics related to animal industry and food chain system."

"Excellent content covering the broad scope of U.S. and international livestock-based agriculture."

"A fantastic overview of the whole industry"

The instructors provide excellent instruction.

"Excellent and inspiring tutors, beautiful and simplify course contents and has added a greater value to my humble self in the field of livestock production."

"Excellent course, excellent teacher. Thanks very much."

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

The course offers engaging and informative content.

"Great foundation for understanding the beef industry!!"

"Such a wide diversity of topics presented by a wide diversity of teachers."

"Excellent content covering the broad scope of U.S. and international livestock-based agriculture."

The exams can be challenging.

"Mostly based on US food system and regulations in particular, rather than on "Feeding the World". US system is the most advanced though, and it gave some insight into it."

"As a veterinarian, I found this course intermediate."

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

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Feeding the World with these activities:

Review Relevant Math and Science

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Review statistics, probability, biology, and chemistry concepts related to animal production to enhance understanding of the course content.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Revise basic statistical concepts such as mean, median, and standard deviation.
Recall probability distributions and their applications.
Review biological principles related to animal physiology and genetics.
Refresh chemistry concepts related to animal nutrition and metabolism.

Review Dairy Production and Safety

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This activity will help prepare you for the upcoming course by reviewing the essential concepts of dairy production and safety.

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Review the module on Dairy Production
Summarize the key concepts of dairy production and safety

Review Key Concepts in Animal Physiology and Nutrition

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Strengthen your foundation in animal physiology and nutrition to better understand the principles discussed in the course.

Browse courses on Animal Physiology

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Review lecture notes and textbooks on animal physiology and nutrition.
Complete practice problems and assignments to test your understanding.
Attend a workshop or seminar on animal physiology or nutrition.

12 other activities

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Explore Animal Anatomy and Physiology

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Supplement course material by exploring online tutorials on animal anatomy and physiology to gain a deeper understanding of animal systems.

Browse courses on Animal Anatomy

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Find reputable online tutorials on animal anatomy and physiology.
Follow tutorials that cover topics relevant to animal production, such as digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems.
Take notes and summarize key concepts.

Practice Animal Feed Calculations

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This activity will help you develop a strong understanding of animal feed calculations, which is essential for success in this course.

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Complete the practice problems on animal feed calculations provided in the course materials
Check your answers against the answer key
Identify areas where you need additional practice

Review the life cycles of major animal species

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Solidify your understanding of the key concepts covered in the first module, including the basics of animal production operations and life cycles.

Browse courses on Livestock Production

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Identify the different life stages of dairy cattle, swine, beef cattle, and poultry.
Describe the key milestones and challenges associated with each life stage.
Create a diagram or table summarizing the life cycles of the different species.

Create an Animal Production Glossary

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Develop a glossary of key terms and definitions related to animal production to aid understanding and retention.

Browse courses on Animal Production

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Identify key terms from the course materials and lectures.
Define each term concisely and accurately.
Categorize terms into relevant sections (e.g., animal nutrition, animal health).

Participate in an Online Discussion Forum

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Engage with fellow students to discuss course topics, share insights, and answer questions, deepening your understanding of the material.

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Join an online discussion forum related to animal production.
Actively participate in discussions by posting questions, sharing knowledge, and responding to others' posts.
Collaborate with other students to research and present on a specific topic within animal production.

Attend a Local Livestock Industry Conference

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This activity will provide you with an opportunity to connect with professionals in the livestock industry and learn about the latest trends and challenges.

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Research upcoming livestock industry conferences in your area
Register for the conference and attend the sessions
Network with other attendees and learn about their experiences

Explore Sustainable Practices in Animal Production

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Gain a deeper understanding of the environmental impact of animal production and learn about best practices for sustainable farming.

Browse courses on Animal Welfare

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Research case studies of farms that have successfully implemented sustainable practices.
Identify key challenges and opportunities for improving environmental sustainability in animal production.
Develop a proposal outlining recommendations for sustainable practices on a specific farm or within a specific industry sector.

Create a Presentation on Sustainable Livestock Farming Practices

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This activity will challenge you to apply your knowledge of sustainable livestock farming practices by creating a presentation that can be shared with others.

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Research sustainable livestock farming practices
Develop a presentation outline
Create a presentation using visuals and data to support your points
Practice your presentation and get feedback from peers or instructors

Develop an Infographic on Animal Welfare Issues

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Enhance your understanding of animal welfare concerns and communicate them effectively through the creation of a visually appealing infographic.

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Research different animal welfare issues and gather data from credible sources.
Design an infographic using a tool like Canva or Piktochart.
Present your infographic to your peers or a wider audience to raise awareness and promote discussion.

Mentor a Younger Student Interested in Animal Science

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This activity will allow you to share your knowledge and experience with a younger student while reinforcing your own understanding of animal science concepts.

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Identify a younger student who is interested in animal science
Meet with the student regularly to provide guidance and support
Share your knowledge and experience in animal science
Help the student develop their own research project or presentation

Develop a Marketing Plan for an Animal Product

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Apply your knowledge of animal production systems and consumer trends to create a comprehensive marketing plan for a new or existing animal product.

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Conduct market research to identify target consumers and their needs.
Develop a unique selling proposition and value proposition for your product.
Design a comprehensive marketing strategy including pricing, distribution, and promotional channels.
Create marketing materials such as brochures, website content, and social media campaigns.

Develop a Farm Management Plan for a Specific Animal Production System

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This activity will challenge you to apply your knowledge of animal production systems and farm management to develop a comprehensive plan for a specific animal production system.

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Choose an animal production system to focus on
Research the specific requirements of the chosen animal production system
Develop a comprehensive farm management plan that addresses all aspects of the production system
Present your farm management plan to a group of peers or instructors for feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Feeding the World will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Animal Nutritionist

Animal Nutritionists develop and implement feeding programs to ensure the health and productivity of livestock. They consider factors such as the animal's age, weight, and health, as well as the type of feed available. This course will provide you with a strong understanding of the principles of animal nutrition, as well as the factors that affect the efficiency of feed utilization. You will also learn about the different types of feedstuffs and how to formulate rations that meet the nutritional requirements of livestock.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Nutritionist

Animal Scientist

Animal Scientists conduct research to improve the health, productivity, and well-being of livestock. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and private industry. This course will provide you with a foundation in the principles of animal science, as well as the latest research on animal production. You will learn about the different types of livestock production systems, as well as the factors that affect the efficiency and sustainability of these systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Scientist

Dairy Farmer

Dairy Farmers own and operate dairy farms, where they raise cows for milk production. They are responsible for the care and feeding of their cows, as well as the milking process. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the dairy production system, including the factors that affect milk production and quality. You will also learn about the latest technologies and practices used in dairy farming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dairy Farmer

Food Safety Inspector

Food Safety Inspectors ensure that food is safe for human consumption. They inspect food production facilities, restaurants, and other food establishments to ensure that they are following proper food safety procedures. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of food safety, as well as the latest regulations and standards. You will also learn about the different types of foodborne illnesses and how to prevent them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Safety Inspector

Livestock Extension Agent

Livestock Extension Agents provide education and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers on a variety of topics related to livestock production. They work with producers to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations. This course will provide you with a strong understanding of the principles of livestock production, as well as the latest research on animal nutrition, health, and management. You will also learn about the different types of livestock production systems and how to work with producers to improve their operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Livestock Extension Agent

Meat Scientist

Meat Scientists conduct research to improve the quality and safety of meat products. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and private industry. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of meat science, as well as the latest research on meat production, processing, and safety. You will also learn about the different types of meat products and how to evaluate their quality.

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Poultry Farmer

Poultry Farmers own and operate poultry farms, where they raise chickens, turkeys, or other poultry for meat or egg production. They are responsible for the care and feeding of their birds, as well as the processing and marketing of their products. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the poultry production system, including the factors that affect poultry health, growth, and production. You will also learn about the latest technologies and practices used in poultry farming.

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Ruminant Nutritionist

Ruminant Nutritionists develop and implement feeding programs to ensure the health and productivity of ruminant animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats. They consider factors such as the animal's age, weight, and health, as well as the type of feed available. This course will provide you with a strong understanding of the principles of ruminant nutrition, as well as the factors that affect the efficiency of feed utilization. You will also learn about the different types of feedstuffs and how to formulate rations that meet the nutritional requirements of ruminant animals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ruminant Nutritionist

Swine Farmer

Swine Farmers own and operate swine farms, where they raise pigs for pork production. They are responsible for the care and feeding of their pigs, as well as the processing and marketing of their products. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the swine production system, including the factors that affect pig health, growth, and production. You will also learn about the latest technologies and practices used in swine farming.

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Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals. They also provide preventive care and advice to animal owners on how to keep their animals healthy. This course will provide you with a foundation in the principles of veterinary medicine, as well as the latest research on animal health and disease. You will also learn about the different types of animals that veterinarians treat and how to care for them.

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Animal Welfare Officer

Animal Welfare Officers enforce animal welfare laws and regulations. They investigate complaints of animal abuse and neglect, and they work to educate the public about the importance of animal welfare. This course will provide you with a strong understanding of the principles of animal welfare, as well as the latest laws and regulations governing the care and treatment of animals. You will also learn about the different types of animal welfare issues and how to investigate and resolve them.

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Biosecurity Specialist

Biosecurity Specialists develop and implement biosecurity plans to prevent the spread of disease in animals. They work in a variety of settings, including farms, animal shelters, and veterinary clinics. This course will provide you with a strong understanding of the principles of biosecurity, as well as the latest research on disease prevention and control. You will also learn about the different types of biosecurity measures and how to implement them effectively.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components, and they work to solve environmental problems. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private industry, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for those who are interested in working in the field of environmental science, as it will provide them with a strong understanding of the principles of environmental science, as well as the latest research on environmental issues. You will also learn about the different types of environmental science careers and how to prepare for them.

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Food Technologist

Food Technologists develop and improve food products and processes. They work in a variety of settings, including food processing plants, research laboratories, and government agencies. This course may be useful for those who are interested in working in the field of food technology, as it will provide them with a strong understanding of the principles of food science and technology, as well as the latest research on food product development and processing. You will also learn about the different types of food technology careers and how to prepare for them.

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Public Health Nutritionist

Public Health Nutritionists promote healthy eating and nutrition at the community level. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and schools. This course may be useful for those who are interested in working in the field of public health nutrition, as it will provide them with a strong understanding of the principles of public health nutrition, as well as the latest research on nutrition and health. You will also learn about the different types of public health nutrition careers and how to prepare for them.

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