Sunshine and Fresh Air to Cheese: Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes Describe the flow of energy and nitrogen through a biological system. Outline the trade-offs involved in the alternative life strategies exhibited by different species of grass. Compare the regulatory and homeostatic mechanisms for controlling energy intake and use in traditional cattle with those specifically bred for dairy production. Explain how allocation of resource for milk production versus reproduction creates a trade-off in dairy cattle. Compare and contrast different life strategies as displayed by organisms in the wild and under domestication. Summarise how the process of domestication has altered the flow of energy and nitrogen through the contrasting low- and high-input dairy production systems. Describe the trade-offs involved in maximising production versus maximising efficiency of nitrogen utilisation in a dairy system.