Module Information
Course Delivery
Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
---|---|
Lecture | 4 x 1 hour lectures per week |
Practical | 6 x 3 hour practicals/visits during semester |
Assessment
Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
---|---|---|
Semester Assessment | Assignment Outcomes assessed: 2, 4 | 40% |
Semester Exam | 2 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3 | 60% |
Supplementary Assessment | Students are required to re-take the element(s) tha led to failing the module; ie resitting the examination and/or re-presenting the assignment using alternative data. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Describe (quantitatively) important production systems and identify components thereof.
2. Recognise constraints on productivity.
3. Identify the role played by scientific research in the development of animal production systems.
4. Analyse livestock performance records in order to identify and explain sub-optimal performance
Brief description
For each of dairy, beef, sheep and pig production, this module will outline the structure of UK, EU and world industries and discuss the effects of this on the UK producer. The major production systems employed in the UK will be described with reference to factors that influence productivity, efficiency of resource use, financial performance and product quality. The application of research into animal growth, reproduction, lactation, genetics, nutrition, health and welfare will be discussed.
Aims
Introduce relevant research used in the synthesis of production systems.
Examine biological and economic constraints on production. Develop skills in evaluating alternative systems and identifying and correcting sub-optimal performance.
Module Skills
Skills Type | Skills details |
---|---|
Application of Number | The assignment will involve the analysis and interpretation of farm animal production records to identify sub-optimal performance and to suggest suitable solutions. |
Information Technology | The assignment will involve the use of spreadsheets in data analysis, information gathering and interpretation. |
Reading List
General TextAllen, D (1990) Planned beef production and marketing Blackwell Scientific Publications Primo search Croston, D (1994) Planned sheep production 2nd Blackwell Scientific Publications Primo search Webster, A J F (1993) Understanding the dairy cow BSP Professional Book Primo search Whittemore C (1998) The science and practice of pig production Blackwell Science Primo search Essential Reading
Blowey, R W (1999) A veterinary book for dairy farmers 3rd Farming Press Primo search
Ewing, W. N. (Nov. 1999) The Feeds Directory:Commodity Products. FiveM Enterprises Primo search Garnsworthy, Philip C. (2005) Calf and Heifer Rearing /P. C. Garnsworhty Nottingham University Press Primo search Young, N. E. ([2002?].) The forages and protein crops directory /N.E. Young. Context Primo search (2002.) Animal nutrition /by P. McDonald ... [et al.]. 6th ed. Pearson Education Limited Primo search (1999.) The health of dairy cattle /edited by Anthony H. Andrews. Blackwell Science Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5