Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 x 1 hour lectures per week, both semesters |
| Practical | 3 x 3 hour practical classes over two semesters |
| Other | 5 x 4 hour visits over two semesters |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Dairy assignment. | 25% |
| Semester Assessment | Meat production assignment. | 25% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. | 50% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Give a quantitative description of animal production systems and identify the interactions among components of the system
2. Recognise constraints on productivity
3. Identify the role of research in the development of animal production systems
4. Analyse livestock performance records to identify, explain and correct sub-optimal performance
Brief description
This module will describe the organization and management of the major dairy, beef, sheep and pig production systems in the UK. Particular reference will be made to the factors that influence animal productivity, health and welfare, efficiency of resource use, financial performance and product quality. The application of research into animal growth, reproduction, lactation, genetics, nutrition, health and welfare for the development of improved production systems will be discussed.
Content
Feeding management of the dairy, condition score, use of grass and other feed resources
Udder development, structure and function, manipulation of milk composition
Dairy cow breeding
Heifer rearing and herd fertility
Dairy health including metabolic disorders, lameness, TB, FMD and Bluetongue
Production systems for hill, upland and lowland sheep
Reproductive management of the ewe and ram
Sheep breeding
Feeding strategies for the ewe in pregnancy and lactation
Health of the pregnant and lactating ewe and growing lambs
Suckled calf production systems, feeding strategies and reproductive management
Calf rearing
Intensive, semi-intensive and extensive dairy beef production systems
Pig production systems
Management of the replacement gilt,
Feeding strategies for optimum lifetime performance of the breeding sow
Management of the sow throughout breeding, pregnancy, parturition, lactation and the dry period.
Management of the newborn, weaned, growing and finishing pig.
Health and welfare of pigs.
Achievement of optimum product quality.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Analysis and interpretation of assignment data sets. Interpretation of published research. Assessed in assignments. |
| Communication | Development of written skills in the assignment including communication by word, table and diagram. Assessed through assignment and exam. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Through overcoming challenges to learning and understanding that are raised in the assignments. Through self-directed study and the use of e-learning materials. |
| Information Technology | Use of word processors and spreadsheets in the preparation of assignments. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Awareness of career opportunities in farming and its support industries and the development of relevant skills. |
| Problem solving | Lectures and practical classes will demonstrate how problems in the development of animal production systems are identified and solved. Students will develop problem solving skills through the assignment work. Assessed through assignment. |
| Research skills | Lectures, practical classes and assignments will develop awareness of the interpretation and application of research to the development and improvement of animal production systems. Assessed in assignment and exam. |
| Subject Specific Skills | |
| Team work |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5