Module Information

Module Identifier
RD23420
Module Title
Livestock Production Systems
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Mutually Exclusive
Pre-Requisite
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Practical 1 x 3 Hour Practical
Lecture 22 x 1 Hour Lectures
Practical 2 x 4 Hour Practicals
Practical 1 x 4 Hour Practical
 

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

Structure of the UK beef, sheep, dairy and pig production industries.
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.
Farm assurance schemes and welfare.

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