Module Information
Module Identifier
RD17020
Module Title
Introduction to Livestock Science and Production Systems
Academic Year
2023/2024
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Reading List
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Dairy production portfolio Student will complete a number of dairy-based scenario activities (written and data analysis/interpretation) related to the lecture and practical material, which will then be compiled as a portfolio for submission. 2000 Words | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Sheep production portfolio Student will complete a number of sheep-based scenario activities (written and data analysis/interpretation) related to the lecture and practical material, which will then be compiled as a portfolio for submission. 2000 Words | 30% |
| Semester Exam | 1.5 Hours MCQ A multichoice question exam that addresses all module learning outcomes. | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Dairy production portfolio Student will complete a number of dairy-based scenario activities (written and data analysis/interpretation) related to the lecture and practical material, which will then be compiled as a portfolio for submission. 2000 Words | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Sheep production portfolio Student will complete a number of sheep-based scenario activities (written and data analysis/interpretation) related to the lecture and practical material, which will then be compiled as a portfolio for submission. 2000 Words | 30% |
| Supplementary Exam | 1.5 Hours MCQ A multichoice question exam that addresses all module learning outcomes. | 40% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Describe the important systems of farmed livestock production and demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the livestock within them.
Identify the biological constraints on productivity for each of these systems and demonstrate an understanding of sustainable management principles.
Demonstrate how livestock and pathogen biology underpin livestock production system efficiency.
Demonstrate the ability to analyse and interpret farmed livestock data.
Brief description
Through a series of lectures and farm and laboratory based practical classes this module provides an introduction to the important systems of farmed livestock production in the context of UK agriculture and how livestock and pathogen biology underpin livestock system efficiency.
Aims
Describe the important systems of farmed livestock production in the context of UK agriculture.
Understand how livestock and pathogen biology underpins livestock system efficiency.
Identify constraints to production, particularly biological constraints, and describe sustainable management practices to overcome them.
Analyse and interpret livestock farm data to evaluate system performance.
Understand how livestock and pathogen biology underpins livestock system efficiency.
Identify constraints to production, particularly biological constraints, and describe sustainable management practices to overcome them.
Analyse and interpret livestock farm data to evaluate system performance.
Content
The module contact time will consist of approximately half lectures and half field or laboratory-based activity.
Lectures will include and introduction to livestock production and science; introductions to farmed livestock systems (sheep, beef cattle, dairy cattle and poultry); egg and poultry meat production systems; general livestock biology; livestock health focussing on immunity, parasitology, bacteria, protozoa and viruses; biological systems including the reproductive, endocrine and digestive systems; lactation growth and development; sustainable disease management.
Practical sessions will include ruminant livestock dissections; understanding the sheep production cycle and key management activities; calf rearing and beef growing systems; dairy production systems - production cycle, nutrition and mastitis management; managing the ewe and lamb; faecal egg counting for the management of internal parasites.
Lectures will include and introduction to livestock production and science; introductions to farmed livestock systems (sheep, beef cattle, dairy cattle and poultry); egg and poultry meat production systems; general livestock biology; livestock health focussing on immunity, parasitology, bacteria, protozoa and viruses; biological systems including the reproductive, endocrine and digestive systems; lactation growth and development; sustainable disease management.
Practical sessions will include ruminant livestock dissections; understanding the sheep production cycle and key management activities; calf rearing and beef growing systems; dairy production systems - production cycle, nutrition and mastitis management; managing the ewe and lamb; faecal egg counting for the management of internal parasites.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Critical and analytical thinking | The assignments will require students to research topics beyond the depth and scope of the lecture material. Information from a variety of sources will be used. Research skills will be assessed in the assignments. Feedback will be given in the assignment. |
| Digital capability | Data analysis, interpretation and presentation using Excel is required in the assignments. These will be assessed in the assignment and feedback will be provided. |
| Professional communication | Students will develop effective written communication skills in the assignments, where these will be assessed. Feedback will be given in the assignments. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Subject specific concepts relating to animal production and biology will be developed and assessed in the assignments and exam. Feedback will be given in the assignments. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4