Module Identifier RD17710  
Module Title DAIRY PRODUCTION  
Academic Year 2000/2001  
Co-ordinator Dr Michael Rose  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Selwyn Williams  
Assessment Exam   Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5   60%  
  Assignment   Dairy farm assessment exercise Outcomes assessed: 1, 2   40%  

Outcomes
Outcome 1
Manage a mastitis control programme.
Performance criteria:
a) The current level of mastitis control is correctly evaluated.
b) The factors that are contributing to sub-optimal performance are correctly identified.
c) An understanding of the factors influencing udder health is clearly demonstrated.
d) Appropriate practical solution/s is/are identified and justified.
Ranges:
Dairy cows in large commercial herds.
Housed e.g. in cubicles.
Machine milked in parlours e.g. Herringbone.

Outcome 2
Evaluate the quality and yield potential of individual dairy cows.
Performance criteria:
a) Appropriate criteria are identified for assessing a dairy animal.
b) The relative importance of each criterion is identified.
c) A dairy cow is evaluated appropriately.
Ranges:
Commercial and pedigree, dairy cows and heifers.

Outcome 3
Evaluate dairy enterprises.
Performance criteria:
a) Appropriate criteria are identified for assessing enterprises.
b) The relative importance of each criterion is identified.
c) A dairy enterprise is evaluated appropriately.
Ranges:
Commercial, specialist dairy units.

Outcome 4
Explain the principles of natural and normal dairy cow behaviour, and the application of good health and welfare practice. Explain the symptoms, treatment and prevention of metabolic disorders, lameness and poor fertility.
Performance criteria:
a) The importance of the main welfare issues:
freedom from pain and disease
freedom from thirst and hunger
freedom from discomfort
freedom to express normal behaviour
freedom from fear
Ranges:
Dairy cows in large commercial herds.
Housed e.g. in cubicles.
Grazing e.g. in paddocks.
Machine milked in parlours.

Outcome 5
Discuss the importance of sound heifer rearing and management.
Performance criteria:
a) Describe the key elements involved in a heifer rearing programme.
b) Comment on the merits of two and three year calving systems.
Ranges:
Herds under differing management regimes.

Module description
Dairy production, in financial terms, is the most important component of the livestock sector of the agricultural industry.

This module will develop students' knowledge and understanding of dairy production systems and the underlying skills required for their operation and management. It therefore covers aspects of animal husbandry and production management together with an introduction to the relevant enterprise economics.