Module Identifier | RS36620 | ||
Module Title | THE MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH OF ORGANIC LIVESTOCK | ||
Academic Year | 2002/2003 | ||
Co-ordinator | Dr Phillipa K Nicholas | ||
Semester | Semester 1 | ||
Pre-Requisite | RS22920 | ||
Course delivery | Lecture | 22 Hours 11 x 2 hour lectures | |
Seminars / Tutorials | 22 Hours 11 x 2 hours | ||
Practical | 12 Hours 6 x 2 hours and/or a three day study tour | ||
Assessment | Semester Exam | 3 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 60% |
Semester Assessment | Assignment | 40% | |
Supplementary Exam | 3 Hours | 60% | |
Supplementary Assessment | 40% |
1. Discuss and evaluate the role and integration of livestock in organic farming systems with reference to current research in this area.
2. To critically evaluate current legislation relating to animal welfare and management as well as the regulations governing organic livestock production (feeding, housing, transport, breeding policy and health plan etc.) in the United Kingdom and in the European Union.
3. To critically review the key factors governing forage and fodder quality and utilisation and to discuss, giving examples, its contribution to livestock nutrition, health and performance.
4. To identify and evaluate the key factors governing livestock health, and discuss their application in practice, with particular reference to disease prevention through the use of appropriate management strategies.
5. To develop an understanding of the science underpinning the principles of organic livestock production and to apply the relevant knowledge gained in this and other modules to develop an integrated organic livestock production system.
.2 IT and information handling
Practical exercises, feed formulation and animal health data bases
.3 Use and analysis of numerical information
Practical exercises, feed formulation
.4 Writing in an academic context
The assignment will be laid out in the style of an academic report with suitable use of reference material cited according to library guidelines.
.5 Oral discussion and presentation
There will be plenty of opportunity for group discussion and/or for oral presentations/debates on specific current topics.
.6 Careers need awareness
Students will have the opportunity to meet experts in selected topics during the module and will also be provided with current
information from current business enterprises and career opportunities associated with organic livestock production during the organic study tour and throughout the course.
.7 Self-management
The assignment will involve the choice of a suitable topic following discussions with the course tutor. There will be opportunity to the student to undertake independent research for information and to contact selected experts in the subject area chosen.
The written assignment will be used to encourage the development of time management and communication skills.
.8 Group activity
Group activity will be a central feature of this module with opportunities for practical problem solving exercises and group discussions during practical sessions and tutorials. A ‘study tour’ and/or a 3-day residential course/conference will be organized to illustrate practical aspects of organic livestock production and will provide the opportunity for students to meet experts involved the development organic livestock enterprises and other aspects of the organic industry. The conference will also provide the opportunity for students to give presentations based on their assignment work.