Module Identifier RS22920  
Module Title ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS  
Academic Year 2004/2005  
Co-ordinator Dr Basil T Wolf  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Michael T Rose  
Course delivery Lecture   44 Hours 44 x 1 hour lectures  
  Practical   18 Hours 6 x 3 hour practicals/visits  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3  60%
Semester Assessment Assignment Outcomes assessed: 2, 4  40%
Supplementary Assessment Students are required to re-take the element(s) tha led to failing the module; ie resitting the examination and/or re-presenting the assignment using alternative data.  100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Describe (quantitatively) important production systems and identify components thereof.

2. Recognise constraints on productivity.

3. Identify the role played by scientific research in the development of animal production systems.

4. Analyse livestock performance records in order to identify and explain sub-optimal performance

Brief description

For each of dairy, beef, sheep and pig production, this module will outline the structure of UK, EU and world industries and discuss the effects of this on the UK producer. The major production systems employed in the UK will be described with reference to factors that influence productivity, efficiency of resource use, financial performance and product quality. The application of research into animal growth, reproduction, lactation, genetics, nutrition, health and welfare will be discussed.

Aims

To provide a detailed study of farm animal production systems for meat and milk.

Introduce relevant research used in the synthesis of production systems.

Examine biological and economic constraints on production. Develop skills in evaluating alternative systems and identifying and correcting sub-optimal performance.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
   The ability to collect and interpret information from a variety of sources and apply this knowledge to the solution of problems will be assessed via the assignment.

.2 IT and information handling
   The assignment will involve the use of spreadsheets in data analysis, information gathering and interpretation.

.3 Use and analysis of numerical information
   The assignment will involve the analysis and interpretation of farm animal production records to identify sub-optimal performance and to suggest suitable solutions.

Reading Lists

Books
Croston, D (1994) Planned sheep production 2nd. Blackwell Scientific Publications 0632035765
Allen, D (1990) Planned beef production and marketing Blackwell Scientific Publications 0632026111
Webster, A J F (1993) Understanding the dairy cow BSP Professional Book 0632034386
Whittemore C (1998) The science and practice of pig production Blackwell Science 0632050861
** Essential Reading
Blowey, R W (1999) A veterinary book for dairy farmers 3rd. Farming Press 0852364997

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5