Module Identifier RD20720  
Module Title ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Dr Basil T Wolf  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Michael T Rose, Dr Selwyn P Williams  
Course delivery Lecture    
  Practical   11 x 3 hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3  60%
Semester Assessment Assignment Outcomes assessed: 2, 4  40%
Supplementary Assessment Candidates will be required to re-take the elements that led to failing the module. 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

Outcome 1.
Describe (quantitatively) important production systems and identify components thereof.
Performance criteria:
a.   Production targets are identified.
b.   Different phases of the production cycle are described and the inter-relationships between them are recognised.
Range: Either dairy or beef cattle, sheep or pigs.

Outcome 2.
Recognise constraints on productivity.
Performance criteria:
a.   Biological, economic and social constraints on production methods and efficiency are evaluated.
Range: Either dairy or beef cattle, pigs or sheep.

Outcome 3.
Identify the role played by scientific research in the development of animal production systems.
Performance criteria:
a.   Reference is made to experimental evidence when evaluating alternative practices.
Range: Either dairy or beef cattle, pigs or sheep.

Outcome 4.
Analyse livestock performance records in order to identify and explain sub-optimal performance
Performance criteria:
a.   Sub-optimal performance is identified.
b.   Potential causes of sub-optimal performance are identified and discussed.
Range: Either dairy or beef cattle, pigs or sheep.   

Brief description

This course details the husbandry of dairy and beef cattle, calves, sheep and pigs in the production of meat, milk and wool. For each species, the structure of the world, EU and UK industries will be outlined and likely future trends will be identified. The major production systems used in the UK will be described, emphasizing the importance of production targets and performance monitoring in the management of efficient animal production systems. The practical application of scientific knowledge concerning animal growth, reproduction, lactation, genetics, nutrition, health and welfare will be evaluated.

Farm visits will provide opportunities to meet farmers and study the operation of successful animal husbandry systems.   Practical classes will introduce important skills in the management of farm animals.

Module Skills

Communication The ability to write a report will be assessed in the assignment.  
Application of Number The ability to interpret numerical information will be assessed in the assignment.  

Reading Lists

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

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5