Module Identifier RS36020  
Module Title ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Basil T Wolf  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Other staff Dr Neil F G Beck, Dr Michael T Rose  
Pre-Requisite RS22920  
Course delivery Lecture   2 x 1 hour lectures per week in Semester 1; 1 x 2 hour lecture per week in Semester 2  
  Seminars / Tutorials   5 x 3 hour seminars over two semesters  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Seminar presentation Outcomes assessed:1, 2, 3, 4  40%
Semester Exam3 Hours Written examination Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4  60%
Supplementary Assessment Seminar presentation  40%
Supplementary Exam3 Hours Written examination  60%

Learning outcomes

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

1.   Analyse the components of animal production systems

2.   Review and evaluate scientific literature and apply results to the development of animal production systems

3.   Explain how modern technology can be harnessed to improve farm animal reproduction, growth,
development and lactation.

4.   Discuss applications of animal production technologies in a wider ethical and social context.


Brief description

Lectures and seminars cover aspects of systems analysis in animal production and applications to the research based development of current farming practices. Specialist lectures and seminars will cover meat science, environmental physiology and animal biotechnology including in vitro fertilisation, embryo manipulation, immuno-modulation and hormonal manipulation of reproduction, lactation and growth, management of fertility, production of transgenic animals and use of gene technologies in animal breeding.

Aims

The module aims to develop skills in the review and evaluation of scientific literature, in oral presentation, and in the analysis of animal production systems and the application of research to their development through the manipulation of nutrition, genetics, reproduction, growth and lactation.

Module Skills

Research skills Developed and assessed by assignment and examination  
Communication Evaluation of a seminar presentation  
Information Technology The use of Powerpoint in the preparation and delivery of seminar material will be developed and assessed  

Reading Lists

Books
** General Text
Akers, R M (2002) Lactation and the mammary gland Blackwell Publishing 0813829925
Freer, M and Dove H (2002) Sheep nutrition CABI 0851995950
Gordon I (1995) Laboratory production of cattle embryos
Murray,J D et al Transgenic animals in agriculture CABI
Pas, M F W te, Everts, M E and Haagsman, H P (2004) Muscle development of livestock animals: physiology, genetics and meat quality CABI 0851998119

Journals
Selected papers from scientific journals

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6