Module Identifier
RD10800
Module Title
INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Michael T Rose
Semester
Semester 1

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 1 x 1 hour lecture per week
Other 4 x 3 hours practicals/farm visits over two semesters
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Animal production Technical Report  40%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   60%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   100%

Learning Outcomes

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

Outcome 1

Discuss the importance of animal production systems in agricultural enterprises.
Performance criteria:
a. Describe the scope and importance of animal production systems for world food production.
b. Discuss the role of animal production systems in mixed livestock-arable and organic agriculture
Range:
Selection from cattle, sheep, pigs and novel species.

Outcome 2
Identify the main constraints on productivity
Performance criteria:
a. Describe the effects of geographical, climatic, biological and socio-economic factors on the animal production enterprise.
Range:
Selection from cattle, sheep, pigs and novel species.

Outcome 3
Compare efficiency of different systems of production
Performance criteria:
a. Discuss the results of gross margin analysis of production systems.
Range:
Selection from cattle, sheep, pigs and novel species.


Outcome 4
Identify the scope for the application of the results of research in animal production
Performance criteria:

a. Discuss the role of animal biotechnology including genetic improvement, nutrition science and the manipulation of animal physiology.
Range:
Selection from cattle, sheep, pigs and novel species.

Aims

This module aims to provide an understanding of farm animal production systems and their role in world, European and UK food production. Production systems for sheep, pigs, dairy and beef cattle are described and the production potential of a range of alternative species is considered. The role of scientific research and development in the improvement of productive efficiency and product quality is discussed. The module is taught through a series of lectures and visits which give an insight into the annual production cycle of a range of species.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
Assignments will require own searching and investigation of references

.2 IT and information handling
Assignments will be word processed and illustrated with tables, graphs and illustrations

.4 Writing in an academic context
Students' own writing will be assessed in the examination and assignments

.5 Oral discussion and presentation
Discussion will be encouraged during visits and practical classes

.6 Careers need awareness
The role of well-motivated and trained staff and managers in the success of animal production systems will be highlighted

.7 Self-management
Assignment hand-in dates will have to be observed

Reading List


Blowey, R. W. (1999.) A veterinary book for dairy farmers /R. W. Blowey. 3rd ed. Farming Press Primo search Blowey, R. W. (2003.) Color atlas of diseases and disorders of cattle /Roger W. Blowey, A. David Weaver. 2nd ed. Mosby Primo search Blowey, R. W. (1995.) Mastitis control in dairy herds :illustrated and practical guide /Roger Blowey. Farming Press Primo search Hulsen, Jan. (2005.) A practical guide for dairy farm management /Han Hulsen Roodbont Publishers Primo search Hulsen, Jan. (2006.) From calf to heifer :a practical guide to rearing young stock /Jan Hulsen, Berrie Klein Swormink Roodbont Publishers Primo search Hulsen, Jan. (2006.) Hooves :a practical guide to hoof health /Jan Hulsen Roodbont Publishers Primo search Hulsen, Jan. (2006.) Pig signals :look, think and act. /Jan Hulsen. Roodbont Publishers Primo search McConnell, Primrose. (2003.) Primrose McConnell's The agricultural notebook. 20th ed. Blackwell Science Primo search Sainsbury, David. (2000 (2004 prin) Poultry health and management :chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and quail /David Sainsbury. 4th ed. Blackwell Science Primo search (2002.) Animal nutrition /by P. McDonald ... [et al.]. 6th ed. Pearson Education Limited Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4