Module Identifier
RD20720
Module Title
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Basil T Wolf
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 4 x 1 hour lectures per week
Practical 6 x 3 hour practicals/visits per semester
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Assignment  Outcomes assessed: 2, 4  40%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3  60%
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.

Outcome 2
Recognise constraints on productivity.

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


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

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

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

Reading List

General Text
Allen, D Planned beef production and marketing Blackwell Scientific Publications Primo search Blowey R W (1999) A veterinary book for dairy farmers Farming Press Primo search Croston, D (1994) Planned sheep production 2nd Blackwell Scientific Publications Primo search Webster, A J F (1993) Understanding the dairy cow Blackwell Scientific Publications Professional Book Primo search Whittemore C The science and practice of pig production Blackwell Science Primo search
Garnsworthy, Philip C. (2005) Calf and Heifer Rearing /P. C. Garnsworhty Nottingham University Press Primo search Young, N. E. ([2002?].) The forages and protein crops directory /N.E. Young. Context Primo search (2002.) Animal nutrition /by P. McDonald ... [et al.]. 6th ed. Pearson Education Limited Primo search (2002.) The feeds directory :branded products guide /edited by W.N. Ewing. Context Primo search (1999.) The health of dairy cattle /edited by Anthony H. Andrews. Blackwell Science Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5