Module Identifier RS22920  
Module Title DAIRY AND MEAT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator Dr Basil Wolf  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Assessment Assignment     40%  
  Exam   2 Hours   60%  

Syllabus / Curriculum design


The following topics will be considered:


For each of the dairy, beef, sheep and pig production industries:


(a) the structure of the industry in the UK, EU and world


(b) the major production systems employed in the UK will be described with reference to the major constraints on production, efficiency of resource use and product quality


(c) the application of research into animal growth, reproduction, lactation, genetics, nutrition, health and welfare will be discussed

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

Aims of the module


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.

Reading Lists

Books
** Essential Reading
BLOWEY, R W. (1999) A veterinary book for dairy farmers. 3rd. Farming Press
Croston, D. (1994) Planned sheep production. 2nd. Blackwell Scientific Publications
Allen, D. Planned beef production and marketing. Blackwell Scientific Publications
Fayez, I Marai, M and Owen, JB. New techniques in sheep production. Butterworths, London
Phillips, CJC. New techniques in cattle production. Butterworths, London
Webster, A J F. Understanding the dairy cows. BSP Professional Book
Whittemore C. The science and practice of pig production. Longman Scientific and Technical