Module Identifier |
RS22920 |
Module Title |
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS |
Academic Year |
2003/2004 |
Co-ordinator |
Dr Basil T Wolf |
Semester |
Semester 1 |
Course delivery |
Lecture | 44 Hours 44 x 1 hour lectures |
|
Practical | 18 Hours 6 x 3 hour practicals/visits |
Assessment |
Assessment Type | Assessment Length/Details | Proportion |
Semester Exam | 2 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3 | 60% |
Semester Assessment | Assignment Outcomes assessed: 2, 4 | 40% |
Supplementary Assessment | Students are required to re-take the element(s) tha led to failing the module; ie resitting the examination and/or re-presenting the assignment using alternative data. | 100% |
|
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
Brief description
For each of dairy, beef, sheep and pig production, this module will outline the structure of UK, EU and world industries and discuss the effects of this on the UK producer. The major production systems employed in the UK will be described with reference to factors that influence productivity, efficiency of resource use, financial performance and product quality. The application of research into animal growth, reproduction, lactation, genetics, nutrition, health and welfare will be discussed.
Aims
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.
Transferable skills
.1 Independent project work
The ability to collect and interpret information from a variety of sources and apply this knowledge to the solution of problems will be assessed via the assignment.
.2 IT and information handling
The assignment will involve the use of spreadsheets in data analysis, information gathering and interpretation.
.3 Use and analysis of numerical information
The assignment will involve the analysis and interpretation of farm animal production records to identify sub-optimal performance and to suggest suitable solutions.
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
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5