Module Identifier RS23710  
Module Title REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT  
Academic Year 2003/2004  
Co-ordinator Dr Mina C G Davies-Morel  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Basil T Wolf, Dr Neil F G Beck  
Pre-Requisite RS10510 or equivalent  
Course delivery Lecture   22 Hours 22 x 1 hours  
  Practical   3 x 3 hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours Written examination Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  50%
Semester Assessment Practical report Outcomes assessed: 1, 2  50%
Supplementary Exam  100%

Learning outcomes

On the completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. describe the anatomy of the female and male reproductive tract in farm livestock including the horse and explain the functions of the constituent parts.
2. discuss the control of reproduction in the male and female.
3. explain or discuss the role that the maternal system plays both during pregnancy and lactation on the successful production of offspring.
4. apply the knowledge gained to present day management techniques and critically assess their uses.
5. describe the effects of breed, sex and nutrition on the growth and development of carcass tissues and relate this knowledge to the rearing of meat animals and sports horses.

Brief description

A course of 22 lectures and 3 practicals which will consider in detail the reproductive anatomy and physiology of farm livestock, including the horse, along with their growth and development. The content of the module will include: the reproductive anatomy of the non-pregnant and pregnant female (mare, ewe, sow,cow) and the male (stallion, ram, boar, bull); the endocrine control of repoduction, the effect of the enviroment and management; the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, conception, maternal recognition of pregnancy, embryo and foetal development, endocrine control of pregnancy; the anatomy and physiology of parturition, its initiation and control; the anatomy and physiology of milk production, anatomy of the mammary gland, endocrine control of lactation (lactogenesis, galactopoesis, milk ejection), milk production and secretion, the lacation curve; the growth patterns and curves of livestock from conception to maturity, growth manipulation for meat carcass production and athletic performance.

Transferable skills

.4 Writing in an academic context
   These skills will be developed and assessed in the writing of the practical report

.7 Self management
   Self management will be required to carry out and write up the practicals effectively.

.8 Group activity
   Group activity will be an integral part of anatomy practicals, and as such will be developed.

Reading Lists

Books
Gordon, I (1997) Controlled reproduction in farm animals, Vols 1 - 4 CABI
Davies Morel, M C G (1999) Equine reproductive physiology, breeding and stud management CABI
McKinnon, A O and Voss, J L (1993) Equine reproduction Lea & Febiger
Ginther O J (1992) Reproduction biology of the mare. Basic and applied aspects 2nd. Equiservices, Wisconsin USA
Davies Morel M C G (1999) Equine AI CABI
Berg R T and Butterfield R M (1976) New concepts of cattle growth Sydney University Press

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5