AP2A72-Animal Production

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Darren Juniper
Email: d.t.juniper@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of the basic principles of the production of cattle (beef and dairy), sheep, pigs and poultry (egg and meat production), with emphasis on management, feeding systems and aspects of nutrition. Principles underpinning efficient animal production as well as industry led initiatives will be introduced.

Aims:

This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of the basic principles of the production of cattle (beef and dairy), sheep, pigs and poultry (egg and meat production), with emphasis on management, feeding systems and aspects of nutrition. Principles underpinning efficient animal production as well as industry led initiatives will be introduced.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module it will be expected that the student will be able to:



• Describe, discuss and evaluate the principles of managing and feeding dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, pigs and layers and layers and broilers.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The module is intended to provide an overview of the principles and practice of managing and feeding dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry. A series of study visits compliments the lecture course. The module is of interest and relevance to students of agriculture and animal science.

 

The lecture content covers:



• Calf and heifer rearing



• Feeding dairy cows for milk yield an d composition during summer and winter



• Factors affecting yield and quality of pig meat



• Management and feeding of dry and lactating sows, weaned and finishing pigs



• Factors affecting meat yield and quality from cattle and sheep.



• Management and feeding of beef suckler herds and ewe flocks



• Management and feeding of finishing beef cattle and l ambs



• Management, housing and feeding of poultry for breeding, egg and meat production.





The Practical Content covers:



• Study visits to two livestock enterprises.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be a series of 50-minute lectures each week, supported by videos, and study visits.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		16
External visits		8
Guided independent study:
Other		176
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Class test administered by School	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A two hour examination requiring the answers to two questions from six (Section A) and a series of compulsory multiple-choice questions (Section B).

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two on-line (Blackboard) sets of questions (mixture of multiple choice, true false and single response) that are based on each of the two study visits. Tests are available one week after each visit and must be completed within a two week window.

Unless the test is completed within the two week window a mark of zero will apply. Exceptions to this rule include agreed extenuating circumstances.

 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in August/September only.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2021