AP3A93-Dairy Production

Module Provider: Agriculture
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: normally AP2A36
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Christopher Reynolds
Email: c.k.reynolds@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Gain an advanced understanding of the essential principles of dairy production and a practical knowledge of key aspects of dairy farm management and decision making. The course combines lectures and field visits, through which you’ll develop your critical appraisal skills in relation to the health and key performance indicators of dairy herds and farms.

Aims:
This module aims to provide the student with an advanced understanding of the essential principles of dairy production and a practical knowledge of key aspects of dairy farm management and decision making. The course is a more comprehensive and detailed extension of material covered in the part 2 module on Animal Production.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Describe in detail and critically evaluate the underlying principles of managing and feeding dairy cattle and the implications of management decisions.

Additional outcomes:

During the course of the module students will also enhance/develop a range of transferrable skills including

• written communication


• verbal communication


• observational skills


• decision making


• initiative


• critical analysis

Outline content:

The module is intended to provide an overview of the principles and practice of managing and feeding dairy cattle. Study visits compliment the lecture course. The module is of greatest relevance to students with a specific interest in the dairy industry. The lecture content covers:

• Evolution of the dairy industry in the UK and globally


• Dairy systems and facilities


• Milk pricing and constraints to milk production


• M ilking and milk handling procedures and hygiene


• Mastitis prevention and milk quality


• Management of reproduction


• Management of dry cows and the transition from gestation to lactation


• Feeds and feeding for lactation and gestation


• Nutrient management and environmental impact


• Calf management and heifer rearing


• Data recording and decision making

The practica l content covers:

• Study visits to commercial dairy farms, including a case study evaluation of the dairy facilities at the Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR).

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be a series of 50-minute lectures most weeks, supported by study visits.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		18
Tutorials		2
Fieldwork		4
Guided independent study:		76
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Report	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A two hour examination consisting of 2 essay-type questions chosen from a total of 4. This contributes 60% of the overall assessment.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Report on the farm evaluation exercise 40%

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-assessment arrangements: By re-examination in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 22 June 2021