AP2A50-Animal Growth, Lactation and Reproduction

Module Provider: Agriculture
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Part 1 BSc Agriculture, Animal Science
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Les Crompton
Email: l.a.crompton@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Regardless of whether animals are kept for food production, recreation, conservation, or companionship, there are a number of important underlying processes which contribute to that animal’s development and subsequent ability to produce and rear offspring. These processes do not work in isolation and are often affected by nutrition and the environment. This module looks at these underlying mechanisms in a range of different animal species, highlighting both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that might affect an individual’s ability to develop, reproduce and subsequently rear their young.

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the biology of growth, lactation and reproduction and the means by which these processes may be manipulated. The student will be provided with an understanding of the physiological, nutritional and hormonal processes involved in reproductive processes, lactation and growth and development of animals.

Assessable learning outcomes:
' Describe the reproductive events occurring during the life cycle of the placental mammals and identify genetic and environmental factors contributing to the success or failure of reproduction
' Describe placental development, gross anatomy and histology and explain the role that the placenta plays during pregnancy
' Detail the changes that occur during the transition from an in-utero environment to an ex-utero one.
' Describe general aspects of the physiology of mammary gland development and the biochemistry of milk synthesis.
' Describe and explain the physiological basis of growth and development of animals
' Describe the hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and explain their role in growth, lactation and reproduction

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
The lecture content covers:
' Physiology of reproduction in the male and female
' The biology of puberty, conception, pregnancy and parturition
' The physiological structure and control of the mammary gland
' Synthesis of major milk components (lipid, protein and lactose)
' Growth of bone, muscle and adipose tissue
' Hormonal regulation of growth

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	9
Tutorials	11
Guided independent study:	80
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Class test administered by School	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:
A one-and-a-half hour examination requiring the answers to two questions from four.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Four online assessments will constitute 30% of the module mark, 7.5% from each test.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

For each test not completed within its two week window of availability a mark of zero will apply. Exceptions to this rule include agreed extenuating circumstances.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August/September only

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: 30 March 2023