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:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Students will 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 key performance indicators of dairy cattle and dairy farms.

Aims:

The 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 and is of greatest interest to students with an interest in dairy science and production.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Apply observational skills to critically evaluate key principles of managing dairy cattle and assess the implications of management decisions.


• Describe, discuss, and critically evaluate underlying principles and aspects of managing dairy cattle, such as feeding and nutrition, fertility, and health of dairy cattle across specific stages of growth and production.

Additional outcomes:

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

• team work


• 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 lecture content covers:

• Evolution of the dairy industry in the UK and globally


• Evaluating dairy cow management and facilities (on farm workshops)


• Genetics and breeding


• Management of reproduction and fertility


• Management of the transition from gestation to lactation


• Feeds and feeding


• Calf management and heifer rearing


• Data recording and decision making


• Lameness management

The practical 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	50
Report	40
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A two hour examination consisting of 2 essay-type questions chosen from a total of 4.  This contributes 50% of the overall assessment.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Report on the farm evaluation exercise 40%

Presentation on the farm evaluation exercise 10%

Presentations will be on specific topics and given by groups of students.   Each group will be awarded a presentation mark based on the mean mark of at least two markers.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

By re-examination in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  

4) Printing and binding:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 30 March 2023