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AP3A93-Dairy Production

Module Provider: Agriculture
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level: 6
Terms in which taught: Spring
Module Convenor: Dr CK Reynolds
Pre-requisites: normally AP2A36
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0

Email: c.k.reynolds@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
This module aims to provide the student with an advanced understanding of the basic principles of dairy production and a practical knowledge of basic 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 the underlying principles of managing and feeding dairy cattle and the financial and environmental implications of management decisions.

    Additional outcomes:

    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 interest and relevance to students of agriculture and animal science 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
  • Milk processing
  • Milk composition and milk synthesis
  • Milking and milk handling procedures and hygiene
  • Mastitis prevention and milk quality
  • Genetics and breeding
  • 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
  • Biosecurity and herd health management
  • Data recording and decision making
    The Practical Content covers:
  • Study visits to the Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR) and a selected dairy farm, including a case study evaluation of the dairy facilities at 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/seminars    
    Practicals      
    Other contact (eg study visits)    
    Total hours   24   
    Number of essays or assignments   1 study visit report   
    Other (eg major seminar paper)   Group presentations   

    Assessment:
    Coursework:
    A report of the farm evaluation to be submitted by the last day of Term and an accompanying group presentation in the last week of term.

    Practical exercises marks made up of:
    Report 30%
    Presentation 20%
    Total 50%

    Presentation marks made up of:
    Each team will be awarded a mark out of 16 (i.e. 80% of the 20%) based on the mean mark of two markers. The remaining 4 marks (i.e. 20% of the 20%) will be based on the mean mark awarded by each student’s team members.

    Relative percentage of coursework: 50% in total
    Penalties for late submission: Standard University rule applies: 10% marks deducted for work submitted up to one week late. Work submitted more than one week late will be awarded a zero mark.
    Examinations:
    A one-and-a-half hour examination consisting of 3 essay-type questions chosen from a total of 6.
    Relative percentage of examinations: 50%
    Requirements for a pass:
    A mark of 40% overall.
    Re-assessment arrangements: By re-examination in August/September

    Last updated: 23 November 2009

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