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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: 2019/0
Email: c.k.reynolds@reading.ac.uk
Type of module:
Summary module description:
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
- 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 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 • Milking 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 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.
Ìý | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
Lectures | 18 | ||
Tutorials | 2 | ||
Fieldwork | 4 | ||
Guided independent study: | 76 | ||
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
Total hours by term | 24 | ||
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
Total hours for module | 100 |
Method | Percentage |
Written exam | 50 |
Report | 40 |
Oral assessment and presentation | 10 |
Summative assessment- Examinations:
A one-and-a-half 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%
Each team will be awarded a presentation mark out of 10 based on the mean mark of two markers.
Formative assessment methods:
Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
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:
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: 8 April 2019
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.