Module Title:Animal Production in Organic Farming
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Formal lectures will be complemented by practical field sessions that will allow for a balance of theory and hands on learning activities. Classroom activities will focus on the key performance indicators underpinning various animal production systems within an organic context. Case studies of animal production in organic systems will be used where appropriate to enhance the learning experience of the students and expose them to new concepts in animal production. Students will learn the hands-on management aspects (e.g. BCS, performance monitoring etc.) of animal production through farm based practical sessions.
Module Aim: This module aims to introduce students animal production within an organic system. Students will learn about the management principles that apply as well as the interactions of the animal with the plant and soil that contribute to the sustainability of the system.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Demonstrate a knowledge of the various systems of animal production within an organic context
LO2 Demonstrate key skills that apply to animal production e.g. body condition scoring, locomotion scoring etc.
LO3 Understand the importance of animal-plant-soil interaction in driving the profitability and sustainability on organic farms
LO4 Be capable of appraising the various animal production systems and their suitability for organic production
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Beef and Dairy Production
Learners will be exposed to organic beef and dairy production systems including methods for achieving the key performance indicators for these enterprises. Lectures will be complemented by practical sessions which will focus on the skills required to run dairy and beef enterprises. The practical sessions will include; the safe handling of animals, performance monitoring, animal handling techniques, body condition scoring, selecting animals for slaughter etc.
Small Ruminant Production
Learners will gain an appreciation of the role of small ruminant productions systems on organic farms The primary focus of the module will be on organic lamb production. However, the learner will also be introduced to organic dairy production from sheep and goats. Lectures will be complemented by practical sessions which will focus on the skills required to run dairy and beef enterprises. The practical sessions will include; the safe handling of animals, performance monitoring, animal handling techniques, body condition scoring, selecting animals for slaughter etc
Grazing Systems on Organic Farms
The learner will get an introduction to the basic principals of pasture management on organic farms including the role of livestock in maintaining the sustainability of the soil-plant-animal system. Lectures will be complemented by practical sessions which will focus on pasture budgeting and performance recording.
Non-Ruminant Animals
The learner will gain experience in pig and poultry production within an organic context, including strategies for successful animal husbandry in these systems. Case studies from Ireland and elsewhere will be used to complement the lectures.
Safety when working with animals
Through the practical sessions, the learner will be given instruction on and expected to demonstrate skills in the safe handling of animals including but not limited to- -Strategies to avoid zoonosis -Crush injuries when handling animals in confined areas -Risk to musculoskeletal system due to mishandling of animals -Dealing with high risk animals and -Strategies to mitigate against the risks when handling animals
Assessment Breakdown%
Practical50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%
No Continuous Assessment
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Students will complete reports on the outcomes of each practical session attended demonstrating skills acquired. 2,3 50.00 Sem 2 End
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Terminal examination 1,2,3,4 50.00 End-of-Semester
No Continuous Assessment
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Students will complete reports on the outcomes of each practical session attended demonstrating skills acquired. 2,3 50.00 Every Second Week
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Terminal Examination 1,2,3,4 50.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 1.50
Practicals 12 Weeks per Stage 1.50
Independent Learning 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Total Hours 72.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_SWOAG_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Organic Agriculture 2 Mandatory
CW_SWOAG_D Bachelor of Science in Organic Agriculture 2 Mandatory