Formal lectures will be complemented by practical field sessions and site visits to food producers in the South East. This will allow for a balance of theory and hands on learning activities. Classroom activities will focus on the main animal enterprises in Irish agriculture and strategies to optimise production in the most sustainable manner. Visiting lecturers will be used where appropriate to enhance the learning experience of the students and expose them to new concepts in animal production.
Module Aim:
This module aims to build upon the content delivered in Introduction to Animal Production. Specifically the module will focus on how animal product quality can be optimised through good management principals. Focusing mainly on the quality of animal produce, the module will be consumer focused and cover strategies to produce animals in the most sustainable manner possible. The module will also introduce the concept of one health, delivering best practice in the rearing of healthy livestock for human consumption
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Demonstrate how quality animal products that meet market specification can maximise the return from the market place
LO2
Understand the relationship between nutrition, animal performance and economics such that the profitability of the system is optimised
LO3
Be fully aware of the records needed by livestock farmers and be capable of advising them on how to maintain records by the most effective means
LO4
Differentiate and discuss the major animal diseases, including nutritional diseases and to know how to implement an economical and effective prevention programme
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
7832
FARM H1718
Introduction to animal production
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.
Students wishing to take this module should have completed the Level 6 Introduction to animal production or an equiv. subject
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Animal product qaulity
Animal product quality needs to be consumer led. Ensuring that the meat and dairy products are optimised for human consumption is essential in the sustainability of the system. The end user approach is essential here; what are the carcass traits desired by the consumer? what is the main dairy product being produced from milk? Starting at the consumer end, this module will work backwards to demonstrate how these criteria can be met at farm level
One Health
Animal production is increasingly scrutinised for the use of antibiotics and the rise of antimicrobial resistance in society. As animal producers steps need to be taken so that antibiotics and other animal health products are used strategically, ensuring the health of the animal while limiting AMR. The use of farm health plans will be central to the delivery of this aspect of the module.
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
20.00%
Project
20.00%
Practical
10.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Multiple Choice Questions
Examination on learning outcome 1
1
5.00
Week 4
Multiple Choice Questions
Examination on learning outcome 2
2
5.00
Week 8
Multiple Choice Questions
Examination on learning outcome 3
3
5.00
Week 12
Multiple Choice Questions
Examination on learning outcome 1
4
5.00
Week 15
Project
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Project
Students to conduct a group project on an aspect relating to animal product quality and its role in sustainable farm systems. The outcomes of this project will be presented to their peers.
1,2,3,4
20.00
n/a
Practical
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation
Students to demonstrate that they are knowledgable in the selection of livestock suitable for the market place
1
5.00
n/a
Practical/Skills Evaluation
Students to demonstrate a knowledge of how milk quality is maintained from animal management to management of the dairy.
1,2,3
5.00
n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Formal Exam
End of module examination
1,2,3,4
50.00
End-of-Semester
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment