Module Details

Module Code: AGRI S7011
Full Title: Advanced Livestock Management
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner::
  • Siobhan Jordan
  • John(science) Doherty
  • John Kelly
  • Marie McGlynn
  • Liam McWeeney
  • Breda Brennan
  • Liam McWeeney
Departments: Agriculture, Food and Animal Health
Module Description: This module aims to provide the learner with a thorough understanding of the key principles of profitable and sustainable livestock production with due regard for animal health, welfare and environmental considerations.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Describe the main markets, market requirements and how systems of production improve their sustainability in meeting market expectations and climate change targets.
MLO2 Discuss the feeding and management requirements of beef, sheep and dairy production systems while optimising sustainable output and animal health.
MLO3 Recognise the role of evolving breeding tools as the basis for breeding fertile and healthy animals capable of maximising production from grazed grass.
MLO4 Discuss disease control strategies for beef, sheep and dairy production systems and the how antimicrobial resistance and bio security fit within these strategies.
MLO5 Perform tasks associated with beef, sheep and dairy production.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Beef Husbandry and Management
Feeding and nutrition of beef animals including the suckler cow, and using body condition scores as a management tool Weaning management Breeding replacement females and targets for production and fertility Management practices to improve herd fertility. Breeding indices and targets. Bull selection criteria and fertility and genomic selection Physical key performance indicators (KPIs), including they impact on carbon emissions Aetiology and management of the important production diseases in beef including AMR, bio security, vaccination and developments in health such as 'One Health' Beef market requirements and quality assurance schemes
Sheep Husbandry and Management
Feeding and nutrition of sheep and using body condition scores as a management tool Lambing management and welfare Key breeding and management strategies for early, mid-season, hill and store lamb production including breeds, hybrids and replacements Physical key performance indicators (KPIs), including they impact on carbon emissions Factors affecting ewe fertility including terminal sire selection Aetiology and management of the important production diseases in sheep including AMR, bio security, vaccination and developments in health such as 'One Health' Sheep market requirements and quality assurance schemes
Dairy Husbandry and Management
Feeding and nutrition of dairy animals. Factors affecting voluntary dry matter intake Calf rearing and welfare Factors influencing milk composition and quality. Milk quality tests, milk residues, use of selective dry cow therapy Fertility and breeding of dairy animals. Management practices to improve herd fertility. Breeding indices and targets. Bull selection criteria and fertility, genomic selection and sexed semen. Selection and breeding of replacement heifers. Breeding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including they impact on carbon emission Aetiology and management of the important production diseases in dairy including AMR, bio security, vaccination and developments in health such as 'One Health' Dairy market requirements and quality assurance schemes
Animal Production Tasks
Evaluating housing and handling facilities, including space, feed space requirements, lighting, fixed and mobile handling, restraints and drafting. Achieving high standards of health and welfare in housing animals Winter feed analysis and budgeting Interpret relevant breeding performance charts/reports utilising national breeding databases Interpreting slaughter data for beef and sheep Interpreting milk test results Drying off techniques of dairy cows
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work30.00%
Practical30.00%
Final Examination40.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 9 Learning Outcome 2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Lecturer will decide on a major project such as enterprise technical plan covering areas covered in the learning outcomes of the module.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Skills evaluation: Housing and handling facilities, health and welfare in housing animals, winter feed analysis and budgeting, interpreting relevant breeding performance charts/reports, utilising national breeding databases, interpreting slaughter data for beef and sheep, interpreting milk test results, drying off techniques of dairy cows.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End of Semester Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

This module has no Full-time workload.
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Learning outcomes 1 to 4 Every Week 2.50 2.5
Practical Contact Learning outcome 5 Practical Skills Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Study Non Contact Learning outcomes 1 to 4 Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact Directed reading specific to indicative content and reading list Every Week 2.50 2.5
Online (Contact) Contact Online support Every Week 1.00 1
Total Weekly Learner Workload 10.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Teagasc. (2021), Teagasc Dairy Manual, 2021.
  • Teagasc. (2021), Teagasc Beef Manual.
  • John Webster. (2020), Understanding the Dairy Cow, 3. John Wiley & Sons, p.280, [ISBN: 9781119550228].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Teagasc CDSU. (2021), Sheep Husbandry.
  • Teagasc CDSU. (2021), Beef Husbandry.
  • Teagasc CDSU. (2021), Dairy Husbandry.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources