Unit information: Animal Production in 2011/12

Unit name	Animal Production
Unit code	VETSM0001
Credit points	15
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1A (weeks 1 - 6)
Unit director
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Bristol Veterinary School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

The unit explains the principles of animal production and how factors such as breed and feed, growth rate and liveweight at slaughter can influence carcass and meat quality.

Aims:

This unit aims to develop the student’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of:

i) animal production systems for rearing cattle, pigs and sheep (breeds, diet, growth rate) and their effects on carcass and meat quality

ii) the components of carcass quality including carcass classification, anatomy and butchery.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of:

i) animal production systems for rearing cattle, pigs and sheep (breeds, diet, growth rate) and their effects on carcass and meat quality

ii) the components of carcass quality including carcass classification, anatomy and butchery

2. Students will be able to:

i) analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically.

ii) apply knowledge and understanding to address industry problems.

iii) apply critical thinking to published information.

Teaching Information

Knowledge and understanding is developed through pursuing a structured syllabus, evaluating directed reading, and engaging in problem solving exercises. From 2010/11 the unit will be taught in two formats.

1. Residentially. The unit will be taught conventionally through lectured material, practical/laboratory work, factory visits and tutorials. Lectures are given by research staff who are experts in their own fields.

2. e-learning. Existing lectured material will be available in an audio format using bespoke software (Camtasia), which allows Powerpoint-based lectures to be recorded with audio overlaid. Audio lectures will be supplemented by written notes and selected further reading. Teaching materials will be hosted on a web-based platform (Blackboard) which will include interactive questions and a discussion forum.

Assessment Information

Knowledge and understanding is assessed by a combination of coursework (30% of available marks) and a 3 hour written examination (70% of available marks). Coursework usually consists of a fully referenced essay (2500 words max.) and a critique of a research paper.

Reading and References

There will be a strong reliance on original research papers. The following books are also helpful:

1. Swatland, H. J (1994). Structure and development of meat animals and poultry. CRC Press.
2. Kempster, T., Cuthbertson, A. & Harrington, G. (1982). Carcass evaluation in livestock breeding, production & marketing. Granada Publishing.
3. Simm, G. (1998). The genetic improvement of cattle and sheep. CABI Publishing.