ACE3028 : Tropical Animal Production

  • Module Leader(s): Mrs Jenny Harrison
  • Owning School: Agriculture, Food & Rural Development
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0

Aims

The module develops an understanding of the specific problems and challenges which the tropics present to animal production. The Syllabus covers: Definitions, resources and uses; breeding principles; nutritional principles; species and factors which affect their performance and production; disease and health.

Outline Of Syllabus

Definitions, Resources and Uses
Definition of the tropics (this may include areas outside of geographical tropics)
Resources available in human/land/animal/climate term
Uses of livestock. Meat, milk, draft. Fibre production and sociological aspects
Breeding Principles
Improved types versus indigenous breeds
The role of Crossbreeding and new breed development.
Nutritional Principles
Feeds available and their value/limitations (foreges, cereals, proteins)
Production differences between temperature/tropical grasses. Seasonality/rainfall effects.
Improvement using technology (eg urea treatment of straw)
Alternative feeds and by-products not important in temperate areas. Molasses, sugar cane, cassave, bananas, rice.
Species and Factors which affect their Performance and Production
Beef cattle
Dairy cattle
Buffalo
Sheep and goats
Camelids
Pigs and Poultry
Disease and Health
Review of diseases of livestock that are peculiar to tropical regions like redwater fever, naplasmosis etc. Posible effects and means of control
Special Features
Lectures one two or more specifi tropical countries looking at the features which influence animal productivity in these countries. To be given by invited speakers from the countries concerned.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Academic Staff Contact Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion115:0015:000:00Preparation for advisory report
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion113:0013:000:00Revision for and completion of Semester 2 examination
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture112:0022:0022:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study128:0028:000:00Reading beyond the delivered material
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study221:0022:000:00Compilation and follow-up of lecture materials
Total100:0022:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide students with information and understanding on tropical animal production.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1202A802 questions from 5
Exam Pairings
Module Code Module Title Semester Comment
ACE8025Tropical Animal Production2N/A
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2M20Advisory report (1000 words)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written examination tests the students understanding of concepts developed in the lecture programme. The continous assessment advisory report tests the development of transferable skills as well as the acquisition of knowledge.

Reading Lists

Timetable

Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.