Cattle Production and Health Care (5cr)

Objective

Students receive in-depth knowledge of the activities of cattle farms as well as readiness to work as an entrepreneur or consultant. Students are able to participate professional discussion regarding cattle production.

Content

Planning of feeding, breeding and health care, barn planning and layouts. Current issues in feeding, care and production technology in cattle farms.

Qualifications

Introduction to agriculture, Common professional studies in crop production and animal husbandry, Farming practice

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Level 1: The student can find, choose and record the sources of information required for the making of the plans. He can interpret ready plans and central indicators used in the plans. He can draw up plans and can choose a suitable technological solution to a certain production environment when instructed. The student participates in and performs the compulsory exercises.
Level 3: The student can analyse the different information, indicators and observation results needed in the planning and monitoring of the production. He can draw up and calculate plans and can choose a suitable technological solution to a certain production environment. He can apply ready plans and can evaluate the practicability and the effects of the plans. The student participates in the lessons actively.
Level 5: The student can analyse the gathered information, calculated indicators and observation results from different aspects. He can draw up and calculate alternative plans, can compare them and can justify the choices of plans. He can compare different technological solutions and can develop production technology paying attention to the prevailing conditions. He can estimate the comprehensive effects of the plans and of technological solutions. The student is active and works on own initiative.

Materials

To appropriate extent: Hulsen, J. 2008. Fertility: a practical guide to fertility management
Availability: http://tiny.cc/1sxgkx

Hulsen, J. & Rodenburg, J. 2010. Building for the cow
Availability: http://tiny.cc/ltxgkx

Marcussen , D. & Krog Laursen, A. 2008. The basics of dairy cattle production
Availability: http://tiny.cc/6txgkx

Nilsson, M. 2009. Mjölkkor
Availability: http://tiny.cc/vwxgkx

Guide to good dairy farming practice. A joint publication of the International Dairy Federation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Availability: ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/006/y5224e/y5224e00.pdf ,http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/006/Y5224E/Y5224E00.HTM

Field-related websites, articles, research, and material as indicated during the lectures and through students' own information acquisition.

Teaching methods

Lectures, use of computer programs and other contact teaching 45 %, assignments, virtual learning and other autonomous studies 55 %.