SASA10154U Advanced Animal Production Science
MSc Programme in Animal Science - semi-compulsory
The course is a continuation of Course SASA10152U Animal
Production Science. Unlike the other course, this course does not
include equine herds. For details, reference is made to the course
description for Animal Production Science. It is a precondition for
working with other production animal species (defined as pigs,
cattle, poultry and fur animals) than pigs or dairy cows that at
least 4 students choose to work with the species in question.
The course continues the project work of the course on Animal
Production Science. A thorough analysis of the options identified
during the preceding course must be carried out, with a careful
prioritisation that is in agreement with the farmer's
preferences. Attributes of the farmer's preferences must be
identified and weighted. These must be used as the basis for
scientifically founded operational, tactical and strategic plans
that maximize the farmer's utility within the constraints
imposed on the production. The product of this work will be a
report that includes these plans.
Another element of this work is an obligatory in-depth analysis of
a selected problem in the herd. The following list shows examples
of potential problems suitable for in-depth analysis:
- A plan for expansion of the herd
- Implementation of a new feeding method or strategy
- Procedures for dynamic monitoring of particularly sensitive areas
of production
- Causes of production failure
The selected problem is chosen by the group, but the choice must be
based on the analysis of the herd. In relation to this work
independent data analyses, registrations and/or modeling can be
carried out.
This course aims to enable the student to devise scientifically
well-founded operational, tactical and strategic plans that
maximize the farmer's utility within the constraints imposed on
the production. The plans must, furthermore, be communicated to the
farmer.
After having attended both courses the student should be able to:
Knowledge:
- Describe potentials and limitations of theories from ethology,
physiology, nutrition, animal breeding, herd management, production
economics, climate control and epidemiology in relation to a
concrete animal production context.
Skills:
- Apply principles from utility theory for identification of farmer
preferences (objectives) described by a list of attributes and
their mutual weighting.
- Apply the relationships between factor allocation, constraints,
and utility attributes for devising scientifically well-founded
operational, tactical and strategic plans maximizing the
farmer's utility and communicate those plans to the relevant
parties.
Competencies:
- Transfer theories and methods for combination and adjustment of
production factors in animal production so that a given objective
is met in the best possible way within the constraints imposed on
production.
- Discuss production systems and production plans in relation to
animal welfare as well as the environmental and other societal
concerns.
Academic literature identification, interpretation and evaluation is a core element due to the project nature of the course.
The course is almost completely based on project work.
The product work is carried out in the groups already formed in Course SASA10152U Animal Production Science. Even though the course language is English, students must understand that Danish farm owners are not necessarily competent in English. Furthermore, most of the written material available about the farm will be in Danish. Thus, Danish-speaking students are expected to assist English-speaking students.
- Category
- Hours
- Colloquia
- 75
- Exam
- 10
- Excursions
- 10
- Guidance
- 15
- Lectures
- 5
- Practical exercises
- 10
- Preparation
- 37
- Project work
- 250
- Total
- 412
- Credit
- 15 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written assignmentOral examination, 35 minutesA project report must be submitted. Oral presentation and defence of project report.
Weight: Oral examination 75 %; Project report 25 %. - Exam registration requirements
A project report must be submitted.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Criteria for exam assesment
To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student shall be able
to:
In the project report:
- Apply principles from utility theory for identification of farmer
preferences (objectives) described by a list of attributes and
their mutual weighting.
- Apply the relationships between factor allocation, constraints,
and utility attributes for devising scientifically well-founded
operational, tactical and strategic plans maximizing the
farmer's utility and communicate those plans to the relevant
parties.
At the oral exam:
- Describe potentials and limitations of theories from ethology,
physiology, nutrition, animal breeding, herd management, production
economics, climate control and epidemiology in relation to a
concrete animal production context.
- Transfer theories and methods for combination and adjustment of
production factors in animal production so that a given objective
is met in the best possible way within the constraints imposed on
production.
- Discuss production systems and production plans in relation to
animal welfare as well as the environmental and other societal
concerns.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- SASA10154U
- Credit
- 15 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 4
- Schedule
- B And CWeek Structure B: Project oriented and partly coordinated with the veterinary differentiation for production animals.
Week Structure C: Project oriented and partly coordinated with the veterinary differentiation for production animals.
During the first 1-2 weeks of the course a few activities (for instance field trips) may be organized during hours other than those of Modules B and C. - Course capacity
- No limit
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- The Study Board for Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
Contracting departments
- Department of Large Animal Sciences
- Department of Food and Resource Economics
Course responsibles
- Anders Ringgaard Kristensen (3-71827b5083857e743e7b853e747b)
Overall course responsibility - Christian Fink Hansen (3-7376785083857e743e7b853e747b)
Pig track - Hanne Helene Hansen (3-7878785083857e743e7b853e747b)
Cattle track
Lecturers
Søren Marcus Pedersen
Bjarne Schmidt Bjerg
Cécile Cornou