SASA10156U Advanced Quantitative Methods in Herd Management

Volume 2014/2015
Education
MSc Programme in Animal Science - semi-compulsory
Content

This course is for individuals seeking to improve their abilities to assemble and use data of animal performance to enhance rational, quantitative decision making in animal production. It is a computer intensive course.

Initially, the necessary mathematical and statistical preconditions will be introduced in order to make sure that all students have a basic understanding of topics like vector and matrix operations (i.e., linear algebra), random numbers, Bayes’ theorem, distributions (including multivariate and conditional), etc. The duration of this part is between one and two weeks.

Next, the course provides a comprehensive introduction to advanced quantitative herd management by combining:

- Theory
- Computer applications in order to illustrate theory
- Practical livestock management applications developed in research

The techniques covered in this course have general application in diverse animal production systems. These techniques are applied to an array of management decisions including culling, breeding and mating; feed allocation and slaughter timing; and medical treatment. Specific topics include dynamic monitoring of animal performance and behavior, data filtering, use of state space models, Bayesian networks, decision graphs, linear programming, Markov decision-processes and Monte Carlo simulation.

Learning Outcome

After attending the course students should be able to participate in the development and evaluation of new tools for management and control taking biological variation and observation uncertainty into account.

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge:
- Describe the methods taught in the course
- Explain the limitations and strengths of the methods in relation to herd management problems.
- Give an overview of typical application areas of the methods.

Skills:
- Construct models to be used for monitoring and decision support in animal production at herd level.
- Apply the software tools used in the course.

Competencies:
- Evaluate methods, models and software tools for herd management.
- Transfer methods to other herd management problems than those discussed in the course.
- Interpret results produced by models and software tools.

Literature

Kristensen, A.R., E. Jørgensen and N. Toft. 2010. Herd Management Science I. Basic concepts. 2010 Edition, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Life Sciences.

Kristensen, A.R., E. Jørgensen and N. Toft. 2010. Herd Management Science II. Advanced topics. 2010 Edition, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Life Sciences

Kristensen, A.R. 2010. Herd Management Science. Exercises and supplementary reading. 2010 edition.

SMAF10070U Statistisk dataanalyse 2
SMAF10074U Matematik og modeller
SMAF10078U Matematik og optimering
Only one of the courses SMAF10074U and SMAF10078U is required.
Lectures, theoretical exercises, practical computer exercises and report writing. In connection with lectures, the students are expected to participate actively in mutual discussions. Throughout the course, t he application and limitations of the methods taught will be illustrated by larger examples presented by invited guest lecturers having used the method in question in research. Lectures will be supported by theoretical problem solving exercises, and all methods presented will be supported by computer exercises where the application of the methods is illustrated. The reports will consist of answers to selected exercises, evaluation of methods and one or more simple implementations of methods used to solve management problems. Reports may be written and handed-in in minor groups of two or three students.
No credit points with course 260001 Advanced Herd Management (last possible examination 2011/2012).
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Guidance
  • 9
  • Lectures
  • 54
  • Practical exercises
  • 18
  • Preparation
  • 60
  • Project work
  • 54
  • Theory exercises
  • 10
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 minutes
An individual oral examination is held at the end of the course. 30 minutes preparation followed by 30 minutes examination.
Exam registration requirements
A precondition for attending exam is that at least 3 of 4 mandatory reports have been handed in and approved.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
More than one internal examiner
Criteria for exam assesment

To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student shall be able to:

- Describe the methods taught in the course
- Explain the limitations and strengths of the methods in relation to herd management problems.
- Give an overview of typical application areas of the methods.
- Evaluate methods, models and software tools for herd management.
- Interpret results produced by models and software tools.