ANSC30120 Non-ruminant Animal Production (Swine & Poultry)

Academic Year 2024/2025

This undergraduate module is designed for students specialising in Animal Science/Animal and Crop Production. It consists of two sections, focusing on swine (70%) and poultry production (30%). The course covers the pig and poultry industries at farm, national, and international levels, including their current positions and future trends. It delves into the principles of pig breeding, sow nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, boar nutrition and management, and nutrition for weaner and finisher pigs. Management practices and disease control are also discussed. The module addresses costs, returns, and factors affecting profitability in pig and poultry farming, as well as factors influencing meat quality. In the poultry section, the principles of broiler production, egg production, and turkey production are examined. This includes housing, nutrition, health management, and disease control.

Sustainability is integrated throughout the course, emphasising sustainable farming practices, environmental impact, and the importance of sustainable resource management in both swine and poultry production. The module prepares students to understand and apply sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of animal production systems.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to identify and describe major enterprises and industries related to pig and poultry production, explaining their primary functions and roles within the agricultural sector. They will be able to discuss current trends, challenges, opportunities, and sustainability issues within these industries.

Students will provide a comprehensive overview of pig and poultry production systems, explaining the processes and methodologies involved from breeding to market. They will discuss the application of key principles and concepts such as genetics, nutrition, housing, disease management, and sustainable practices.

By breaking down each system of production into its fundamental components, students will describe the role and function of each component within the system. They will evaluate the interrelationships between different components and their significance to the overall production system, including considerations for environmental impact and resource efficiency.

Students will conduct detailed analyses of production systems from both biological/technical and financial perspectives. They will identify and assess the strengths and weaknesses of current production systems, including sustainability metrics. Based on their analyses, they will make evidence-based recommendations for improving production efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.

Through gaining knowledge of key enterprises involved in pig and poultry production, students will understand the economic impact, market dynamics, and sustainability challenges of these industries. They will master the details of pig and poultry production, including breeding and genetics, nutrition and feed management, housing, environmental control, and sustainable farming practices.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

72
Lectures

36
Practical

6
Total

114
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be delivered through face to face lectures and some small group teaching and learning classes.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

If you do not have the prerequisite modules listed but have equivalent modules, please contact the module co-ordinator.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
ANSC20020 - Animal Nutrition I, ANSC30010 - Animal Reproduction, ANSC30020 - Animal Breeding I


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Quizzes/Short Exercises: MCQ Exam online Week 4 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

8

 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: MCQ Exam (In Person) Week 8 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

25

 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: MCQ Exam online Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

8

 No
Exam (In-person): Two hour written End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

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