ANSC30330 Applied Dairy Breeding and Fertility

Academic Year 2020/2021

This undergraduate module targets students specialising in Dairy Science, and addresses Animal Breeding and Animal Reproduction. It consists of theoretical lectures, seminars on current research at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork and elsewhere, hands-on practicals and field trips. The specific components of Animal Breeding addressed in this module include: the development of the total merit index for dairy cattle in Ireland and how it can be used in herd breeding programs; consequences of inbreeding and merits of crossbreeding; current hot topics in animal breeding, for example application of molecular tools to breed improvement (e.g. genomic selection). The reproduction component of this module will focus on managing a dairy herd to achieve a compact calving pattern in a spring-calving grass-based system of production. The specific components of Animal Reproduction addressed will include: puberty in dairy heifers, dry period management, postpartum resumption of cyclicity, incidence and control of anoestrus, incidence and control of uterine infections, body condition score targets for optimum fertility, oestrus detection, synchronisation protocols for cows and heifers, and the use of records to assess herd fertility performance and identify areas for improvement.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:Clearly and concisely explain the derivation of the total merit index for dairy cattle in Ireland and how it can be used in a herd breeding programme to maximise genetic gain; Understand the consequences of application of crossbreeding to the Irish dairy industry;Describe how molecular tools, with particular emphasis on genomic selection, can be utilised in national and herd breeding programmes;Outline a comprehensive management programme for cows and heifers in seasonal-calving herds to maximise fertility at subsequent breeding;Describe various targets for fertility measurements, and have a thorough understanding of how to achieve these targets;Describe the principle disorders that negatively impact herd reproductive performance (e.g. anoestrus, uterine infections), know how to identify cows within a herd at risk of these disorders, and outline therapeutic strategies to minimize their impact; Understand synchrony programmes for cows and heifers. Examine herd fertility performance by using fertility records to identify problem areas and identifying strategies for improvement.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10
Seminar (or Webinar)

10
Practical

5
Field Trip/External Visits

5
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module consists of theoretical lectures, seminars on current research at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork and elsewhere, hands-on practicals and field trips. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Final Examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

65
Continuous Assessment: Short questionnaires throughout the Semester Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

35

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Donagh Berry Tutor