Students will receive in-depth knowledge of the activities of a cattle farm as well as the readiness to work as an entrepreneur and consultant.
Student's Workload
Totally 240 h + Grass culvitation-course 83 cr). Scheduled studies 100 h (in multiform learning 50 h), autonomous studies 140h (in multiform learning 190 h).
Prerequisites / Recommended Optional Courses
Basics of chemistry and biology in animal Husbandry; Basic knowledge and practice of animal husbandry; Farming practice
Contents
Current issues in feeding and care of dairy and beef cattle, animal recording practices, planning of feeding, breeding, health care, construction and production technology of dairy and beef farms
NOTE: Students are also required to take Grass Cultivation- course
Recommended or Required Reading
To appropriate extent: Hulsen, J. 2008. Fertility: a practical guide to fertility management; Hulsen, J. & Rodenburg, J. 2010. Building for the cow; Marcussen , D. & Krog Laursen, A. 2008. The basics of dairy cattle production; Nilsson, M. 2009. Mjölkkor;Guide to good dairy farming practice. A joint publication of the International Dairy Federation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/006/y5224e/y5224e00.pdf , http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/006/Y5224E/Y5224E00.HTM
Field-related articles, research, and material as indicated during the lectures and through students' own information acquisition. https://portal.mtt.fi/portal/page/portal/Artturi/artturi_web_service
Mode of Delivery / Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Lectures (incl. guest lecturers), visits to farms and exercises 100 h, Independent study 140 h.
In multiform learning lectures and exersises 50 h, independent study 190 h.
In addition students are required to take Grass cultivation course (3 cr).
Assessment Criteria
Level 1: The student can find, choose and record the sources of information required for the making of the plans. He can specify the objectives of the health care of a cattle farm. He can interpret ready plans and central indicators used in the plans. He can explain the most ordinary technological solutions that are used in different production environments. 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.
Assessment Methods
Active participation, Assignments and Written exams