YAS-33406 Integrated Course Extensive Livestock

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Assumed knowledge on:

Courses 2nd year BDW

Contents:

This course allows specialization within extensively kept farm animals such as cattle (dairy), goats and sheep. Knowledge on breeding, management, nutrition, welfare and housing systems as well as financial and economic aspects are combined in a integrated way. With this approach, specific knowledge of various aspects of the sector is gained. This knowledge will be used for a consultancy practice in the sector. Together with students of a university of applied sciences, a practice-oriented problem will be tackled, analyzed and an advice should be formulated to a company or farm in this agricultural sector.
This course is in development; consult the coordinator of the course prior to period 4 (2010/2011) for detailed information.

Learning outcomes:

Students, who followed this course with interest and took part in the discussions should be able to:
- describe the dairy, beef, goat and sheep sector in the Netherlands and worldwide in general terms;
- distinguish and characterise the various components of the (small) ruminant production chain and its stakehoulders;
- to find reliable information about the sector;
- identify and explain the factors that independently and in combination to each other dictate the (small) ruminant husbandry and production in all aspects;
- interpret and integrate scientific information on nutrition, breeding, housing, health, welfare, product quality and various societal issues for (small) ruminants;
- apply this integrated knowledge in a real consultancy practice by giving advice to a farmer or entrepreneur in this sector;
- understand and work together with colleagues regarding questions from an other professional background.

Activities:

Discussion lectures are organized to discuss various potential problems in the sector regarding e.g. production problems, animal health and wellbeing. These discussions can be supported by scientific or popular literature. Students are actively involved in these lectures. Two excursions are organized within this course to relevant stakeholders. In addition the course will consist of working on an advisory practice, together with students from a university of applied sciences. Visits to- and discussions with an entrepreneur or farmer in order to analyse a practical problem is part of it.

Examination:

Written exam.

Literature:

Will be handed to you at the first lecture; A reader or handbook is available for self-study.