ANSC30400
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=ANSC30400&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=CPS1&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Beef Production (ANSC30400)
Subject: : Animal Science
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Dr Alan Kelly
Trimester: : Autumn
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This undergraduate module targets students specialising in Animal Science/Animal Production. The specific components addressed include: The beef sector/industry at farm, national and international level - current position and future trends. Topics introduced include beef production in selected countries in Europe and elsewhere, current developments in the science and technology of beef production and in meeting evolving market demands. The module will additional address issues such as the following: suckler beef and dairy beef production systems, veal production; beef production from young bulls and cull cows; reproductive strategies to augment efficiency; manipulation of growth and efficiency; meat quality, nutritional requirements and nutritional physiology, metabolic and health issues pertaining to beef cattle, sustainable production systems and environmental constraints on production. The module is organised as lectures plus a series of discussions in a tutorial/workshop format and guest lecturers are invited from research and advisory personnel as well as representatives from the beef processing and animal breeding and nutrition sectors.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module the student should be able to: Critically evaluate beef production in Ireland relative to our main international competitors both within Europe and world wide. Evaluate alternative production strategies for beef cattle and be able to advise producers on appropriate production strategies for the future. Discuss critically selected aspects of beef production including an analysis of the issues in terms of the most up-to-date information available. Analyse systems of production both from the biological/technical and financial perspectives, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and make recommendations for remedial action as appropriate. Access and interpret information from a variety of sources and evaluate the reliability of alternative sources of information.
Indicative Module Content:
The specific components addressed include: \ The beef sector/industry at farm, national and international level - current position and future trends.\ suckler beef and dairy beef production systems, \ veal production; \ beef production from young bulls and cull cows; \ reproductive strategies to augment efficiency; \ manipulation of growth and efficiency; \ meat quality and product specification\ nutritional requirements and nutritional physiology, \ metabolic and health issues pertaining to beef cattle, \ sustainable cattle production systems and environmental constraints on beef production.
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Autonomous Student Learning | 72 |
| Lectures | 36 |
| Practical | 4 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 112 |
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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The key teaching and learning approaches used in the module are lectures, enquiry & problem-based learning.
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Not applicable to this module.
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Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module. \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (In-person): Examination: This assessment will be in the form of an MCQ and Short Essay questions. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam | End of trimester Duration: 2 hr(s) | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 65 | No |
| Exam (In-person): This assessment will be in the form of an MCQ where all content covered (including T/L practicals) to that point will be examinable. | Week 7 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 35 | No |
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Carry forward of passed components
No
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What happens if I fail?
| Remediation Type | Remediation Timing |
|---|---|
| In-Module Resit | Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Following the continuous assessment, feedback will be provided to the class.
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Fri 09:00 - 09:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Fri 11:00 - 12:50 |