ANSC30330
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=ANSC30330&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=DBS1&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Applied Dairy Breeding and Fertility (ANSC30330)
Subject: : Animal Science
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Professor Patrick Lonergan
Trimester: : Spring
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 STAGE 3 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 in a sustainable manner 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.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
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 gaining a sustainable manner; 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.
How will I learn?
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 |
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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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quizzes/Short Exercises: Short MCQ-style questionnaires throughout the semester. These tests are to encourage you to study continuously. | Week 4 | Graded | No | 15 | No |
| Quizzes/Short Exercises: Short MCQ-style questionnaires throughout the semester. These tests are to encourage you to study continuously. | Week 8 | Graded | No | 20 | No |
| Exam (In-person): Final in person exam covering all of the module content. | Week 14 | Graded | No | 65 | No |
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Carry forward of passed components
Yes
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Yes - 2 Hour |
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?
Not yet recorded.
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Dr Donagh Berry | Tutor |