Sheep and goat production

Approval in curricular units: Animal anatomy and physiology, Animal nutrition; Animal reproduction

– Expository methodology for the presentation of theoretical concepts.
– Exposure of real practice examples that will allow the perception of the exposed theoretical concepts.
– Article analysis, video viewing and case studies.
– Practical contact with sheep and goats existing at ESAC and other nearby farms.

1 – Know the importance of the small ruminant sector in agriculture and the economy
2 – Differentiate production systems adapted to production objectives, environmental conditions and structural conditions present
3 – Know the procedures inherent to the management of a sheep and / or goat farm according to their productive aptitudes and production system
4 – Perform fundamental management practices to sheep and goat

– Overview of small ruminant production, general and regional
– National breeds and exotic breeds of sheep and goats: characteristics and skills
– Characteristics of milk, meat and textile fibers production in each species, respective economic importance and technical indexes
– Physiological mechanisms involved in nutrition, reproduction, lactation and growth of animals of both species
– Compatibility of the farm’s food availability with the production system
– General, food and reproductive management for each species and production conditions
– General management practices and equipment
– Economic sustainability of the activity in view of the viable options for each farm

Continuous evaluation:

• 70% - 2 Written tests (T) with multiple choice questions, long, short and guided answers and problem solving in specific situations, with the same ponderation (35%)
• 30% - Execution of practical tasks during classes (Practical Tasks)

Mathematical expression for approval:
Final grade in UC = (0.35 x Test 1) + (0.35 x Test 2) + (0.30 x tasks classification)

A student is approved when has cumulatively fulfilled:
i) the minimum attendance in classes (67%);
ii) a grade equal to or higher than 7.5 in each of the evaluation instruments;
iii) a final classification equal to or higher than 9.5, obtained by the weighting of the different evaluation instruments.

A student not approved during the teaching period has access to assessment by final exam at a time foreseen in the academic calendar.

Students who have obtained a score of 9.5 or higher on the assessment instruments during the continuous assessment are exempted from taking that assessment instrument in the final exam.

Only assessment instruments scored as 9.5 or higher can be considered from the previous year, in case of failing students.

Exam evaluation:

• 70%: Written test with multiple choice questions, long, short and guided answers and problem solving situations.
• 30% - Practical exam at ESAC sheep facilities.

Mathematical expression for approval:
Final grade in UC = (0.70 x written exam) + (0.30 x oral practical exam)

NAO