Ulrich Witschi: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020 |
| Name | Dr. Ulrich Witschi |
| ulrich.witschi@usys.ethz.ch | |
| Department | Environmental Systems Science |
| Relationship | Lecturer |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 751-6501-00L | Ruminant Science (HS) | 4 credits | 4G | K. Giller, S. Goumon, A. Grahofer, U. Witschi | |
| Abstract | The course provides the scientific basis of the central aspects of reproduction, husbandry and nutrition physiology of ruminants, and of the implications for animal welfare, product quality and breeding programs. Means of knowledge transfer include interdisciplinary approaches, disciplinary parts, web-based learning and self-study. | ||||
| Learning objective | At the end of the course the students are able to apply, by a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms, their knowledge in various fields of ruminant science. They will be able to develop and recommend best strategies for breeding programs, feed formulation, improving forage quality, increasing animal health and welfare etc. They will be trained to carry out interdisciplinary and disciplinary research at the highest level. The course Ruminant Science (FS) offered in spring has a similar structure but is complementary to this course. | ||||
| Content | Fields (contact hours) Introduction: 2 h Special topics: 12 h - Reproduction techniques: 4 h - Fertility in cows: 4 h - Calf health: 4 h Disciplinary topics: 34 h - Ruminant Husbandry: 14 h - Ruminant Nutrition Physiology: 12 h - Reproduction in Ruminants: 8 h Lectures held by the students: 4 h In summary - Contact hours: 52 h - Self-study within semester: 30 h (especially preparation for the interdisciplinary courses and the own lecture) - Self-study in semester break: 38 h Total: 120 h | ||||
| Lecture notes | Documentations, links and other materials will be provided at the start of the course | ||||
| Literature | Information on books and other references will be communicated during the course | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The specialty of this course is that for the first time the animal science disciplines are unified. This is realised with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary special topics and new forms of teaching. At the same time the essential basics in the central fields are communicated. The field of Ruminant Science will also be a part of the spring semester (special topics: Organic Ruminant Systems, Tropical Ruminant Systems, Mastitis; disciplinary courses: Cattle, Sheep and Goat Breeding, Ruminant Diseases and Prophylaxis, Ruminant Nutrition and the Environment). However both courses are organized independently. Conditions for successful participation: Background on animal science from the Bachelor is desired. In order to attend the Minor in Ruminant Science without any animal science background, a realistic self-assessment concerning the need for additional self-study is recommended (e.g. by choosing an appropriate bachelor course which then may be counted as 'optional courses' in the master). These efforts depend on the extent to which animal science courses have already been attended in the bachelor. The control of performance will consist of: - an own short lecture - a final oral examination with focus on comprehension of the fundamental linkages rather than of specific details | ||||