Biology of lactation in dairy systems with cow and calf contact, 5 credits

The course targets research students in the field of dairy production with cow and calf contact. The aim of the course is to give the participants a deep understanding of how cow and calf contact affects milk synthesis and milk removal and how this can be studied. The course will also provide an overview understanding of how cow and calf contact affects the economic, social and environmental sustainability of dairy production. 
 
The course has three blocks (modules): 

1) Distance learning in a flipped classroom design, covering milk synthesis, milk ejection, milk removal and milk quality. A combination of literature, lectures, group discussions and assignments will be used. Total study time approximately 46 hours. 

2) Campus teaching (SLU Ultuna, Uppsala, Sweden), with focus on research methodology for studying dairy production with cow and calf contact, including presentations of students’ own research projects. During the campus teaching week students will meet active researchers in the field and do study visits. Teaching will be characterized by a high level of interactions between teachers and students in discussions and seminars. Total study time approximately 40 hours. 

3) The course finishes with an individual project that is presented in a short written summary and an oral presentation with opponents, again using distance learning techniques. Total study time approximately 46 hours. 
 
Block 2 will be one week full time teaching at Ultuna Campus. Block 1 and 3 will be scheduled to allow students to study 50-100%, depending on their other activities. 

 
Syllabus: Biology of lactation in dairy systems with cow and calf contact | New search | Externwebben (slu.se) 

Application: SLU Personalkurser 

Contact: Sigrid Agenäs, sigrid.agenas@slu.se