Decision support in animal production

The main objective of the course is to present the mathematical modelling and computer-based methods such as: simulation and optimization, applied to the support of the decisions in animal management. The surveyed optimization techniques will include: linear and dynamic programming, hierarchic Markov processes, Bayesian networks and influence diagrams. Examples of the decision problems from cattle (dairy and beef), poultry and wild animals’ management will be given.

Lectures

1. Basic concepts of animal management science and classical production theory; methods of monitoring, control and prediction. – 3 h

2. Optimization and simulation models; optimization techniques: linear and dynamic programming. - 4 h

3. Optimization techniques: hierarchic Markov processes, Bayesian networks and influence diagrams. - 2 h

4. Simulation methods in decision support–Monte Carlo method. - 3 h

5. Examples of decision problems in management of farm and wild animals. – 3 h

Classes:

1. Selected topics from probability theory, linear algebra and

statistics; linear and dynamic programming–standard software. – 6 h

2. Linear and dynamic programming, hierarchic Markov processes, application in beef and dairy herd management – specialized software.- 8 h

3. Simulation methods – standard software, application in dairy herd and poultry flock management – specialized software. – 5 h

4. Economic decision making in animal health management. – 3 h

5. Application of STELLA software to determine the optimal management strategy for selected species of wild animals. – 8 h

Subject statistic

1. Number of hours and ECTS credits - compulsory subject Hours: -; ECTS: -

2. Number of hours and ECTS credits - facultative subject Hours: 100; ECTS: 4

3. Total number of hours and ECTS credits, a student must earn by direct contact with academics (lectures, classes, seminars....) Hours: 45; ECTS: 1,8

4. Total number of hours and ECTS credits, a student earns in the course of a practical nature, such as laboratory, field trips and design classes Hours: 30; ECTS: 1,2

5. Expected personal workload (without or with academics participation during consultations) necessary for realization of subject objectives. Hours: 55; ECTS: 2,2

1. Dijkhuizen A.A., Morris R.S.: Animal Health Economics. Principles and Applications. Post-Graduate Found. in Vet. Sci., University of Sydney. 1997.

2. Kennedy J.O.S.: Dynamic programming. Applications to Agriculture and Natural Resources. Elsevier, London-New York. 1986.

3. Kristensen A.R., Jørgensen E., Toft N.: Herd management science. University of Copenhagen. 2009.

4. Owen-Smith N.: Introduction to modeling in wildlife and resource conservation. Blackwell Publishing. 2007.

5. Thornley J.H.M., France J.: Mathematical Models in Agriculture. 2nd Edition. CAB International. 2007.

Knowledge

1. Student is able to define problems of herd management, describes selects numerical methods for herd monitoring and supporting decision processes in farm animal and wild animal management.

Skills

1. Student is able to use monitoring techniques, numerical methods and specialist computer tools supporting decision making in herd management, interprets and critically assesses obtained results.

Social competences

1. Student realizes the complexity of decision processes connected with animal use and is aware of the necessity for critical assessment of the outcomes of various methods and techniques supporting decision in herd management.

Grade 3.0 Knowledge and practical skills 56-60%

Grade 3.5 Knowledge and practical skills 61-70%

Grade 4.0 Knowledge and practical skills 71-80

Grade 4.5 Knowledge and practical skills 81-90%

Grade 5.0 Knowledge and practical skills >90%