Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Report linking the nutrient requirements and pasture supply for grazing Livestock | 25% |
| Semester Assessment | Production of 2 critiques of research papers | 30% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours | 45% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Students will be required to take elements of the assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module | 55% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Students will be required to take elements of the assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module | 45% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Detail the range and distribution of grasslands and forages and the characteristics of the major herbage species.
2. Review and evaluate the development of new forage crops for use in pasture-based systems.
3. Review and evaluate the potential of grass bio-refining.
4. Evaluate the influence of management and environment on pasture composition and critically appraise forage cropping programmes.
5. Evaluate grazing and forage conservation requirements and evaluate grassland and forage management plans and conservation systems in order to provide optimum yield and quality.
6. Critically appraise the potential for current research in grassland and forage crop production and utilisation to provide alternative methods of livestock feeding.
Brief description
This module will consider in detail the principles and practices underpinning the husbandry of grassland, forages and non-cereal arable crops with particular reference to livestock nutrition. The range and distribution of grassland and forage crops and factors influencing growth and development and their manipulation will be examined. The specific needs of individual animal species, forage-based problems and disorders and the role of plant breeding and management will be investigated. The roles of nutrient management and environmental protection will be a theme throughout as will strategies for grazing and forage preservation. Students will evaluate the management requirements of a range of forage crops and the factors that underpin a range of forage cropping systems. Current research being carried out in IBERS will have a significant impact on the precise module content.
Aims
The module aims to introduce the students to the principles and practices of as well as the current research into grassland and forage management.
Content
- Range and distribution of grasslands and the characteristics of herbage species (2 lectures and 1 practical)
- Forage species and varieties (2 lectures)
- Managerial and environmental factors, including grassland nutritional requirements, that effect pasture composition and quality (4 lectures)
- Range and use of forage crops and evaluation of forage cropping programmes (2 lectures)
- Forage crop breeding (2 lectures and 1 practical)
- Grazing and forage conservation systems (6 lectures and 2 practicals).
- Novel grassland and non-arable crops research and its potential to affect future livestock feeding practice (2 lectures and 1 practical)
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | One of the assessed assignments will be based around a grazing and forage requirement assignment which will require the student to calculate nutrient requirements and pasture supply for grazing. |
| Communication | Students will be expected to be able to express themselves appropriately in their assignments. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Detailed feedback will be given for assignment work. |
| Information Technology | Students will be required to source information from a variety of scientific publication databases. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | |
| Problem solving | Semester assessments will be used to develop and assess problem solving skills. |
| Research skills | Students will be required to undergo directed self-study and work towards their assignment and so will develop their literature research skills. |
| Subject Specific Skills | The relationship between animals and their feeding / foraging environment. |
| Team work |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7