Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Critical review This assignment will be handed in approximately half way through semester 2. The "Journal Club" seminar will allow students to discuss their chosen paper before submitting. 2000 Words | 60% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Exam | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Critical review 2000 Words | 60% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Exam | 40% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Detail the range and distribution of grasslands and forages and the characteristics of the major herbage species.
Review and evaluate the development of new forage crops for use in pasture-based systems.
Evaluate the influence of management and environment on pasture composition and critically appraise forage cropping programmes.
Evaluate grazing and forage conservation requirements and evaluate grassland and forage management plans and conservation systems in order to provide optimum yield and quality.
Critically evaluate the potential for current research in grassland and forage crop production and utilisation to provide alternative methods of livestock feeding.
Demonstrate retained knowledge of recent developments within grassland science
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 The Department of Life Sciences and 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
Pasture Species (2 hour lecture and 3 hour practical)
Nutritive Value and Plant Morphology (2 hour lecture)
Changing Pasture Composition (1 hour lecture + 3 hour fieldtrip)
Nitrogen Use Efficiency (2 hour lecture)
Grass modelling (3 hour workshop)
Grazing Management (2 hour lecture)
Journal Club (2 hour seminar)
Forage Preservation (2 hour lecture)
Grass breeding ( 2 hour lecture)
Module revision and exam preparation (2 hour workshop)
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | The grass modelling workshop will allow students to use Excel to carry mathematical scenarios. |
| Communication | Students will be expected to be able to express themselves appropriately in their assignments. |
| Critical and analytical thinking | The critical review assignment will ask students to critically evaluate a paper of their choice. |
| 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. |
| 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 | Students will work in groups for the pasture species practical. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7