Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
RSM2410
Module Title
GRASSLAND SCIENCE
Academic Year
2011/2012
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 1 x 1 hour lecture per week
Practical 3 x 3 hour practicals during semester
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Grassland/forage assignment  Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  30%
Semester Exam 3 Hours   Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  70%
Supplementary Exam 3 Hours   Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  100%

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

Critically evaluate the influence of management and environment on pasture composition and critically appraise forage cropping programmes

Understand grazing and forage conservation requirements and evaluate grassland and forage management plans and conservation systems in order to provide optimum yield and quality.

Advise on the husbandry, harvesting and storage of forage crops.

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. Through an integrated programme of lectures and practicals, students will evaluate the management requirements of a range of forage crops and the factors that underpin a range of forage cropping programmes. Current research being carried out in IBERS will have a significant impact on the precise module content.

Content

The aims of the module are:

To consider in detail the principles and practices underpinning the husbandry of grassland and forages with particular reference to livestock nutrition and wellbeing. The precise management requirements of a range of forage crops and the factors that underpin a range of forage cropping programmes will also be evaluated. Students will benefit significantly from the research being conducted in this area in house at IBERS and so have the opportunity to be involved in the advances at the forefront of grassland and forage science.

It will achieve this by considering the following areas

Range and distribution of grasslands and the characteristics of herbage species
Managerial and environmental factors, including grassland nutritional requirements, that effect pasture composition and quality.
Range and use of forage crops and evaluation of forage cropping programmes.
Forage crop breeding
Grazing and forage conservation systems.
Novel grassland and non-arable crops research and its potential to affect future livestock feeding practice

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Students will be expected to be able to express themselves appropriately in their assignment and written examination.
Improving own Learning and Performance
Information Technology Students will be required to source information from a variety of scientific publication data bases
Personal Development and Career planning
Problem solving
Research skills Students will be required to undergo directed self study and work towards their assignment and so will develop their literature research skills. Student’s laboratory skills will be developed in their practical laboratory work.
Subject Specific Skills The relationship between animals and their feeding/foraging environment
Team work Students will be required to work in pairs in the practical sessions

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7