Module Information
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. | 30% |
| Semester Exam | 3 Hours | 70% |
| Supplementary Exam | 3 Hours | 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
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.
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