Silage Science

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. 1. Evaluate current and future silage production systems.
2. 2. Review and evaluate scientific literature in relation to silage fermentation and microbiology and apply results to the evaluation of inoculants and other silage production additives.
3. 3. Discuss the various systems used in silage evaluation and be able to use the information to help design optimal diets for ruminant livestock.
4. 4. Assess the potential environmental impacts of silage production and evaluate strategies to reduce the risk to the wider environment.

This module develops your knowledge of modern forage and grain ensilage systems, giving you the skills to integrate recent research into your work. It examines: silage evaluation; fermentation; microbiology; inoculant development; pathogen transfer; and food safety. Its focus is primarily on pasture-based systems, but processes for grain and non-arable crops will also be described and evaluated.

This module will comprise 20 hrs of formal input and will cover the following areas:
* Silage production and ensilage systems
* Silage evaluation
* Silage fermentation and microbiology
* Inoculant development
* Ensilage and preservation of a alternative feed crops and its potential to affect future livestock feeding practice
* Pathogen transfer and food safety in silage fed animals

The module will feature a range of lectures, interviews with key researchers and some film material that will teach students about current advances in silage. The fundamental principles of each of topic will be conveyed to the student in a lecture format. In addition, key research publications and interviews with researches will form the basis of a 'case study' demonstrating how research is driving innovation in each area. An assessed 'forum post' associated to each unit of study will ensure students understand the key information presented and can synthesize and present their arguments to other students. Students will also be expected to reply to other student forum posts to encourage further dialogue around each topic. In addition students will be asked to produce a assessed presentation aimed at conveying the information gathered from the module and publications to the wider farming community. This activity will assess both the students understanding of the subject matter, and their ability to communicate difficult concepts. An assessed report will test the students ability to research and build their own 'case study' mirroring and building on the information contained within the module.

This module is at CQFW Level 7