CPSC30040 Grass and Forage Production

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module is designed for students in Animal and Crop Production/Animal Science/Animal Science Equine and Agri-environmental Sciences. This module will outline the importance of grass at a national, EU and worldwide level. Seasonal and regional variation in grass growth will be discussed. Grassland management including sward establishment, management fertilisation and utilisation will be discussed. Grazing systems and forage conservation techniques will be outlined. The role of nitrogen in grass production, the potential for loss from the system, and strategies (including clover) to reduce inorganic nitrogen inputs will be detailed. The role of grazing management in the maintenance of sward quality and the advantages and disadvantages of grass based animal production systems including economics will be discussed.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module the student should be able to: Describe the importance of grass in an Irish agricultural context and outline the advantages and disadvantages of a grass-based agricultural system; Explain the factors affecting grass growth on a seasonal and regional level; Describe the types of grassland and grass species used in Ireland, how varieties are selected and the stages of sward establishment; Evaluate the potential for loss of nutrients from grassland and methods of increasing the efficiency of nutrient use; Discuss the key stages in grassland management; Discuss the interactions between the sward and the grazing animal that impact on sward quality and animal performance; Outline a protocol for the conservation and utilisation of winter feed from grass and potential for alternatives.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30
Practical

4
Specified Learning Activities

24
Autonomous Student Learning

54
Total

112
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a large stage 4 module, therefore in order to keep lectures interactive power point slides in combination with class discussions, YouTube clips, relevant handouts, peer discussion are incorporated. In order to increase the proportion of blended teaching methods to increase variability and engagement, practical classes at the UCD Lyons Farm are incorporated to enhance student learning. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ANSC30290 - Grassld Mgt & Appl Dairy Nutr

Equivalents:
Grass and Forage Production (CPSC37040)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ Exam Unspecified n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ exam Unspecified n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Continuous Assessment: In-class exercises Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

10
Continuous Assessment: Assignment Week 12 n/a Graded No

50

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Group/class feedback post assessment after MCQ 1 and 2.