Biodiverse Pastures and Forages

Knowledge of plant physiology, botany, soil fertility, microbiology, and mechanization.

– Expository methodology for the presentation of theoretical concepts
– Monitoring of case studies that illustrate the subjects under study and allow students the perception of the actual implementation of the concepts listed
– Analysis of papers , viewing of videos/slideshows, consultation and research elements and comparative data and case studies
– Contact with areas of pasture and forage crops in the agro-livestock ESAC and other holdings, allow consolidate syllabus exposed

1. Relate specific definitions relating to pastures and forages with their production, recovery and use in feeding herbivorous animals
2. Select, among the main pratense and forage species, the most suitable options for the constitution of mixtures, depending on soil and climate characteristics, exploitation conditions and production objectives
3. Plan the most appropriate set of technical procedures for the establishment of biodiverse pastures and forage crops
4. Integrate the positive aspects that result from the use of biodiverse pastures and forages in the feeding of herbivorous animals in livestock farms, with special emphasis on economic, environmental, and animal welfare aspects

MODULE I
1. Specific definitions and designations
2. Production levels and quality of pratense and forage crops
3. Advantages and limitations of using pastures and forages to feed herbivores
4. Complementarity between pastures, forages and other foods
MODULE II
1. Physiological adaptation of grassland and forage species to the Mediterranean climate
2. Contributions of the main species families to the feeding of herbivores
3. Agronomic and physiological characteristics of the main species used
4. Selection of species/subspecies for pastures and forages mixtures/associations
MODULE III
1. Choice between “improvement” and “re-implementation” of pastures
2. Specifics of the implementation of pratense and forage crops
3. Cultural practices to be carried out for the installation of pastures and forages
4. Programs for the installation of pastures and forages, in different edaphoclimatic situations, objectives and working conditions

Continuous Assessment

The grade for each module (Module Grade) is determined by a written test consisting of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and problem-solving tasks based on concrete scenarios. The mathematical formula used to determine a passing grade under the continuous assessment system is as follows:

Final Grade = (0.35 x Module I Grade) + (0.35 x Module II Grade) + (0.30 x Module III Grade)

Cumulative requirements for passing the course:

- Meeting the minimum attendance threshold (or an equivalent legal requirement);

- A minimum grade of 7.5 in each module;

- A minimum Final Grade of 9.5.

Full exemption from the final exam: granted upon successfully passing the course unit (UC).

Partial exemption from the final exam: applies to modules in which a minimum grade of 7.5 has been achieved; this grade is then used in the calculation of the Final Grade.

For the final exam, students who participated in the continuous assessment system are eligible for a partial exemption from any module(s) in which they earned a minimum grade of 7.5. In such cases, that specific grade is used in the calculation of the Final Grade.

In all instances, the mathematical formula used to determine a passing grade in the final exam is as follows:

Final Grade = (0.35 x Module I Grade) + (0.35 x Module II Grade) + (0.30 x Module III Grade)

NAO