Biodiverse Pastures and Forages

Photosynthesis, elementary botany and digestion physiology in ruminants

– 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

1. Specific definitions and designations
    Production levels and quality of pratense and forage crops
2. Advantages and limitations of using pastures and forages to feed herbivores
    Complementarity between pastures, forages and other foods
3. Physiological adaptation of grassland and forage species to the Mediterranean climate
    Contributions of the main species families to the feeding of herbivores
4. Agronomic and physiological characteristics of the main species used
    Selection of species/subspecies for pastures and forages mixtures/associations
5. Specifics of the implementation of pratense and forage crops

     Choice between “improvement” and “re-implementation” of pastures
     Cultural practices to be carried out for the installation of pastures and forages
     Programs for the installation of pastures and forages, in different edaphoclimatic situations, objectives and working conditions

Continuous evaluation
The classification results from the completion of a two written test with multiple choice questions, short and guided answer and problem solving in face of specific situations. The mathematical expression that determines approval in continuous assessment is as follows:
Final Grade = (0.50 x test I Grade) + (0.50 x test II Grade)

Cumulative conditions for use:
- Compliance with the minimum attendance value, or equivalent legal determination
- Minimum grade for each test: 7.5
- Minimum Final Grade: 9.5
Total exemption from the exam: with use by the UC.
Partial Exam Waiver: tests with a minimum rating of 7.5

In the final exam, students who have been evaluated by continuous assessment benefit from partial exemption from the test(s) in which they have obtained a minimum classification of 7.5, which is the respective classification that is weighted in the calculation of the Final Grade.
In all cases, the mathematical expression that determines passing the final exam is as follows:
Final Grade = (0.50 x test I Grade) + (0.50 x test II Grade)

NAO