Base Knowledge
Pasture and forrage conservation, soils and fertility, climatology, arable crops, animal production systems, animal nutrition
Teaching Methodologies
Theoretical and practical sessions, with an expositive methodology for the presentation of theoretical concepts
Permanent demonstration with practical cases and group discussion
Analysis of scientific and divulgation articles
Consultation and research of elements and data
Direct observation and concrete evaluation of situations of the farm of ESAC and/or other farms
Learning Results
1. Discuss the European regulation on organic livestock production as well as specific aspects of its implementation.
2. Relate the energy valuation of food and protein metabolism and its major constituents on digestive physiology in monogastric and ruminant.
3. Enhance the sustainability of different vectors from the adoption of grassland and forage crops as afundamental element of organic farming.
4. Understand the meaning and use of technical-economic indicators in biological husbandry.
Program
MODULE I – Regulation of organic livestock production (OLP)
1 – Analysis of EU regulatory texts, confirming the basic principles of OLP with regard to land-based production, feed and disease prevention.
2 – Definitions in the regulations on organic livestock production
3 – Rules with a direct or indirect impact on organic livestock production
4 – Specific requirements for organic livestock production, particularly regarding conversion, genetics, housing, management and manure; for the main livestock species.
MODULE II – Feeding animals in organic livestock production
1 – Composition, evaluation and classification of authorised feedstuffs
2 – Pastures and forage as the dietary basis of sustainable livestock production
3 – Energy and protein requirements and supply
4 – Digestion, absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins
5 – Practical aspects of feeding
6 – Integration of activities to ensure the sustainability of livestock production, particularly the utilisation of manure and nutrient recycling
MODULE III – Technical performance indicators in small ruminant production
1 – Technical indicators of animal production and performance
2 – Production systems and technical-economic indicators adapted to small ruminant production
3 – Examples of application on small ruminant farms
Curricular Unit Teachers
Luísa Maria Chambel Filipe Lopes Leitão MartinGrading Methods
Continuous assessment
The final mark is based on an analysis assignment on the regulations relating to Module I and a written test comprising multiple-choice, short-answer and guided-response questions, based on specific scenarios relating to Modules II and III.
Mathematical formula for passing:
Final Mark = 0.4 (Module I Assignment) + 0.6 (Module II and Module III Test)
Cumulative conditions for passing:
Minimum mark for each module: 7.5
Minimum final mark: 9.5
Full exemption from the examination: provided the course unit has been passed
Partial exemption from the examination: modules with a minimum mark of 7.5
Final examination
Students who have been assessed through continuous assessment are granted a partial exemption for the module(s) in which they have achieved a minimum mark of 7.5; this mark is then weighted in the calculation of the Final Mark.
In the examination, Module I is assessed via a written test comprising multiple-choice, short-answer and guided-response questions. Modules II and III are assessed via a written test comprising multiple-choice, short-answer and guided-response questions.
In all cases, the formula determining whether a student passes the final examination is as follows:
Final Mark = 0.4 (Module I Test) + 0.5 (Module II and Module III Test)
Internship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
BENSON, L.; ZIRQUEL, R. (1996). Organic Dairy Farming.
Jornal Oficial da União Europeia, L 150 de 14.6.2018. Regulamento(UE) 2018/848 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho
Jornal Oficial da União Europeia, L 381 de 13.11.2020. Regulamento (UE) 2020/1693 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho de 11 de novembro de 2020
NEWTON, J. (2004). Profitable Organic farming. 2nd Ed. Blackwell Science. Oxford. UK
RODRIGUEZ, F.; GENÍS, J.: GUERRERO, J.; PERTINEZ, M.; GUERRERO, Y.; ALDEA, M. REDONDO, P. – Bases de la Producción Animal. Universidad de Sevilla, Serie Manuais Universitarios, Num. 61. Sevilla, 2005
ROMERO, C. Guia Práctica de Ganaderia Ecológica. Ed. Agrícola Española S.A.. Madrid, 2008
ROMERO, C.; Iturri, A. – La cria bovina ecológica. Ed. Agrícola Española S.A.. Madrid, 2010
VIGNAU-LOUSTAU, L.; HUYGHE, C. – Stratégies fourragères – pâturage – ensilage – foin. Editions France Agricole, 2008
YOUNIE, D.; WILKINSON, J. – Ganaderia ecológica. Ed. Acribia S.A.- Zaragoza, 2001
https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/organic-farming/legislation_en