791-005 Grazing Systems

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Pastures Fodder Crops and Seed Production. Any one of Sheep/Fibre Production, Beef, Dairying.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The objective of this subject is to extend the students appreciation of the grazing systems of Australia, and how they may be utilised sustainably and economically.

The content includes: Choosing appropriate management strategies to manipulate pasture composition and productive capacity in order to maintain the pasture in an increasingly productive and sustainable condition in the long term. Factors influencing feed intake, nutritive value and pasture/herbage utilisation. Health problems associated with pastures. Fodder conservation policies and practices within grazing systems. Drought strategies. Choosing a grazing strategy appropriate to a particular environment. Interaction of grazing systems with cropping systems. How the choice of lambing and calving dates influence the productivity of flocks and herds.

Assessment

Assignment of 1200 words (20%); 2-hour examination (80%).