793-130 Horse Feed Production

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Subject Description

The objective of this subject is to enable students to develop skills and knowledge in relation to horse feed production.

The content includes: An introduction to agricultural production systems. A study of climatology and the influence climate has on plant production. An introduction to soil chemical and physical properties. The importance of soil organic matter and soil micro organisms. The selection of pasture species for different areas and enterprises. The principles of pasture establishment and management. The assessment of pasture production. Grazing management for maintenance for seasonal productivity. Stocking rate considerations for different climate/soil and pasture situations. Principles of pasture renovation. The principles of fodder conservation and assessment of fodder quality. An introduction to crop physiology. The selection of different crops for different areas to suit a horse enterprise. The principles of crop establishment and protection. The establishment and management of lucerne stands for grazing or fodder conservation. Cereal grain production for a horse enterprise. The role of fodder crops in combining livestock with crop.

Assessment

Internal students - Two assignments of 2000 words each (30% each); two hour test (40% each);. External students - Two assignments of 3000 words each (50% each).