208-261 Pastures and Grazing Management

This subject should enable students to:

• understand the role of different species in a pasture mixture;

• select pasture species and mixtures for particular climates, soil types and end uses;

• understand the principles and practice of pasture improvement and renovation;

• develop pasture growth curves for a grazing property;

• calculate the feed requirements for livestock for a given period;

• assess feed quality using visual and laboratory processes;

• develop strategies to effectively match pasture growth to livestock feed requirements;

• plan a fodder conservation program, including the use of fodder crops and lucerne; and

• identify pasture damage by insects and disease and implement a control program.

The content includes:

• pasture species, growth cycles, roles of grasses and legumes in pastures, recommended cultivars, basis of selection for different areas, pasture renovation and the need for pasture improvement;

• pasture establishment techniques and strategies; pre-sowing management, post-sowing management; management of pests and disease;

• special management requirements of different pasture cultivars;

• principles and practice of fertiliser management.;

• assessment of seasonal pasture production;

• grazing management for maintenance of seasonal productivity;

• stocking rate considerations for different climate/soil and pasture situations;

• the management of lucerne stands for grazing and fodder conservation;

• identification of the common weeds in pastures and poisonous plants in pastures;

• common pasture pests and diseases that cause economic damage;

• pasture management in relation to short term and long term feed planning;

• feed budgeting; and

• comparing different fodder conservation options.

One 2.5-hour written examination worth 40% of final marks, two assignments equivalent to 3000 words and worth 30% of final marks each.