Ecology & Management of Grazing Systems

This subject is not offered in 2009.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

On completion of this subject, students should:

• understand the basic ecology and agronomy of pasture communities and the factors that influence yield of a grazed pasture;

• know the principles underlying efficient pasture and grazing management, and the practices required for sustainable production from grazing systems;

• appreciate the importance of seasonality in pasture production, and its consequences for the management of grazing systems;

• have experience in using the practical tools and skills required for the efficient management of grazing systems; and

• be able to solve problems in the management of grazing systems.

The subject will include:

• analysis of Australia's pasture and grassland resources;

• pasture plant form and function, including basic plant growth processes;

• the population biology of pasture plants, including the growth cycles of annual and perennial plants, and pathways of plant survival;

• the major pasture plant species and pasture types, their agronomic and adaptive characteristics and management requirements;

• interactions between plants and their environment, and between plants and animals and their effects on the productivity and botanical composition of pastures;

• the feeding and nutritive value of pastures and factors affecting animal intake;

• pasture improvement principles and practices;

• matching feed supply and demand for efficient animal production including the use of feed-planning tools;

• the principles and practices of grazing management; and

• optimising pasture production and utilisation in seasonal production ­systems.

Three-hour examination (50%), three assignments completed using interactive multimedia (totalling 40%), and practical assignments (totalling 10%).

Information Not Available

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Information Not Available