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ANP304Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Forage and Fodder Crop Production

This course provides the basic principles of pasture and forage crops production, focusing on native pastures, improved pastures, and forage crops in Nigeria. It explores the classification, types, establishment, management, and improvement of pastures. The course also covers grazing management systems and the role of pastures in Nigerian agriculture, aiming to enhance understanding and effective management of pasture resources for improved livestock performance.

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50h

Study Time

13

Weeks

4h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

Pasture productionForage cropsGrazing managementLivestock feedingNigerian agriculture

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

➕

Math Level

Basic Math

🔬

Learning Type

Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Pasture classification

2

Pasture morphology

3

Native pastures

4

Improved pastures

5

Pasture establishment

6

Pasture management

7

Grazing systems

8

Weed control

9

Forage conservation

10

Nigerian agriculture

Total Topics10 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Practical

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Livestock Farmer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Pasture Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Rangeland Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Forage Production Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureLivestock ProductionEnvironmental ConservationFood Production

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Classification of Pasture and Forage Crops

3h

Unit 1: Terminologies in Pasture and Forage Crops Production

1.5 study hours

•Define pasture and forage crops.
•Classify pasture plants based on morphological structures.
•Identify common pasture and forage crops in your locality.

Unit 2: Morphological characteristics of grasses, legumes and shrubs

1.5 study hours

•Identify different parts of Grasses.
•Recognize morphological structures of legumes and shrubs.
•Compare and contrast structures of grasses, legumes, and shrubs.

Week

2

Module 2: Types of Pastures Based on Productivity and Uses

3h

Unit 1: Native Pastures

1.5 study hours

•Define native pastures.
•Understand management methods of native pastures in Nigeria.
•List basic limitations affecting establishment of native pastures in Nigeria.

Unit 2: Improved Pastures

1.5 study hours

•State differences between improved and native pastures.
•Explain characteristics of improved pastures in Nigeria.
•Identify basic limitations of improved pastures in Nigeria.

Week

3

Module 2: Types of Pastures Based on Productivity and Uses

2h

Unit 3: Pastures Associated with Crops

2 study hours

•Compare different types of associations between crops and pastures.
•Describe advantages and disadvantages of pastures associated with crops.
•Illustrate examples in Nigerian farming system.

Week

4

Module 3: Types of Pastures Based on Duration

3h

Unit 1: Temporary Pastures

1.5 study hours

•Understand reasons for establishing temporary pastures.
•Describe establishment procedure of temporary pastures.
•Explain major advantages and disadvantages of temporary pastures.

Unit 2: Semi-Permanent Pastures

1.5 study hours

•Explain difference between temporary and semi-permanent pastures.
•Memorize establishment procedure of semi-permanent pastures.
•Describe major advantages and disadvantages of semi-permanent pastures.

Week

5

Module 3: Types of Pastures Based on Duration

2h

Unit 3: Permanent Pastures

2 study hours

•Explain meaning of permanent pastures.
•Recall characteristics and establishment procedure of permanent pastures.
•Describe major advantages and disadvantages of permanent pastures.

Week

6

Module 4: Pastures in Nigerian Agriculture

2h

Unit 1: Role of Pastures in Nigerian Agriculture

2 study hours

•Demonstrate significant role of pastures in Nigerian livestock industry.
•Remember major constraints affecting pasture establishment in Nigeria.
•Explain existing relationship between components of grassland ecosystem.

Week

7

Module 4: Pastures in Nigerian Agriculture

2h

Unit 2: Factors affecting successful Pasture Establishment in Nigeria

2 study hours

•Relate livestock industry with use of native pasture species.
•Discuss effects of climatic and soil factors on pasture productivity in Nigeria.
•Mention existing socio-economic factors affecting pasture production in Nigeria.

Week

8

Module 5: Pasture Establishment for Forage and Seed Production

2h

Unit 1: Steps in Pasture Establishment

2 study hours

•Tell operations necessary before establishing new pasture species in Nigeria.
•Analyze pasture planting methods in Nigeria.
•Recall post planting operation for pasture establishment in Nigeria.

Week

9

Module 5: Pasture Establishment for Forage and Seed Production

2h

Unit 2: Pasture Harvesting and Processing Methods

2 study hours

•Recognize growth stages for cutting pastures in Nigeria.
•Analyze techniques of reducing moisture in freshly cut pastures.
•Discuss preservation methods in pastures.

Week

10

Module 6: Pasture Management and Improvement

3h

Unit 1: Choice of Species

1.5 study hours

•Describe characteristics of chosen pasture species.
•Discuss role of seed germination in pasture management.
•Understand importance of pasture establishment and eradication in pasture management.

Unit 2: Fertilizer Application

1.5 study hours

•Describe types of fertilizers used in pasture species.
•Discuss methods of application of fertilizers on pastures.
•State sources of nutrients in pastures.

Week

11

Module 6: Pasture Management and Improvement

3h

Unit 3: Defoliation of Pasture Species

1.5 study hours

•Describe the idea behind defoliation in pasture species.
•Discuss effect of frequency and intensity of defoliation on pasture re-growth.
•State effect of plant morphological structure on forage yield and quality in pastures.

Unit 4: Forage Conservation Techniques

1.5 study hours

•Reproduce benefits of hay to livestock.
•Memorize difference between hay and silage as conserved forages.
•Compare three conserved forages in Nigerian livestock industry.

Week

12

Module 6: Pasture Management and Improvement

2h

Unit 5: Weed Control

2 study hours

•Define weeds and state their types in pastures.
•Memorize economic implications of weeds in pastures.
•Compare methods of weeds control in Nigeria.

Week

13

Module 7: Grazing Management System

3h

Unit 1: Concept of Grazing Management

1.5 study hours

•Define grazing management system.
•Memorize advantages of grazing management systems.
•Recall disadvantages of grazing management systems in Nigeria.

Unit 2: Types of Grazing Management Systems

1.5 study hours

•Define zero grazing management system.
•Explain semi-intensive management systems.
•Differentiate intensive and semi-intensive grazing management systems.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review terminologies in Unit 1 to build a solid foundation.

2

Create diagrams comparing grass, legume, and shrub morphology (Unit 2).

3

Compare and contrast native vs improved pasture management techniques (Module 2).

4

Focus on the steps for pasture establishment (Module 5) and create a checklist.

5

Understand the advantages and disadvantages of different grazing systems (Module 7).

6

Practice identifying common pasture weeds and control methods (Unit 5, Module 6).

7

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and practical exercises.

8

Create flashcards for key pasture and forage species.

9

Practice forage conservation calculations (Unit 4, Module 6).

10

Focus on the specific challenges and opportunities for pasture production in Nigeria (Module 4).

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