Forage and Fodder Crop Production

1. Define and classify pasture and forage crops.
2. Identify and describe the morphological characteristics of grasses, legumes, and shrubs.
3. Explain the different types of pastures based on productivity, uses, and duration.
4. Describe the role of pastures in Nigerian agriculture and the factors affecting their establishment.
5. Apply appropriate pasture establishment, harvesting, and processing methods.
6. Implement effective pasture management and improvement techniques.
7. Evaluate and apply different grazing management systems.

13 weeks, about 32 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Classification of Pasture and Forage Crops

   • Unit 1: Terminologies in Pasture and Forage Crops Production · 1.5 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 hours

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

2. Week 2Module 2: Types of Pastures Based on Productivity and Uses

   • Unit 1: Native Pastures · 1.5 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 hours

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

3. Week 3Module 2: Types of Pastures Based on Productivity and Uses

   • Unit 3: Pastures Associated with Crops · 2 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..

4. Week 4Module 3: Types of Pastures Based on Duration

   • Unit 1: Temporary Pastures · 1.5 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 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..

5. Week 5Module 3: Types of Pastures Based on Duration

   • Unit 3: Permanent Pastures · 2 hours

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

6. Week 6Module 4: Pastures in Nigerian Agriculture

   • Unit 1: Role of Pastures in Nigerian Agriculture · 2 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..

7. Week 7Module 4: Pastures in Nigerian Agriculture

   • Unit 2: Factors affecting successful Pasture Establishment in Nigeria · 2 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..

8. Week 8Module 5: Pasture Establishment for Forage and Seed Production

   • Unit 1: Steps in Pasture Establishment · 2 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..

9. Week 9Module 5: Pasture Establishment for Forage and Seed Production

   • Unit 2: Pasture Harvesting and Processing Methods · 2 hours

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

10. Week 10Module 6: Pasture Management and Improvement

    • Unit 1: Choice of Species · 1.5 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 hours

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

11. Week 11Module 6: Pasture Management and Improvement

    • Unit 3: Defoliation of Pasture Species · 1.5 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 hours

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

12. Week 12Module 6: Pasture Management and Improvement

    • Unit 5: Weed Control · 2 hours

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

13. Week 13Module 7: Grazing Management System

    • Unit 1: Concept of Grazing Management · 1.5 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 hours

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