Extensive Livestock Feeding and Grazing

The course aims to provide the student principles of livestock nutrition in free range-based farming systems and of grazing management. In this respect, the course provides insights into the evaluation of nutritive characteristics of different feed and pastures, monitoring of feeding behaviour,, and guidelines for feed supplementation. Moreover, the course provides basic information on grazing methods and techniques to maintain and restore productive grassland.

Knowledge and understanding: the student, at the end of the course, will have to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of nutrition management in free range and pasture-based farming systems and management and maintenance of grazing resources. Applying knowledge and understanding : the student will have to demonstrate ability to apply knowledge of animal nutrition and maintenance of grazing resources management to simple simulated cases. Making judgments: the student will have to demonstrate the ability to critically present the information acquired, by means of discussions in class and specific seminars. Communication: the student is expected to use scientifically appropriate language, in particular terminology referring to animal nutrition and grazing management. The practical activities and seminars are intended to stimulate the ability to use specific terminology and the ability to discuss scientifically with peers. Lifelong learning skills: the student must gain the ability to use acquired knowledge to interpret new scenarios , for instance searching scientific databases and critically organising new information.