Course code LauZ5031

Credit points 3

Forage Production

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures8

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes8

Number of hours for laboratory classes8

Independent study hours57

Date of course confirmation28.11.2011

Responsible UnitInstitute of Engineering and Energetics

Course developer

author prof.

Jānis Palabinskis

Dr. sc. ing.

Course abstract

The aim of the course is to acquire: grass forage types, parameters characterizing their quality; comparative assessment of different feed types; lawn mowing and grass spreading equipment; equipment for grass harvesting and preparation - presses, choppers, self loading trailers; storage of fodder; selection of feed preparation technologies, its economic justification.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge of grass fodder types, their quality parameters, comparative evaluation of different fodder types, the importance of fodder use in the national economy, breeding technologies and applied techniques. Homework.
Skills to develop technological maps for the production of various grass fodder, to substantiate the compiled technological map. 2 practical works, report and work defense. Test.

Competences to evaluate the technological map compiled for the production of grass fodder, to independently choose the appropriate technologies and equipment for their implementation, as well as to manage work with the appropriate equipment and to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen equipment. 2 practical works, report and work defense. Test.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Types of fodder grasses, their comparative evaluation - 3h.
2. Preparation of the wall (loose, pressed and chopped) - 3h.
3. Hay storage conditions and warehouses - 3h.
4. Silage and sourdough cooking technologies - 3h.
5. Silage and sourdough cooking technologies - 3h.
6. Chemically preserved grass fodder preparation technologies - 3h.
7. Preparation of whey silage in sealed bales - 3h.
8. Methods for determining the dry matter (moisture) content and quality of grass fodder - 3h.
9. Economics of production of different types of fodder - 3h.Test: Types of fodder preparation and evaluation.
10. Research and comparative evaluation of lawn mower constructions - 3h.
11. Research and comparative evaluation of rake and swather constructions - 3h.
12. Research and comparative evaluation of round baler and wrapping constructions - 3h.
13. Research of comparative trailer constructions and comparative evaluation - 3h.
14. Research and comparative evaluation of feed shredder constructions - 3h.

15. Determination and adjustment of preservative dispenser supply norm - 3h. Test: Types and evaluation of fodder preparation machines.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Students will be credited if they have successfully completed all practical assignments, written tests and completed homework.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Preparation for tests, using the literature given in the study program and consulting with the lecturer.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The assessment of the study course test depends on the cumulative assessment of the test task and the study course tests.
The student can successfully pass the test and the passing test if at least 50% of the test questions are answered correctly.
The test grade is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the results of the tests passed.

Compulsory reading

1. Pankovs J., Ivanovs S., Viesturs D. Zāles lopbarības sagatavošanas tehnoloģijas un mašīnas. Ulbroka: LLU UZC, 2004. 125 lpp.
2. Ienesīga tālumnieka saimniecība. Rīga: Avots, 1999. 67.-112. lpp.
3. Lapiņš A., Kažotnieks I., Stašāns A.. Skābbarības ražošana. LLKC, Ozolnieki: 1997. 36 lpp.

4. Auziņš V., Kreituzis E. Rituļskābbarības gatavošana un izmantošana. žurn. Latvijas Lopkopis un Piensaimnieks, Nr.7, 1998.

Further reading

1. E-studiju materiāli: www.llu.lv, e-studijas, TF, Lauksaimniecības tehnika
2. Kravale D. Kāda barība jāsagatavo? Latvijas Lauksaimnieks, Nr.1, 1997.

3. Kemira. AIV Lopbarības sagatavošana plēves seguma stirpā. 1996. 13 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Žurnāls Saimnieks LV. Pieejams: http://www.saimnieks.lv

2. Žurnāls Agro Tops. Pieejams:https://www.la.lv/agrotops
3. Profi Latvija. Žurnāls par profesionālu lauksaimniecības tehniku. Izdevējs SIA Baltic publishing group. ISSN 2256-0130. Pieejams: www.profilatvija.lv

Notes

Compulsory subject for the sub-program "Agricultural Technologies and Machinery" of the Master's study program "Agricultural Engineering"