Course :	AGRN 525 - Forage Harvesting and Storage
Semester :	Fall 2001
Course Format:	Lecture and Discussion
Credit Hours :	3
Prerequisites :	AGRN 454 (old #254) or consent
Instructor :	Barton S. Baker
Schedule :	Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00 and other times as arranged
Location :	Room 2060 - Agricultural Science Building
Office hours :	By appointment

General Information : This course is intended for those who have both a theoretical

and practical interest in the sciences involved in the preservation of forages for ruminant animals. Introductory material and background will be presented in lecture. Scientific literature and application of concepts will be covered in discussions. Topics are presented for general information and may be changed to meet class needs.

Course Objectives : The objectives of the course are (1) to provide students with the scientific background associated with the processes involved in the preservation of forage for ruminants (2) to help students understand and critique research on the topic and (3) to enable students to solve practical problems through the application of materials covered in the class.

Expected Learning Outcomes : Upon successful completion of the course.

1. Students will be knowledgeable of the processes involved in the making of hay and silage

2. Students will know how to manage forage and control inputs that impact hay and silage quality

3. Students will know how to evaluate stored hay and silage

4. Students will know how to use hay and silage to meet livestock needs and how to solve problems associated with their use in rations

5. Students will be able to develop educational programs for dissemination of information to producers and consultants.

Text :

o Silage Production: Proceeding from the National Silage Production Conference. 1993. NRAES-67

o Forage Moisture Determination: Ronald Pitt editor. 1993. NRAES-59

o Silage and Hay Preservation: R.E. Pitt. 1990. NRAES-5

Writing Assigments : Four papers are required. Each paper will constitute part of your grade as explained under grading. Each paper will be graded on scientific merit and clarity of presentation

Paper # 1.The topic of the paper is quick methods to determine moisture content of forage. This paper is due September 12, 2001 and should be between two and three double spaced typed pages.

Paper # 2. You are in charge of developing an educational program for consultants who wish to know about hay. Interests include harvesting, storage, and nutritional value. Develop an outline of topics to cover and demonstrations you would like to cover in the program. Part of you assignment is to determine not only the topics but the time needed in the program to present the topics. In summary develop a complete workshop program on hay for the consultants so they can provide information to clients. This paper is due October 3, 2001.

Paper # 3. You have taken a job as a silage expert for a consulting firm that provides information to clients on all aspects of silage making and use. You decide to assemble major points in table form for quick reference. Include information on at least two types of upright, horizontal and bagged silage operations or techniques. You should include information on advantages, disadvantages, suitable crops for ensiling, additives, feeding techniques and other items you consider important. (You might consider looking at a weed guide manual for ideas on table arrangement). This paper is due October 24, 2001.

Paper # 4. Write a paper of 3 to 8 double spaced typed pages in length on Diseases and Disorders associated with feeding silage. This paper is due November 14, 2001.

Attendance Policy : Attendance is expected. Absences do not excuse you from assignments

Grading:

		Points
4 papers at	10% each	400
Mid term exam	20%	200
Final exam	20%	200
Class presentations& discussions	20%	200

Grade Assignment:

900 - 1000	A
800 - 899	B
700 - 799	C
600 - 699	D
0 - 599	E

Course Schedule :

Date	Topic
Aug. 22	Introduction, organization, historical prospective and concept of hay making
Aug. 29	Factors limiting hay drying, role of management of determining quality
Sept. 5	Additives for making hay, heat damaged hay, changes during storage
Sept. 12	Processing of forage, forage utilization and discussion of literature
Sept. 19	Forage evaluation, chemical and visual assessment, judging hay
Sept. 26	Forage intake, antiquality components, current literature
Oct. 3	Standing forage - use and management
Oct. 10	Introduction to silage, importance, advantages, disadvantages, ensiling process
Oct. 17	Ensiling process continued – microbes, enzymes, products
Oct. 24	Factors influencing silage quality
Oct. 31	Crops for silage use, equipment, round bale silage, storage structures
Nov. 7	Problems in silage making, animal intake, health and safety
Nov. 14	Feeding silage, feed out rates, methods, rations
Nov. 21	Thanksgiving
Nov. 28	Discussion of literature on silage
Dec. 5	Review, loose ends
Dec. 13	Final Exam 11 AM