Lesson Note on Pasture and Forage Crops For SS1

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TOPIC: Pasture and Forage Crops

CONTENT:

1. Meaning and Uses of pasture and Forage crops
2. Types of pasture
3. Factors affecting distribution and productivity of pasture
4. Establishment and management of pasture

SUB TOPIC 1: Meaning and Uses of Pasture and Forage Crops

A Pasture is an area of land on which grasses and legumes (forages) grow for animals to graze. Forage crops are plants cultivated for their vegetative portions in a pasture and are used either in fresh or preserved for feeding livestock such as cattle, sheep and goat. They may be harvested and fed to the animals in their shed (soiling/zero grazing) or animals are allowed to graze directly on the field.

USES OF FORAGE / PASTURE CROPS

1. Forages account for a major source of food for ruminant animals
2. They serve as cover crops to conserve soil moisture and prevent soil erosion.
3. They could be used as green manure e.g forage legumes
4. They can be used for roofing farm stead e.g grasses
5. They can also be used as bedding materials for animals
6. They can fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil
7. Forage legumes increase protein content of the pasture, add to palatability as well as increasing the nitrogen content of the soil.
8. If properly managed and planned, it could be a source of balanced diet.

EVALUATION

1. What do you understand by the term pasture?
2. State five importances of forages in livestock production.

SUB TOPIC 2: Types of Pasture

There are two main types of pasture: the natural and artificial pastures

The Natural Pasture: The Natural Pasture otherwise known as range land is an extensive grassland containing forage grasses and legumes, straws and other wildlife. An example of Natural Pasture is Savanna areas. They are not planted by man.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURAL PASTURE

1. It has a good ability to regenerate
2. The soil types have low fertility
3. Some inedible grasses and legumes by the animals are found on such land.
4. The grasses and legumes are usually of poor quality
5. It may contain some stubborn grasses which may be difficult to eradicate.
6. The forages are seasonal being scarce during dry season
7. It harbors wild animals.

 The Artificial Pasture: This is an established or sown pasture. The grasses and legumes are deliberately planted for livestock to feed on. This is planted and managed by man.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ARTIFICIAL PASTURE

1. Grasses and legumes are selectively grown in a proper proportion, in the ratio of 60:30:10 (grass, legumes and herbs)
2. It is weed free
3. They contain high-quality grasses and legumes.
4. They can regenerate after harvesting/grazing.
5. The pasture can withstand trampling by animals.
6. Management practices are carried out.
7. Production is high due to proper management.
8. Pasture is not seasonal because irrigation can be used to supply water.

COMMON GRASSES AND LEGUMES

A: GRASSES

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