Educational guide
IDENTIFYING DATA 2024_25
Subject AGRONOMY Code 00106008
Study programme
0106 GRADO EN VETERINARIA
Descriptors Credit. Type Year Period
6 Compulsory First Second
Language
Castellano
Prerequisites
Department PRODUCCION ANIMAL
Coordinador
LÓPEZ PUENTE , SECUNDINO
E-mail slopp@unileon.es
mdferg@unileon.es
csarh@unileon.es
cvals@unileon.es
gferl@unileon.es
Lecturers
FERNÁNDEZ GONZÁLEZ , MARÍA DELIA
SARO HIGUERA , CRISTINA
VALDÉS SOLÍS , CARMEN
FERREIRO LERA , GIOVANNI BREOGAN
LÓPEZ PUENTE , SECUNDINO
Web http://
General description Raw materials for feedstuffs. Feed plant biology: plants as feedstuffs, characteristics, production and conservation. Cropping, grazing and land use in relation to food-producing animal species
Tribunales de Revisión
Tribunal titular
Cargo Departamento Profesor
Presidente PRODUCCION ANIMAL RANILLA GARCIA , MARIA JOSE
Secretario BIODIVERSIDAD Y GEST.AMBIENTAL RIO GONZALEZ , SARA DEL
Vocal PRODUCCION ANIMAL ARRANZ SANTOS , JUAN JOSE
Tribunal suplente
Cargo Departamento Profesor
Presidente PRODUCCION ANIMAL GONZALO ABASCAL , CARLOS
Secretario PRODUCCION ANIMAL MARQUES MARTINEZ , MARIA MARGARITA
Vocal BIODIVERSIDAD Y GEST.AMBIENTAL ACEDO CASADO , MARIA DEL CARMEN

Competencias
Code  
A19613 106P11 Use protocols aimed at modifying and optimizing animal production systems.
A19623 106P3 Use basic analytical techniques and interpret their clinical, biological and chemical results.
A19652 106S3 Morphology, bionomics and systematics of animals and plants of veterinary interest.
A19668 106S44 Raw materials for animal feed: characteristics, production and conservation.
B6471 106G1 Analyse, synthesise, solve problems and make decisions in the professional fields of the veterinarian.
B6472 106G2 Work as a team, single or multidisciplinary, and show respect, appreciation and sensitivity to the work of others.
B6474 106G4 Communicate the information obtained during the veterinarians professional practice fluently, orally and in writing, with other colleagues, authorities and society in general.
B6476 106G6 Search and manage information related to the veterinarians activity.
B6481 106G11 Keep the knowledge, skills and attitudes of professional competencies updated through a continuing education process.
C1 CMECES1 That students have demonstrated possession and understanding of knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and is usually found at a level that, although supported by advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting edge of their field of study
C2 CMECES2 That students know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the skills that are usually demonstrated through the development and defense of arguments and the resolution of problems within their area of study.

Learning aims
Competences
To know and identify the plants of veterinary interest, especially those used in animal feeding, as well as medicinal and toxic plants. A19623
A19652
 B6471
 C2
To know the principles of climatology, soil fertility and agro-techniques as determinants of the production of plants of livestock interest. A19623
 B6472
B6474
 C1
To acquire knowledge about plant cultivation and cropping in relation to the production and use of feedstuffs for animals A19668
 B6471
B6476
 C1
C2
To understand the pasture-animal interaction in agricultural systems. A19613
A19668
 B6471
B6476
 C2
To acquire knowledge about the agronomy, production and conservation as feedstuffs of fodder, forage, cereal, legume, oilseed, fibre and sugar crops, and about their utilization as animal feeds, evaluating their suitability according to the husbandry/production system. A19613
A19623
A19668
 B6471
B6476
 C1
C2
To identify and differentiate the plant materials used in livestock feeding. A19652
A19668
 B6476
B6481
 C1
C2

Contents
Topic Sub-topic
INTRODUCTION Lesson 1.- Agronomy: definition and objectives. Contextualization: rural environment and veterinary profession. Land use and production of feed for animals.
I. PRINCIPLES OF BOTANY Lesson 2.- Botany. Level of cellular organization: prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Levels of multicellular organization: bryophytes, pteridophytes and spermaphytes.

Lesson 3.- Vegetative structures and organs of plants: types, characteristics, features and differences.

Lesson 4.- The reproduction of plants. Vegetative multiplication and sexual reproduction. Reproductive structures and organs of plants: types, characteristics, features and differences.

Lesson 5.- Classification of spermatophytes. Main botanical families of veterinary interest.
II. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND PLANT GROWTH Lesson 6.- Plant nutrition. The agricultural soil. Physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The organic matter of the soil.

Lesson 7.-Effects of water, solar radiation, light and temperature on the growth and activity of plants.
III. FEED FOR ANIMALS: FORAGE AND FODDER CROPS (PASTURE SCIENCE) Lesson 8.- Classification of livestock feed materials. Fibrous feeds: forages. Concentrate feedstuffs. Feed ingredients.

Lesson 9.- Pastures, forage and fodder crops. Pastures and grasslands: definition and classification of pastures. Pasture botanical families and groups. Production cycles.

Lesson 10.- Pasture harvesting systems: mowing and grazing. The use of pastures by grazing. Grazing systems: advantages and disadvantages.

Lesson 11.- Extensive grasslands: types. High-mountain pastures. Agroforestry systems. Shrub-browse grasslands. Dehesas.

Lesson 12.- The use of pastures by mowing. Growth and development phases of grasses and legumes (phenological stages). Mowing planning: effect of the cutting season on the quantity and quality of forage.

Lesson 13.- Meadows. Importance in livestock farms. Management and use.

Lesson 14.- Forage crops and pasture cultivars. Establishment, management and use. Single-fodder-species crops: forage grasses and legumes. Species intended for livestock feeding. Mixed forage crops. Other pastures.

Lesson 15.- The conservation of forage by drying. Haymaking. Factors affecting forage haymaking. Dehydration. Use of dry forage in livestock feeding.

Lesson 16.- The conservation of forage by fermentation: silage. Factors that affect the ensiling process. Use of silage in livestock feeding.
IV. FEED FOR ANIMALS: CONCENTRATES AND OTHER FEED MATERIALS Lesson 17.- Cereals: species of livestock interest, cultivation and use. Winter and spring cereals. Use as feed for animals: cereals, grains and fodder. Cereal by-products.

Lesson 18.- Grain legumes: species of livestock interest, cultivation and use. Use as feed for animals.

Lesson 19.- Oilseeds: species of livestock interest, cultivation and use. Use as feed for animals.

Lesson 20.- Other plant materials used as feedstuffs. Fruits, roots and tubers. Agroindustry by-products.
V. PRACTICAL LABORATORY CLASSES Practice P1.- Botanical classification of plants (6 h)

Practice P2.- Identification of feed materials commonly used for animal feeding (4 h)

Practice P3.- Differentiation of feed materials: feed microscopy (2 h)

________________________________________________________________________________

NOTES Laboratory Practices:
Duration of each session: 2 h
No. of groups: 6.
Location:
P1 (Botany): Laboratories of the Botany Department (Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences)
P2 and P3 (Feed materials): Laboratories of the Animal Production Department (Faculty of Veterinary)
VI. CLASSROOM SEMINARS Seminar S1.- Tillage: objectives and classification. Association of cultivars and crop rotation. (2 h)

Seminar S2.- Nutrient cycles in the soil. Principles and practices of soil fertility and nutrient management. Types and use of fertilizers (2 h)

Seminar S3.- Agrometeorology. Crop protection against environmental factors. Principles and practices of water management: irrigation systems (2 h)

Seminar S4.- Crop protection against biotic factors. Precision agriculture. Biotechnology and agriculture (2 h)

Seminar S5.- The environmental footprint of agriculture. Land-based livestock systems. Cropping systems and sustainable agriculture. Principles and practices of organic farming (2 h)

Seminar S6.- Production, conservation and use of feedstuffs for livestock (educational videos) (2 h)

Seminar S7.- Chemical composition and nutritional value of feeds (4 h)
________________________________________________________________________________

NOTES SEMINARS:
Duration of each session: 2 h
Number of groups: 2

Planning
Methodologies  ::  Tests
  Class hours Hours outside the classroom Total hours
Laboratory practicals 12 12 24
 
Problem solving, classroom exercises 4 4 8
Seminars 10 6 16
Presentations / expositions 2 16 18
 
Lecture 32 48 80
 
Mixed tests 4 0 4
 
(*)The information in the planning table is for guidance only and does not take into account the heterogeneity of the students.

Methodologies
Methodologies   ::  
  Description
Laboratory practicals Identification of families, genera and species of plants of interest to the veterinarian. Knowledge of plant systematics and key management. Identification of plant materials used as animal feeds, both by visual observation and by microscopy.
Problem solving, classroom exercises Resolution of exercises with simple calculations to complement and improve the interpretation of theoretical knowledge on the nutritive value of feeds. Simple case studies promoting group work and autonomous work
Seminars Sessions that complement the theory classes, focused on practical applications of agro-techniques and current topics in the field of agronomy. Active and participatory teaching methodology. Preparation and presentation of the topics by students: group work and inverted flipped class.
Presentations / expositions Preparation of educational audio-visual material (video) - group work. Video presentation in the classroom
Lecture Teaching the theoretical contents of the subject in the classroom encouraging the participation and learning by the student. Clasess will be extensively supported by audio-visual media. Students will have access to lecture notes and handouts through the institutional Moodle educational platform. The teaching staff will provide the necessary information to carry out complementary activities and to facilitate the student's autonomous work, using Moodle as a guided academic environment.

Personalized attention
 
Lecture
Laboratory practicals
Problem solving, classroom exercises
Seminars
Description
Tutorials (individual or in small groups): resolution of doubts, guidance for the homework and seminars.
By prior appointment (preferably by email) with the teaching staff.

Assessment
  Description Qualification
Mixed tests BOTANY: tests including questions about theoretical and practical content.

EVALUATION TESTS- AGRONOMY: theoretical knowledge of agronomy: online questionnaires for each block of topics + final test of all agronomy topics.

TESTS on identification of plant feedstuffs seen in the practical laboratory classes.
PRUEBAS DE EVALUACIÓN- BOTÁNICA
(teoría + práctica): 25%


PRUEBAS DE EVALUACIÓN- AGRONOMÍA (TEORÍA): 48%


AGRONOMÍA: EVALUACIÓN DE LAS PRÁCTICAS: 9%
Others Preparation and presentation of seminars. Preparation of educational video. Preparation of graphic material (photos and images) SEMINARS, HOMEWORK AND VIDEO: 18%
 
Other comments and second call

IT IS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE A GRADE EQUAL TO OR HIGHER THAN FIVE (OUT OF TEN POINTS) IN EACH EVALUATION ITEM ([A] BOTANY test, [B] PRACTICAL tests and ACTIVITIES [preparation and presentation of work] and [C] tests of AGRONOMY-THEORY) TO PASS THE SUBJECT

The parts with insufficient performance must be recovered in the resit to pass the subject. In the resit, it is only necessary to recover the parts or tests for which the minimum required grade was not achieved in the first examination, maintaining the grades obtained in the tests already passed. The evaluation criteria will be the same for the first examination and for the resit.

Attendance at practical laboratory classes and classroom seminars is mandatory.

In order to prevent plagiarism and warrant conditions of equal opportunity to all students in the evaluation tests, the GUIDELINES FOR ACTION IN CASES OF PLAGIARISM, COPYING OR FRAUD IN EXAMS OR EVALUATION TESTS that are in place at the University of León will be strictly applied.

Sources of information
Access to Recommended Bibliography in the Catalog ULE

Basic Díaz González TE, Fernández-Carvajal Álvarez MC, Fernández Prieto JA, Curso de botánica, Gijón: Trea , 2004
Loomis RS y Connor DJ , Ecologia de cultivos , Madrid: Mundi-Prensa, 2002
PortaJ, López-Acevedo M, Poch RM , Introducción a la edafología , Madrid: Mundi-Prensa , 2011
San Miguel Ayanz, Alfonso, Pascicultura y Sistemas Agroforestales, http://www2.montes.upm.es/Dptos/Dsrn/SanMiguel/index.htm,
Fillat F, García-González R, Gómez D, Reiné R, Pastos del Pirineo, Madrid: CSIC, 2008
San Miguel, Alfonso, Pastos naturales herbáceos de España, Madrid: Sociedad Española de Pastos, 2023
San Miguel Ayanz, Alfonso, Pastos- vídeos, http://www2.montes.upm.es/Dptos/Dsrn/SanMiguel/Fotos.html,
Urbano Terrón P, Tratado de fitotecnia general, Madrid: Mundi-Prensa, 2015

Complementary Bonciarelli F , Agronomía, León: Academia, 1978
Font Quer P, Diccionario de botánica, Barcelona: Labor, 1993
Cañeque V, Sancha JL , Ensilado de forrajes y su empleo en la alimentación de rumiantes, Madrid: Mundi-Prensa, 1998
Villalobos Martín, F.J.; Fereres Castiel, E., Fitotecnia. Principios de agronomía para una agricultura sostenible, Madrid: Mundi-Prensa, 2017
Collins M, Nelson CJ, Moore KJ, Barnes RF, Forages: an introduction to grassland agriculture. Volume I, Hoboken, NJ (USA): John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2018
Moore KJ, Collins M, Nelson CJ, Redfearn DD, Forages: an introduction to grassland agriculture. Volume II, West Sussex (UK): Wiley Blackwell, 2020
Demarquilly C , Les fourrages secs: récolte, traitement, utilisation, París:INRA, 1987
McDonald P, Edwards RA, Greenhalgh JFD, Morgan CA, Sinclair LA, Wilkinson RG, Nutrición animal, Zaragoza: ACRIBIA, 2013
Muslera E, Ratera C , Praderas y forrajes, Madrid: Mundi-Prensa, 1992
Mateo-Box JM, Prontuario de agricultura. Cultivos agrícolas, Madrid: Mundi-Prensa, 2005
Ball DM, Hoveland CS, Lacefield GD, Southern Forages: Modern concepts for forage crop management, Georgia (USA): IPNI, 2015
McDonald P, Henderson AR, Heron SJS, The biochemistry of silage, Gran Bretaña: Chalcombe Publications, 1991

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