Course Overview
The Ruminant Gut Microbiology course will explore the fundamental research that develops our understanding of the anatomy and environmental conditions of the rumen, covering the negative and positive effects of rumen digestion on productivity. In addition, you will explore the function and importance in the rumen of bacteria, protozoa, fungi and archaea.
The study area will investigate both traditional culture-based and modern molecular-based methods used to investigate rumen microbiology, together with a review of ways of manipulating rumen fermentation to improve productivity whilst decreasing the environmental footprint of ruminant agriculture.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, participants should be able to:
• Detail the range and distribution of grasslands and forages and the characteristics of the major herbage species.
• Review and evaluate the development of new forage crops for use in pasture-based systems.
• Review and evaluate the potential of grass biorefining.
• Evaluate the influence of management and environment on pasture composition and critically appraise forage cropping programmes.
• Evaluate grazing and forage conservation requirements and evaluate grassland and forage management plans and conservation systems to provide optimum yield and quality.
• Critically appraise current research potential in grassland and forage crop production and utilisation to provide alternative livestock feeding methods.
Key Facts
Course Provider: Aberystwyth University
Course Date: This course commences each September
Course Delivery: Distance Learning – 14-week online course
Course Fee: POA