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Detailed Course Outlines
AGR 111 - CROP BOTANY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) General concepts of living organisms with reference to plants; Description of some concepts in Crop Botany; Introduction to different types of cells; Anatomy of the cell including the cell wall, cytoplasm; Discussion of the function of some organelles within the cell; Detailed study of the nucleus of the cell; Cell division - mitosis; Cell division - meiosis; General description of tissue types and characteristics in the plant; Morphology of the root; Anatomy of the dicot and monocot roots; Secondary thickening of the root; The soil and its relation to the root system; Morphology and functions of the stem; Anatomy of the dicot and monocot stems; Secondary thickening and modifications of the stem; Discussion of the general functions of the leaf; Anatomy and morphology of the monocot and dicot leaf; Transpiration, conduction and absorption; Description of parts of a typical flower; Variations in floral structure including symmetry and reduction and modifications of parts; The development of the flower; Pollination - agencies of pollination, modifications for self and cross pollination; Fertilization; Fruit development and structure of the fruit; Classification and Description of the typical types of fruits with emphasis on those grown locally; Dissemination of seeds and fruits; Development of the seed; Description of seed germination; The Botany of Sugarcane, Rice, Citrus Fruits and Pineapples; The historical development of taxonomy and discussion of the binomial system of classification. Practicals These are held each week and will be closely related to the subject matter of the lectures, thus enabling the students to have a better understanding of the concepts. Laboratory reports must be submitted for each session. AGR 121 - AGRICULTURAL ZOOLOGY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Differences between living and non-living; Cell structure; Mitosis; Meiosis; Simple tissues; Protoplasm; Protozoa - characteristics, classification, the amoeba; Protozoa - Trypanosoma; Protozoa - Plasmodium, Entamoeba; Protozoa - Eimeria; Platyhelminthes - characteristics and classification; Platyhelminthes - Fasciola hepatica; Platyhelminthes - F. hepatica contd.; Nematoda - characteristics and classification; Animal parasitic nematodes; Plant parasitic nematodes; Annelida - classification and characteristics; Earthworm and its importance, L. terrestris; Arthropoda - characteristics and classification; Crustacea - classification and characteristics The shrimp; Insecta - classification and economic importance; The cockroach; Methods of insect control; Zoological nomenclature and classification; Survey of some economic insect pests in Guyana; Survey of some economic insect pests in Guyana; Phylum molusca - classification, economic significance; The snail - Pemacea sp.; Pest damage by snail; Echinodermata - classification and economic importance; Pisces - classification and economic importance; Adaptations of Pisces; Reptilia - classification and economic significance; Aves - classification, characteristics, economic importance; Adaptations of Aves; Mammalia - classification and economic significance. Practicals Use of the compound microscope; Animal histology - slides of animal tissues; Protozoa; Platyhelminthes; Nematoda; Annelida; Phylum arthropoda - the prawn or shrimp; Insect dissection - digestive system; Classification of insects - order level; The snail - dissection; Echinoderms and pisces; Reptile dissection; Laboratory examination. AGR 211 - AGRICULTURAL BIOCHEMISTRY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Biochemical concepts of acids, bases, buffer, redox reactions, and osmotic pressure; Colloids, membrane structure and function; Introduction to enzymes - nature, properties and classification; Enzyme kinetics:- Factors influencing enzyme catalysis; The Michaelis-Menten and Line-Weaver-Burke plots; Control of enzyme activity - Irreversible and Reversible reactions; Competitive and non-competitive inhibition; Feedback control; Allosteric effectors; Coarse and fine control of enzymes; Classification and structure of carbohydrates; Use of carbohydrates; Chemistry of carbohydrates:- various reactions that carbohydrates undergo; Concepts of the reducing sugars; The glycosidic bond; Chirality in carbohydrates; Polymers structures of starch, glycogen and cellulose; Carbohydrate Metabolism; The glycolytic pathway; Carbohydrate Metabolism: the tricarboxylic acid cycle (T.C.A.); Carbohydrate Metabolism; The relationships between the glycolytic and T.C.A. cycles and the net production of high energy phosphate compounds; Gluconeogenesis - importance and nature of this pathway; The role and structure of the mitochondrion; Oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain; Generation of ATP by the electron transport chain; Effect of inhibition on the electron transport chain; Introduction to Amino Acids; Structure of amino acids found in proteins; Non-protein amino acids; Properties of amino acids; Reactions of amino acids; Biosynthesis of amino acids:- transamination deamination; Oxidative amination reactions, urea cycle; Biochemistry of nitrogen fixation by symbiotic and non- symbiotic systems; Nucleic acid structures; Purine and pyrimidine nucleosides, nucleotides; Nucleic acid metabolism; Classification of Proteins:- fibrous proteins globular proteins, antibodies, hormones, etc.; Bioenergetics: high and low energy compounds; Photosynthesis: The light reactions; photosystems I and II; relationship of light reactions to the dark reactions; Photosynthesis:- The dark reactions - fixation of CO2 in the Calvin cycle; C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways; CAM plants; Classification of fats; Biosynthesis of fats; Protein structure:- primary structure, secondary structure, tertiary structure, quaternary structure; Protein biosynthesis; Protein synthesis; Role of amino acids and proteins in plant and animal growth; Fat metabolism; Introduction to genetic engineering; Potential of genetic engineering in Agriculture; Non-traditional source of proteins - principles and techniques of utilisation etc. Practicals Problems involving acid, bases, pH and pKa concepts. Review of titration methodology; Designing enzyme assays to determine the effect of substrate concentration on the role enzyme catalyzed reactions; Basic tests for carbohydrates: (a) Benedict's test (b) Barfoed's test (c) Seliwanoff's test for ketones (d) Fehling's test (e) Iodine tests for starch (f) Progressive Hydrolysis of starch using the method of (e); Carbohydrates tests: Mollisch test for carbohydrates; Laboratory methodologies involved in determining inhibition of respiration and the relevance of these studies; Quantitative determination of amino acids; Qualitative determination of amino acids; Chromatography of amino acids; Chloroplast structures and how they fit into the light reactions of photosynthesis; Calculations and data analysis of C3 and C4plants' photosynthetic efficiencies; Protein Analysis; Analysis of fats. AGR 212 - PRINCIPLES OF CROP PRODUCTION 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Evolution of Agriculture; Scope and importance; Relation with other sciences and industries; Definition, history and role of Agronomy in Crop Production; Classification of crops; Classification of crops; Definition and Quality of good seeds; Tillage practices; Importance of legumes in rotation; Principles underlying method of sowing; Planting and transplanting; Principles underlying crop production; Importance of crop production in agriculture; Mixed cropping and crop mixture; Intercropping and multiple cropping; Role of water in crop production; Water requirement of important crops; Principles underlying use of manures; Principles underlying use of fertilizers; Agronomic practices in relation to problem soils; Methods of irrigation; Water resources of Guyana; Efficiency of irrigation; Frequency and levels of irrigation; Definition and importance of drainage; Causes of poor drainage; Methods of drainage. Practicals Laboratory practicals and field trips will be carried out in order to support the theoretical aspects of the course. AGR 213 - PRINCIPLES OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Overview of Livestock Production; Origin and domestication of Livestock; Utilisation of Livestock; Definition and explanation of common terms in livestock Science; Definition and explanation of common terms in poultry Science; Morphological and production characteristics of breeds/strains/types of beef cattle; Morphological and production characteristics of poultry; System of Management of beef cattle; System of Management of dairy cattle; System of Management of Sheep and goat; System of Management of poultry; System of Management of Swine; Site selection and layout; Water, water supply, air and ventilation; Sanitation and drainage; Principles and practices of disease prevention and control in beef and dairy cattle; Principles and practices of disease prevention and control in poultry; Care and management of livestock during heat, mating gestation, parturition, weaning and drying; Administration of medicaments; Determination of age in Livestock; The functions of food; The constituents of food and dry matter; Digestion and the digestive system of farm livestock; Feeds commonly used in livestock feeding; Terms used in animal nutrition; Feeding dairy cattle for milk production; Ration balancing; Role of pasture in ruminant livestock production; Record keeping in livestock production; Milk herd practices/waste disposal. Practicals Identification of breeds/strains/types of livestock and poultry. Point identification of desirable conformation for meat, milk and egg production; Livestock restraint techniques - working with the rope; Livestock restraint techniques - rope halter, casting and restraint of sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, poultry; Healthy - normal/sick abnormal animals: cattle et al. Evaluating herd health, vital signs - temperature, pulse respiration; Identification - Tatooing, branding, tagging, etc.; Dehorning, debudding, hoof trimming, clipping needle teeth, castration, dentition, weighing, beak trimming; Milking herd practices - parlour and individual; Administering medication - spraying, dipping etc.; Feeding - classification, identification, utilization; Waste disposal - sanitation, fencing. AGR 221 - AGRICULTURAL MICROBIOLOGY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) History and development of microbiology; Classification of microorganisms; Economic importance of microorganisms; Structure and evaluation of bacteria and cyanobacteria and their relative position in the living world; Structure and evaluation of fungi and algae and their relative position in the living world; Structure and evaluation of protozoa and viruses and their relative position in the living world; Micro-organisms in milk and milk products; Significance of bacteria in milk; Desirable and harmful bacteria in milk; Microbial spoilage of milk; Prevention of spoilage; Role of micro-organisms in butter and cheese production; Pathogenic bacteria associated with milk products and their control; Importance of microbes in fermented foods; Undesirable flora in foods; Principles of food preservation; Microbial spoilage of foods and prevention; Food poisoning: Types causative organisms and transmission; Food poisoning symptoms and control; Food inspection; Introduction to Industrial Microbiology; Origin of fermented products: beverages, butanol, acetone; Alcoholic fermentation, Amino acid fermentation; Nucleotide fermentation; Manufacture of vinegar and antibiotics; Importance of micro-organisms in the soil, microbial population in soil; Autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms in soil; Carbon and nitrogen cycles, carbonation Mycorrhizae; Symbiotic and non-symbiotic and denitrification; Ammonification; Decomposition of organic matter; Chemistry of soil organic matter; Chemistry of soil organic matter; Microbial chances involved in green manuring; Microbial changes involved in composting; Breakdown of herbicides by micro-organism; Breakdown of insecticides by micro-organisms; Bio-fertilizers and bio- insecticides. Practicals Laboratory practicals and field trips will be carried out in order to support the theoretical aspects of the course. AGR 222 - FUNDAMENTALS OF CYTOGENETICS AND GENETICS 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Basic concepts of genetics; Significance of genetics in Society; Investigative approaches in genetics; Mitosis regulation of the cell cycle; Meiosis; sexual reproduction; Spermatogenesis and oogenesis; The significance of Meiosis; The monohybrid cross; The Dihybrid cross; Mendel's Postulates; The test cross; Trihybrid cross; Independent assessment and genetic variation; Evaluating genetic data: Chi-square analysis; Human Pedigrees; Modification of Mendelian ratios: incomplete dominance oodominance multiple alleles; Sex-linked genes; Gene interaction; epistasis; Phenotypic expression: penetrance and expressivity temperature effects, nutritional effects; Heredity vs. environment; Linkage; linkage ratio; Incomplete linkage, single crossovers; Multiple crossovers; Chromosome mapping; Characteristics of the genetic material; Protein as the genetic material; RNA as the genetic material; Structure of DNA; Structure of RNA; Denaturation and Renaturation of nucleic acid; Molecular Hybridisation techniques; Viral and Bacterial chromosomes; Mitotic chromosomes; Polytene chromosomes; Mitochondrial DNA, heterochromatics; Mechanisms of sex determination; Variation in chromosome number: Aneuploidy; Variation in chromosome numbers: Euploidy; Variation in chromosome structure and arrangement deletions/deficiencies, Duplications; Gene redundancy and amplifications; Inversions and translocations; Mutation; classification of mutations; Molecular basis of mutation; Introduction to population Genetics; Introduction to Physiological Genetics. Practicals Review of reproductive cell structure and function; Identification of different stages of mitosis and meiosis from prepared slides; Temporary squash and smear preparation for the study of mitosis; Effect of C-Mitosis inducing agent(s) on Mitosis; Problem solving: Dominant and recessive traits; Meiotic preparations from rat tissue; Testing genetic data: Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses; Modification of Mendelian ratios; Chromosome mapping exercise; Observation of Polytene chromosome in Drosophils; Cytogenetics of important crop plants; Field visit to observe biotechnological work. AGR 223 - FUNDAMENTALS OF SOIL SCIENCE 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Historical development of soil science; What is soil; Why are soils studied; Four components of soil; Primary minerals; Secondary minerals; Organic components; Rocks and their classification; Weathering - mechanical and chemical processes; Factors affecting the weathering of minerals - Climatic, Physical and Chemical; Parent materials and their classification; Description of soil profiles; Soil classification; Soil colour; Soil structure; Soil aggregation and crusting; Soil texture; Stokes Law; Particle size analysis; Soil consistency; Soil ph; Soil moisture content; Bulk density; Particle density; Porosity; Volumetric moisture content; Degree of saturation; Soil Formation; Factors of soil formation; Stages in the development of soil; Primary minerals in soils; Isomorphous substitution; Framework structures; Silicate clays; Clays - smectites; Clays - vermiculite and illite; Non-silicate clays; Permanent and ph- dependent charges; Surface area; Cation exchange; Exchangeable cations; Base cations; Cation exchange capacity; % Base saturation; Anion exchange; Ligand exchange; Causes of soil acidity; Mechanism of acidification; Acidity and Al; Liming reactions and materials; Soil organisms - types, survival tactics; Nutrient cycling in soil ecosystem; Importance of soil organic matter; Decomposition of soil organic matter; Carbon cycle; Humus formation; Significance of the C/N ratio; Mineralisation/ immobilisation; Reasons for constancy of C/N ratio; Rate of organic matter decay; Properties of soil water; Pore water composition; Quantification of soil moisture; Moisture release curves; Water storage by soil; Water movement in soil; Saturated flow; Soil climate; Radiant heating of soil; Heat movement through soil; Thermal conductivity and heat capacity; Management of soil temperature; Essential plant nutrients; Soil productivity and fertility; Nutrient uptake by plants; Soil nitrogen; Soil sulphur, calcium and magnesium; Soil phosphorous and potassium. Practicals Introductory Laboratory exercise; Identification of rocks and minerals; Weathering of minerals in soils; Factors affecting weathering of minerals; Soil profile description; Soil classification; Particle size analysis; Bulk density determination; Particle density determination; Quantification of soil moisture; Soil ph; Determination of organic matter; Chemical properties of soils; Cation exchange capacity; Heat capacity of soils. AGR 224 - STATISTICAL METHODS & EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) What is statistics; Definition and scope of statistics; Importance of Statistics in agriculture; Inductive and deductive reasoning; Definition and explanation of terms used in statistics - population, sample, random sample, target population, sampled population, parameter, statistic and variable; Identifying target population, sampled population and sample from a problem statement; Some basic mathematical concepts; Summation notation; Rules of summation notation; Raw data and array; Frequency distribution; Class interval, class boundary and class mark; Graphic presentation of frequency distribution - histogram and frequency polygon; Curves representing the principal varieties of population models; Cumulative frequency distributions; Relative frequency distribution; Stem and leaf plots; Measures of central tendency - mean, median and mode; Relationship between mean, median and mode; Measures of dispersion - variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation; Boxplots; percentiles; Elementary probability; Sample outcome, sample space, event; Intersection, union, Venn diagrams; Probability distributions - uniform, Bernoulii, Binomial; Normal distribution; Use of normal table; Problems dealing with the normal distribution; Standard deviation of sample means; Central Limit theorem; One tailed and two tailed tests; Confidence limits for U when is known; 't' tests and use of 't' tables; Normal approximation to the binomial; Hypothesis testing; Type I and Type II errors; Testing a mean when is not known; Independent samples; Mean square error; 'F' Test; Paired samples; Problems involving paired and independent samples; Introduction to regression; Regression equation, slope and intercept; Testing the significance of regression; Introduction to non linear regression; Problems dealing with simple line regression; Correlation and correlation coefficient; Introduction to experimental Designs; Replications; Using independent samples as introduction to a simple design; Constructing an ANOVA table for the above; Using the 'F' test for the ANOVA table; Designing experiments - field layout with appropriate examples; The Completely Randomised Design (CRD); Uses of the CRD; Using appropriate examples on the CRD for computation; Comparing treatment means; Mean tests - LSD, SNK; Contrasts; The RCB Design; Replications and randomisation in RCB; Relevance of RCB in agriculture; ANOVA table for RCB design; Calculations based on appropriate examples; Means tests; Factorial experiments; Demonstrating the use of factorial experiments; Practical applications; Calculations using appropriate examples of factorials in CRD and RCB designs; Introduction to the Latin square Design; Randomisation of the Latin square; Usefulness of Latin Square; ANOVA table for Latin Square; Calculations based on appropriate examples; Missing plot techniques; Introduction to split-plot design; Field layout and importance in agricultural experiments; ANOVA table for split- plot; Calculations using appropriate examples; Sampling - simple random sampling stratified random sampling, systematic sampling and sequential sampling. AGR 311 - AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Tractors - sources of farm power, types of tractors, features and specifications, comparison of various tractor types; tractor selection; Engines - Internal combustion engines, functions of various parts of the engine; Ploughs - Functions of the ploughs, principle of operation of the plough, types of ploughs, setting and adjustments of ploughs, calculating draught requirement for ploughs; Cultivators and Harrows - Types of cultivators, functions of the cultivators principle of operation of cultivators; Ridgers and Seed Planting - Types of ridgers, principles of operation of ridgers seed broadcasting, implements for broadcasting single seed planting implements, seed drilling, principle of operation of seed drills, comparison of seed drilling with broadcasting; Sprayers and Blowers - Types of sprayers, principles of operation of sprayers, knapsack sprayers, boom sprayers, fertilizer distributor; Mowing and Harvesting - Types of cutters advantages and disadvantages of supported and unsupported cutters; Post Harvest Technology -Equipment for cleaning, grading, dry storage, size reduction: functions and principle of operation cleaners and separators for vegetables and root crops; Farm Structures - Introduction to building materials, their properties and use, basic layout of livestock housing: space requirement for poultry, cattle, swine. Principle of operation of bio-gas plant, basic designs; Equipment for Livestock - Feeding mechanisms, waste removal mechanisms, watering systems, heating, lighting, ventilation; Equipment of Livestock - Milking systems an mechanisms, principle of operation, Hatchery equipment: setters and hatchers; egg handling - layout of setters, pluckers etc.; Irrigation and Drainage - Sources of irrigation water, conveyance of irrigation water, methods of irrigation, calculating water requirement, comparison of irrigation systems for various drainage systems, crop water requirement, evapotranspiration and crop coefficient curve. Drainage problems, surface and sub-surface methods of drainage. AGR 312 - AGRICULTURAL ENTOMOLOGY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Insects and man - beneficial and harmful aspects; Distinguishing characteristics of arthropods and insects; Classification and mode of action of insecticides; Types of insecticide formulations; Insect phylogeny and distinguishing characters of orders; Survey of orders of economically important insects in Guyana; External anatomy - cuticle, head and mouth parts; External anatomy - thorax, abdomen, legs and their modifications; Internal anatomy - digestive, circulatory, excretory, respiratory and muscular systems; Growth and development in insects - eggs and metamorphosis; Types of metamorphosis; Larval and pupal types; Animal classification and nomenclature; Insecticide safety; Origins of pests; Ecological basis of pest control; Importance of pest identification; Methods of insect control; Integrated pest management; Insect pests of rice; Insect pests of sugar cane; Insect pests of man; Insect pests of coconuts; Insect pest of livestock and control; Insect pests of vegetables; Application of insecticides. Practicals Calculations involving pesticide use; Calibration of sprayer; External anatomy of insect - the head; External anatomy of insects - legs, antennae and mouthparts; Insecticide labels; Field trip to insect museum; Insect dissection - digestive system, wing venation; Classification of insects - order level; Insect bioassays using insecticides; Field trip to medical laboratory; Field trip to commercial distributor of pesticides. AGR 313 - AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION EDUCATION I 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 weeks) Significance of rural sociology; Rural sociology and extension tasks; The change agent in the rural setting; Concept of society, community association and institutions; Comparison and contrasts of rural, tribal and urban settings; The process of socialization; Conflicts in the socialization process; Socialization and Rural Families; Socialization - implications for extension work; Culture, types and homogeneity/heterogeneity factors; Cultural diffusion, Slavery and the Diaspora; Current patterns in Guyanese rural communities; Social change theory; Change through adoption of innovations; Social groups, types and functions, gender issues; Using groups to carry the extension message; The Laluni farmers group - a case study; Psychological basis of human behaviour; Rural character development, role of women; The rural setting and its influences; The scope for psychology in extension work; The mindset of urban trained extensionists; The mindset of rural people - implications; Learning theory and informal education; Transfer of learning; Learning and motivation for performance; Training rural groups; some techniques; Development of attitudes and knowledge basis; Social survey role of, examples; Process of social surveys; Formulating the problem as an extension task; Survey design; Data Collection Methods - Primary and Secondary Data; Data Collection Forms; Questionnaire design; Questionnaire design and testing; Measurement Basics; Introduction to Psycological Measurement; Measuring attitudes, perceptions, and preferences; Sampling and data collection, field procedures; Data Analysis and Report Writing. Practicals Field trips to various rural communities. AGR 321 - ANIMAL NUTRITION I 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Introduction to Animal Nutrition; General composition of the animal body and its tissues as a function of nutrients obtained from feed; General Composition of feed stuffs; Biochemistry, function and source of food nutrients; Classification of feedstuffs; Feed additives in animal nutrition; Identification of different classes of feedstuffs; Nutritional significance of the animal's digestive system; Study of the animal's digestive system; The study of carbohydrates, fats and protein - metabolism and utilization; The final common pathway of energy metabolism; The energy transfer system; Vitamins - sources, utilization; Study of fat and water soluble vitamins; Study of other vitamins and vitamin-like compounds; Macro-minerals - essential macro elements; Micro-minerals - essential micro elements; Other inorganic elements and review. Practicals Laboratory sessions will be conducted pertaining to the above. AGR 322 - INTRODUCTION TO POPULATION AND QUANTITATIVE GENETICS 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Gene frequencies; Genotype frequencies; Causes of changes in Gene and Genotype frequencies; The Hardy-Weinberg Law; Application of the Hardy-Weinberg Law; Test of H.W equilibrium; Assortative mating; Changes of gene frequency: mutation; Changes of gene frequency: migration; Selection; Change of gene frequency under selection; Effectiveness of selection; Average fitness and load; Balance between mutation and selection; Small populations: Changes in gene frequency; The idealised population; Variance of gene frequency; Inbreeding in the idealised Population; Effective population size; Inbreeding coefficient; Continuous variation; Genotypic values; Average effect; Breeding values; Dominance deviation; Interaction deviation; Components of Variance; Genetic Components of Variance; Variance due to disequilibrium; Correlation and interaction between genotype and environment; Environmental sensitivity; Environmental Variance; Genetic co- variance: offspring and parent; Genetic co-variance: half sibs; full sibs; Genetic co-variance: General; Heritability; Estimation of heritability. Practicals Computation of Gene frequencies; Computation of genotype frequencies; Testing data for H.W equilibrium; Inbreeding; Computation of inbreeding coefficient of an individual; Computation of Genotypic values; Average effect of gene substitution; Computation of breeding values; Multiple measurements: repeatability; Environmental co-variances; Computation of heritability. AGR 323 - AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING I 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Practicals 30 hours) Scope and subject matter of economics; Basic theory of the consumer; Laws of supply and demand; Basic theory of agriculture production; Factor-Product relationships; Factor-Factor relationships; Resource allocation in production; Risk and uncertainty theory; Risk and uncertainty management in Agriculture; Essentials of management; Human resource management theory; Elements of production management; Production scheduling; Multi- product relationships; Interrelationships in accounting and economics; Principles of GAAP accounting practice; The balance sheet and income statement; The cash flow and owner's equity; Breakeven analysis; debt analysis; Capital budgeting; internal rate of return; Capital Budgeting; The whole farm budget; Partial budgeting techniques; Budgets, farm records and taxation; Enterprise selection; Design of production systems; Economics of feed formulation; Economic threshold in crop protection and sustainable harvesting; Economic problems in Guyana and Caribbean Agriculture; Use of economic modeling in problem solving; Collection and interpretation of economic data; Microstat - a simple econometric package for analysis using the micro computer; Models of economic growth; Theories of economic development; Role of the agricultural sector; Aims of agricultural macroeconomic policy in Guyana; Economic analysis of macro policy effects on agriculture; Macro is micro policy; Economic issues in the rice and sugar industry and livestock sector. Practicals Field trips to selected private and public agribusinesses in Guyana. AGR 411 - EXTENSION EDUCATION II 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Practicals 30 hours) Principles of extension education; Informal teaching methods; Informal teaching methods in different settings; Instructional media; Audio-visual aids - selection and use; Training the trainers or rural leaders; Information management principles; Storing and retrieving extension information; Dissemination of information forward and backward; Transfer of learning theory - advanced; Variables in the learning environment; Motivation and the teachers tasks; Essentials of Programme Planning; Organization-wide operational planning; Developing an Operational Analysis of Needs; Key results Areas and Performance Indicators; Selecting Objectives; Preparing plans of Action; Factors for review in planning; Budgets and their purpose; Integrating budgets and plans; The Budget and control; Operational planning at the unit level; The District Extension Officer and unit planning; Roles and mission clarification by units; Evaluating roles in unit planning; Guidelines to making planning work; Planning in public sector organizations in Guyana; Follow-up of the planning exercise; Communication principles; Communication and the adoption; Interpersonal communication and listening; Public Speaking and oral reporting; Using Words and Style Effectively in Extension; Writing the routine, pleasant and unpleasant; Writing to persuade in Adoption; Writing letters, bulletins, pamph1ets; Interviewing for employment and training; The Report process and research methods; Managing Data and using Graphics; Organizing and writing short reports & proposals; Writing the formal report; Extension Administrative Structures. Practicals Role playing exercises and visits to areas where extension activities are being carried out e.g. field days, demonstrations, meetings, lectures etc. AGR 421 - AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING II 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Practicals 30 hours) Elements of price theory; Elasticity and supply; Effects of market type on price and output; Macro policy effects on aggregate price levels; Price indices; Compilation of the consumer price index in Guyana; Principles of Banking; Role of development banks in agriculture; Money, inflation, and unemployment; Financial markets and their operation; Financing agricultural investment; Review of capital budgeting; The project cycle; Project benefit and costs; Project financing; Financing analysis using integrated financial statement; Use of ratios in assessing performance; Simulation over time of financial performance; Agribusiness markets structure and conduct; Marketing channels and margins; Formulating marketing strategy; Marketing surveys; Marketing analysis; Writing the marketing plan; International agricultural markets; Principles of international trade; International trade policy; Free trade and the formation of trading blocks; Caricom and Gatto, formation and operation; Commercial policy; The infant industry argument; Export tax and subsidy; International tariffs and quotas; National income accounting; The balance of payments; Internal and external balance; International financial institutions; Stabilization and the IMF; Structural adjustment and the World Bank; Structure and conduct of the world rice market; Structure and conduct of the world sugar market; The international market for non-traditional produce; International business practices. AGR 410 - PROJECT Year long research project done in two (2) semesters. CSC 311 - AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS & WEED SCIENCE 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours Labs 45 hours) Concept of Weed; Losses due to the weeds; Terminologies used in weed science and agricultural chemicals; Common Weeds of Guyana and Caribbean; Weeds of World importance; Overview of methods of weed control; Integrated weed management; Preventive Weed Control; Cultural Weed Control; Biological Control of Weeds; Chemical control of Weeds; Concept of critical period of weed control; Weed Ecology/Biology; Herbicides; Insecticides; Fungicides; Rodenticides; Nematicides; Fertilizers; Soil Ameliorants; Factors that contribute to increased efficiency in Pesticide use. Practicals Weed Identification; Pesticides and their formulations; The Pesticide label and its implications; Mixing of Pesticides and Compatibility Tests; Calibration of Pesticide Applicators; Pesticide Application Equipment; Maintenance of Pesticide Equipment; Pesticide Videos on Safety; Pesticide and Environment; Pesticides and Applicators Safety; Pesticides Storage. CSC 312 - PRINCIPLES OF PLANT PATHOLOGY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours Labs 45 hours) Pre-requisite Course AGR 221 - Agricultural Microbiology History of plant pathology; Economic importance of plant diseases; Plant disease concept; Definition of terminology; Symptoms and classification of plant diseases; Bacteria as causal agents of plant diseases; Fungi as causal agents of plant diseases; Viruses as causal agents of plant diseases; Nematodes as causal agents of plant diseases; Mollicutes as causal agents of plant diseases; Parasitic seed plants as causal agents of plant diseases; Abiotic plant diseases; Market pathology; Introduction to plant disease epidemiology; The influence of different environmental factors on the development and spread of infectious diseases; Pathogen production; Inoculum dynamics; Entry of Pathogen in hosts; Spread of pathogen in host; Toxins produced by plant pathogenic microorganisms; Host resistance and response to infection; Breeding for disease resistance; Cultural and Biological methods of disease control; Chemical methods of disease control; Introduction to genetics of host pathogen interactions; Introduction to Molecular plant pathology. Practicals Microscopic studies of Fungi, Bacteria and Nematodes; Plant disease symptoms; Isolation of Bacteria from diseased plant parts, culturing of bacteria; Purification of bacterial pathogens; Infecting healthy plants with pure isolates of the bacteria; Completion of Koch's postulates; Isolating and culturing of plant pathogenic fungi; Purification of Fungal pathogens; Infecting healthy plants with pure isolates of fungi; Isolating plant pathogenic Nematodes; Studying parasitic seed plants; Symptoms of some major crop diseases and pathogen structures associated with these diseases. importance; CSC 321 - PLANT AND CROP PHYSIOLOGY I 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours Labs 45 hours) Revision of some basic chemical principles such as acids, bases and salts and calculation of their concentration; Buffer solutions and their importance in the cell; The Physical properties of the cell. The chemical constitution of protoplasm; Imbibition, surface tension, diffusion and osmosis; Introduction to the principles of water movement; The mechanism of absorption of water and its relation to the anatomical structure of the root; The mechanism of movement of water along the transpiration stream and its relation to the anatomical structure of the xylem; Evaporation, movement of water in the leaf and the structure of the leaf; Macro- and micro - nutrients required by the plant; Physiological effect due to the deficiency of essential nutrients; Mechanism of uptake and translocation of nutrients; Introduction to the photosynthetic apparatus - Plant pigments and enzymes; Mechanism of photosynthesis and factors affecting the process; Introduction to Respiration; Mechanism of respiration and factors affecting the process; Allelopathy and agroforestry systems; Examination of some growth patterns for whole plants; Examination of growth of some selected plant organs; Biochemistry and physiology of auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins; Biochemistry and physiology of abscisic acid and polyamines; Interaction among the various hormones for some physiological process in the plant; Tropisms and nastic movements; Circadian rhytmns; Seed dormancy and methods of overcoming dormancy; Vernalization and bud dormancy; Photoperiodism. CSC 411 - INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Insects and their relatives; General character; Describing insects body parts and appendages; Pests of agricultural veterinary and medical importance in Guyana; Non-arthropod pests of crops and livestock in Guyana; Characteristics and classification of fungi; A general account of bacteria, viruses and nematodes diseases of different crops in Guyana; Weeds-classification and identification biology and ecology of weeds; Weeds of different crops in Guyana; Methods of pest control - mechanical, chemical, biological, legislative and other methods, calibration and use of different pesticide application equipment; Integrated pest management; Economic threshold; Crop loss assessment; IMP in rice and sugar cane in Guyana. Practicals These will be carried out to supplement classroom lectures and will include collection, identification and use of bioassay technique. CSC 412 - FIELD CROPS I 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Cultivation of sugar cane, rice, groundnuts, soybeans, sorghum, corn, cow peas, tobacco, cotton, cassava, edible aroids, oil palm, pigeon peas, mung/urid. Practicals Post-harvest management of sugar cane, rice, groundnuts, soybeans, sorghum, corn, cow peas, tobacco, cotton, cassava, edible aroids, oil palm, pigeon peas, mung/urid. CSC 413 - POMOLOGY, ORCHARD MANAGEMENT & FRUIT PRESERVATION 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Discussion of the definition, importance, status and scope of Horticulture; Selection of site for orchards, laying of orchards; Irrigation and manuring of fruit plants; Pruning and training of fruit plants; Unfruitfulness, fruit drop and fruit thinning; Botany, propagation, cultural operations, pest and disease control, marketing and processing of mango; Botany, propagation, cultural operation, pest and disease control and marketing of banana and plantain; Discussion of the different varieties of citrus and their botany; Propagation of citrus (including budding and grafting); Cultural operations, pest and disease control; Marketing of citrus; Botany, cultural operations, pest and disease control, marketing and processing of guava; Botany, cultural operations, pest and disease control and marketing of papaya; Examination of the different varieties of pineapple and their botany, pest and diseases, propagation, cultural operations, marketing and processing of pineapple; Propagation, cultural requirements and marketing of coconut and oil palm; Cultivation, management, examination of common pests and diseases and marketing of tomato; Examination of the different varieties of cucurbits; Cultivation and management of cucurbits; Cultivation, management and marketing of onion, ochro (okra), cabbage, eshallot, legumes, ground provisions and other selected crops; Landscape planning and design for residential areas and parks; Marking lawns and their upkeep; Cultivation and maintenance of ornamental plants; Nutritional value of fresh fruit and vegetables; Methods of preservation and storage of fruits. CSC 414 - PLANT AND CROP PHYSIOLOGY II 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Revision of the photosynthetic mechanism in C3, C4 and CAM plants; Comparison of photosynthetic efficiency in C3, C4 and CAM plants; The Physiology of crop yield and the relationship between light interception and yield; The concept of yield analysis and calculation of harvest index; The translocation of assimilates; The source-sink relationship of yield and the partitioning of assimilates; The calculation of crop yield i.e net assimilation rates, leaf area index and crop growth rates; Crop geometry and planting density and their relation to yield; Nitrogen metabolism; The relationship between nitrogen metabolism and photosynthetic production; Introduction to environmental stress; Effect of salinity and acidity on the growth and development of plants; Discussion on areas with saline soil in Guyana and its effect on named crop plants; Physiological effect of drought and water-logging in plants; The above topic with particular reference to Guyana; Effect of temperature variation in plants and examination of the situation in Guyana; The physiology of rice, sugar cane, corn, soybean, maize and selected fruit crops. CSC 421 - SEED TECHNOLOGY 15 WEEKS (Lectures 45 hours Labs 45 hours) Megasporogenesis; Megagametogenesis; Microsporogenesis; Microgametogenesis; Fertilisation; Maturation; Seed germination and vigour; Sequence in seed germination; Characteristics of deterioration; Measurements of seed vigour; Causes of seed deterioration; Characteristics, types, and methods for overcoming seed dormancy; Seed production and harvesting; Field inspection, isolation; Expected replacement demand for both self and cross pollinated crops; Adjustments to harvester, threshing index; Principles and methods of seed drying; Types of dryers; Seed conditioning; Principles of seed preparation; Seed cleaning equipment; Seed treatment and storage; Precepts of seed storage; Importance of moisture content and temperature in storage; Objectives of seed testing; Moisture purity analysis; Iodine varietal test for paddy; Seed certification procedures; Mechanical and chemical methods for overcoming seed dormancy; Purity analysis of seeds; Operations of a column dryer. CSC 422 - TROPICAL VEGETABLE PRODUCTION 15 WEEKS (Lectures 45 hours Labs 45 hours) Nursery establishment and maintenance; Soils appropriate for vegetable cultivation, composting and gardening cultivation practices/vegetable production; Common pest on garden/vegetables and their control; Cultivation, protection practices, grading, marketing, and post harvest techniques for cabbage, pakchoy, mustard, cauliflower, carrots, egg plant, peppers, squash, pumpkin, cucumber, melons, onion, eschallot, okra, beans, tomatoes, saeme, smooth loofah (nenwah), ridged loofah (jinghi), bitter gourd (carila) and amaranths. CSC 423 - PLANT BREEDING 15 WEEKS (Lectures 45 hours Labs 45 hours) Pre-requisites: AGR 223 - Fundamentals of Cytogenetics & Genetics AGR 322 - Introduction to Population & Quantitative Genetics Historical aspects and genetic basis of plant breeding; Objectives of plant breeding and introduction to some techniques used; Revision of floral biology of monocotyledons, dicotyledons, mitosis and meiosis; Modes of sexual and asexual reproduction in plants; Discussion of self pollination, cross pollination and floral biology of plants; Genetic, chromosomal and genetic - chromosomal sterility; Gametophytic and sporophytic self incompatibility; Methods of breeding self-pollinated and cross pollinated plants; Quantitative inheritance; Chimeras and graft hybrids; Examination of the various techniques used in tissue culture and plant improvements of some selected crops using micro propagation; Scope of plant breeding for improving the yield and quality of rice and sugar cane; Discussion on the current status of breeding in the sugar cane industry and for new rice varieties in Guyana; Genetic improvement of selected fruits and vegetables; Seed testing and maintenance of seed collection; Seed certification; Introduction to genetic engineering; Discussion on use of genetic engineering for the improvement of selective crops. CSC 424 - APPLIED PLANT PATHOLOGY 15 WEEKS (Lectures 45 hours Labs 45 hours) Pre-requisite Courses: CSC 321 - Principles of Plant Pathology AGR 212 - Agricultural Biochemistry Revision of principles of plant pathology; Taxonomy of plant pathogenic fungi; Taxonomy of plant pathogenic bacteria; Classification of plant viruses; Taxonomy of plant parasitic nematodes; Ecology of plant pathogenic microorganisms; Mechanism involved in pathogenicity - plant pathogenic fungi, Plant pathogenic bacteria, Plant pathogenic viruses, Plant pathogenic nematodes; Effects of pathogenesis on plant physiological functions; Structural defence to plant pathogens; Metabolic defence to plant pathogens; Genes and diseases, the gene-to-gene concept; Variability in plant pathogenic microorganism; Genetics of virulence in pathogens; Genetics of resistance in host plant; Measurement of plant diseases; Structure, pattern and development of epidemics; Forecasting plant disease epidemic; Post harvest diseases caused by microorganisms; Mycotoxin and mycotoxicosis; Application of bio-technology and molecular biology to plant pathology; In depth study of major diseases of rice, sugarcane, major vegetables and other crops grown locally for e.g. citrus, coconut etc.; Development of disease management programmes. Practicals: Taxonomy of the different groups of plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria, nematodes; Effects of disease on photosynthesis; Laboratory studies on pathogenicity of plant pathogens; Laboratory studies on mechanisms of structural defence in plants; Laboratory studies of major diseases in rice, sugar cane, major vegetables and other important local crops; Laboratory studies on post harvest diseases. SSC 311 - SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILISER TECHNOLOGY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours Labs 45 hours) Concepts of soil fertility and productivity; Factors affecting soil fertility; Soil physical conditions in relation to soil fertility; Soil fertility evaluation - methods employed; Nutrient deficiency symptoms; Plant analysis and total analysis; DRIS indices; Field experimentation; Microbiological tests; Soil Testing; Farm manure, significance; Storage, treatment and management of animal manure; Long term effects of manure; Urban and industrial wastes; Composts; The Fertiliser elements; Fertiliser analysis, mixed fertiliser; Soil testing and fertiliser recommendations; Some rules of commercial fertiliser use; Manufacture of some common fertilisers; Storage, method of application and fate of urea, ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate; Fate of phosphatic fertilisers in soil; Developments in fertiliser manufacture; Fertiliser use and farm income; Maximum yield and maximum economic yield; Plant nutrients as part of increasing land value; Fertiliser efficiency use and factors affecting it; Importance of interactions; Explaining interactions; Building Maximum - Yield Systems. SSC 321 - SOIL PLANT NUTRITION 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Genetic factors affecting plant growth; Growth expressions; Yield increase in response to more than one growth factor; Elemental composition of plants; Essential elements in plant nutrition; Nitrogen of plants; Sulphur nutrition of plants; Phosphorous nutrition of plants; K nutrition of plants; Ca and Mg nutrition of plant; Micronutrient elements in plant nutrition; Characteristics and functions of roots; Factors affecting root growth and development; Nutrient accumulation and deficiency; Movement of ions from soils to roots; Complementary ion effect; Nutrient mobility in soil; Ion uptake by plants; Relationships between added fertiliser, plant nutrient level and plant yield; Nutrient availability and soil pH; Improving plant's nutrient efficiency; Plant nutrient level determination; Tissue analysis interpretations; Crop logging systems. SSC 411 - SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATIONS 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Hydrological cycle; Watershed management; Soil erosion and conservation schemes; Water and wind erosion; Management of losses of soil, water and nutrients due to erosion; Agronomic methods of erosion control; Soil Conservation practices; Principles of water conservation; Water storage structures; Water harvesting and small scale irrigation; Drainage techniques; Success and/or failure of soil and water management techniques practised in Guyana. Practicals Field trips to major water management schemes in Guyana, to various irrigation systems (e.g, sugar and rice) and to Drainage "Pumping" Stations along the coast should be arranged. SSC 412 - SOIL MICROBIOLOGY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Soil as a habitat for micro-organisms; Techniques in culturing soil micro-organisms; Micro-organisms and soil enzymes; Decomposition processes and nutrient cycling; Rhizosphere interactions (asymbiotic micro-organisms and plants); Infections of plant roots (symbiote and pathogens); Plant growth regulators and phytotoxins from micro-organisms; Effects of soil amendments; Micro-organisms in agricultural systems; Treatment and management of soil micro-organisms. Practicals Laboratory practicals will be carried out in order to support the theoretical aspects of the course. Field trips should be scheduled to various production sites. SSC 413 - SOIL CHEMISTRY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Soil-ion interactions; Soil and plant composition; Ion-water interactions; Solute-solute interactions; Solubility product, soil reaction coefficients; Crystal chemistry of silicates; Layer silicate structures; Kaolins; Smectites; Vermiculites; Micas; Chlorites; Accessory minerals; Soil organic matter; Charge development in soils; Rates of weathering and soil development; Cation exchange; Cation exchange equations; Anion exchange; Adsorption isotherms; Classification and determination of soil acidity; Lime requirement; Origin of Salt affected soils; Categories of salt affected soils; Irrigation water quality; Oxidation and reduction in soils; Flooded soils; Major exchangeable cations; Major anions. SSC 421 - SOIL AND LAND USE SURVEY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Uses of soil and land-use survey; Classes of surveys and techniques used; Use of Remote Sensing (aerial photography, Landform) and soil maps; Interpretative use of soil survey data; Writing soil survey reports; Use of computers and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in soil surveys; Historical soil classification system; Genetic soil classification system; Genetic soil classification system; Morphological classification system; USDA Taxonomy; Similarities and differences between USDA Soil Taxonomy and that of England and Wales. Practicals Field trips will be made to the survey sites on a regular basis. SSC 422 - MANAGEMENT OF PROBLEM SOILS 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Important soil classes in Guyana and the Caribbean; Nature and properties of important soil classes in Guyana and the Caribbean; Management of important soil classes in Guyana and the Caribbean; Distribution of Acid Sulfate soils; Reclamation and management of Acid Sulphate soils; Distribution of Sodic soils; Reclamation and management of Sodic soils; Distribution of Saline soils; Reclamation and management of Saline soils; Distribution, reclamation and management of Saline-Sodic soils; Distribution and management of Organic soils. Practicals Field trips will be made to various problem soil sites. SSC 423 - SOIL ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Types of chemicals added to the soil; Classification and mode of action of pesticides; Interaction with unchanged polar organic compounds; Adsorption from aqueous solution; Complexes with amines; Complexes amicles; Complexes with cationic pesticides; Complexes with amino acids and proteins; Interactions with positively charged organic species; Some properties of cationic complexes; Organic reactions catalysed by clay minerals; Transformation and decomposition reactions; Adsorption and reactions of phenolic compounds; Desorption of phenolic compounds; Volatilisation of pesticides from soil; Organic chemical movement over soil; Movement of volatile organic chemicals in soils; Movement of organic chemicals through landfill and hazardous waste disposal sites; Groundwater monitoring; Chemistry of heavy metals in soils. ASC 312 - ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Distribution of coursework package and explanation therefrom; Structural organization of animals; Physiochemical concepts of the physiology of protoplasm, water relations, transport mechanisms and bioelectricity; Movement and muscular physiology; Body control and coordination systems; Body fluids and physiology of the circulatory system; Exchange of gases; Osmoregulation and excretion; Physiology of the digestive system; Reproductive Physiology; Physiology of egg production; Physiology of lactation; Environmental or adaptative physiology. Practicals Examination of body tissues; Experiments on osmosis and tonicity; Study of skeletal system; Functional mechanisms of selected hormones; Study of the blood and determination of pulse; Demonstration of mechanisms breathing and determination of respiratory rate; Tests of kidney function in urine production; Metabolic rate measurement by calorimetry and body temperature measurement; Pregnancy diagnosis; Observations on developing chick embryo. ASC 321 - ANIMAL HEALTH 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Basic Anatomy of mammals and poultry; Disease - its nature causative agents; Disease - methods of spread; Disease control and eradication - general principles; Common diseases of ruminants; Common diseases of pigs; Common diseases of poultry; Fornucolosis; Parasitology - effects of parasites on livestock; Parasitology - general principles of control; Common parasitic diseases - ruminants; Common parasitic diseases - poultry; Common parasitic diseases - pigs; Common diseases of rabbits; General care and diseases of horses; Care of pregnant animals and neonates; Routine procedures e.g. dehorning, castrating. Practicals Dissections - mammals and poultry; Farm husbandry; Restraint and Handling; Mastitis - examination of udder; Post mortem - principles and practical; Abattoir visit; Parasites of livestock; Parasitology - faecal examination; Spraying and dipping; Farm visit; Care of the neonate; routine procedures. ASC 322 - PASTURE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Importance of grasslands/pastures in agriculture; Morphology of grasses and legumes; Chemical composition and nutritive value of tropical grasses and legumes; Characteristics of native grasslands/pasture; Management of native grasslands/pastures; Improving native grasslands/pastures; Types of improved pastures; Factors influencing pasture establishment; Techniques of pasture establishment; Post establishment management; Management of improved grasslands/pastures in semi-intensive and intensive production system; Pasture utilization - grazing and green chop; Pasture utilization-forage conservation; Tropical pasture seed production site selection; Crop husbandry of tropical pasture species grown for seed production; Harvesting and processing seeds of tropical pasture species; Evaluating forage production - quantity; Forage germplasm evaluation. Practicals Identification of important grasses and legume in Guyana; Field visit to observe native grasslands/pastures; Field visit to observe improved pastures; Field visit to have "hand-on" experience at pasture establishment; Computations associated with pasture; Field visit to get "hand-on" experience at forage conservation; Measurements/computations for different silo types and capacities; Field visit to observe practices associated with pasture seed production; Field visit to get "hand-on" experience at estimating forage quantity; Computations associated with evaluating forage quality; Field visit to get "hand-on" experience at forage germplasm evaluation. ASC 411 - ANIMAL BREEDING THEORY 1 15 weeks (Lectures 15 weeks, Labs 15 weeks) Complexity of traits in farm animals; Variations and statistical measure; Artificial and natural selection; Computation of some statistics applicable to quantitative characters; Genetic progress - what controls it; Heritability; Selection differentials; Generation interval; Genetic gain; Accuracy of selection; Estimation of heritability; Repeatability; Measuring genetic improvement; Selection limits; Preservation of Genetic variation; Individual or Mass selection; Pedigree information; Family selection; Progeny selection; Selection methods: Tandem selection; Independent culling levels; Index selection; Types of correlations; Correlated response to selection; Breeding and the environment (GxE); Maternal environment and effects; Breeding methods - Inbreeding; Inbreeding coefficient; Genetic effects of inbreeding; Phenotypic effects on inbreeding; Linebreeding; Outbreeding - crossbreeding; Heterosis; Genetic basis of heterosis; Crossbreeding for commercial production; Crossbreeding systems:- Backcross, Breedcross; Rotational crossing, crisscrossing; Grading up; Breeding in practice - identification; Dairy cattle breeding; Beef cattle, sheep and swine breeding. Practicals Computation of some statistics applicable to quantitative characters; Computation of selection differentials; Estimation of heritability; Computation of genetic gain; Study of pedigrees; Problem on selection index; Computation of correlated response; Computation of inbreeding coefficient; Impact of inbreeding on farm animals; Crossbreeding in practice; Progeny testing schemes; Group breeding schemes. ASC 412 - ANIMAL NUTRITION II 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Terms and definition of feeds; Schemes for describing the energy value of feeds; Evaluation of feeds in terms of nutritive value; Digestibility, feed intake and animal output; Proximate analysis of feedstuffs; Measuring feed intake and utilization of animals; In Vitro digestion of feedstuffs; Feeding Standards for various classes of livestock, Governmental regulations; Principles and estimation of nutrient requirements for maintenance and productive functions; Ration formulation - principles - algebraic equations; Ration formulation - matrices; Ration formulation - optimization - computer application; Feed processing and preparation. Practicals Laboratory sessions will be conducted pertaining to the above. ASC 413 - BEEF, BUFFALO & DAIRY CATTLE PRODUCTION 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Overview of the industry worldwide with emphasis on CARICOM; Planning Beef, Buffalo and Dairy cattle production; Resources for production (land, housing equipment, animals, feed etc.); Review of economically important breeds; Systems of production; Husbandry of dairy cattle - Breeding management and role of artificial insemination; Artificial insemination and heat detection; Selection criteria - genetic and phenotypic; Establishing a farm - Types of fencing - perimeter and internal; Milking equipment - manual and automated; Milking parlour designs and other buildings and equipment; Milking practices and factors affecting milk quality; Pasture establishment and maintenance. Review; Estimating carrying capacity and determination of plot size and grazing frequency; Study of interrelationship among feed intakes, lactation demand and body weight; Feeding/management of the dairy calf; Replacement heifers, bulls etc.; Management of feed resources - silage, haylage etc.; Management and feeding during pregnancy, parturition, postpartum and lactation; Husbandry of beef cattle, buffalo; Breeding management, management and feeding of animals in semi-intensive, range and feedlot systems; Herd projection; Herd health management - preventative and curative approaches; Mastitis and other major diseases. Practicals Laboratory sessions will be conducted pertaining to the above. ASC 414 - ENDOCRINOLOGY & REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Overview of course; Endocrinology - types of chemical messengers; Methods of studying endocrinology; Control of endocrine system; Reproductive system of the female; The oestrous cycle; Ovigenesis, ovulation and fertilization; Gestation; Parturition; Reproductive tract of the male; Formation, migration, maturation and ejaculation of spermatozoa; Semen and its components; Morphology and motility of spermatozoa; Physiology of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract; Conception rate and factors affecting its magnitude; Physiological and psychological causes of lowered reproductive efficiency; Management factors that affect the reproductive efficiency of the female; Management factors that affect the reproductive efficiency of the male. Practicals Study of endocrine glands; Study of the female reproductive anatomy (gross); Study of the female reproductive anatomy (microscopic); Pregnancy determination; Study of foetal development; Study of the male reproductive anatomy (gross); Study of the male reproductive anatomy (Microscopic); Semen collection and the ejaculate; Semen evaluation; Artificial insemination; Visual appraisal of reproductive efficiency. ASC 421 - SHEEP, GOAT & RABBIT PRODUCTION 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Overview of the industry (sheep and goat) world wide with emphasis on CARICOM; Review of economically important breeds and locally adapted breed types; Reproduction in bucks and does; Fertility in goats; Objectives for breeding plans - goats; Inheritance of characteristics; Artificial insemination in goats; Feeding habits and behaviour of goats; Diseases of goats; Parasites; Health control; Reproductive behaviour and breeding capacity of sheep; Breed improvement in sheep; Heredity of productive traits of sheep; Nutrient requirements of sheep; Range grazing; Common diseases of sheep; Internal and external parasites; Prevention and control; Processing and marketing of sheep and sheep products; Sheep and goat production in Guyana - problems and constraints; The future of sheep and goat production in Guyana/CARICOM; Study of rabbit breeds based on intended use; Selection Criteria; Housing - hutch and cage construction; Equipment and handling; Management of bucks, does and litters; Rabbit diseases. ASC 422 - POULTRY PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Overview of the poultry industry world wide with emphasis on CARICOM; Review of poultry breeds; The use of breeds, varieties and strains of economic poultry production; Review of poultry biology and physiology; Review of genetics with respect to inheritance and sex-linked characteristics; Sexing and its application to management strategies; Selection, storage and handling of hatching eggs; Incubation and post-incubation management; Breeding requirement for broiler type birds. Nutrition, feeding, vaccination etc.; Brooding and rearing of egg type (layer) birds including nutrition, feeding, housing; Management of light duration and intensity on layer and broiler performance; Brooding and rearing of broiler breeders including nutrition, feeding, light management, male breeder management etc; Ration balancing with emphasis on correction for heat burden; Types of poultry houses - construction and spacial arrangement; Management of birds using different housing byres; Types of litter, absorbency, toxicity texture etc; Poultry records; Culling of non-productive birds; Disease management - Prophylactic and curative approaches; Processing of different poultry products; Grading eggs and meat; Preservation and storage of meat and eggs; Waste disposal and use for feed in ruminant productive systems. Practicals Laboratory sessions will be conducted pertaining to the above. ASC 423 - SWINE & AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION 15 weeks (Lectures 45 hours, Labs 45 hours) Overview of the swine industry world wide with emphasis on CARICOM; Review of swine breeds, the use of breeds and crossbreeds of economic importance; Review of genetics particularly heterosis; crossbreeding and tested crossbreeding programmes; Planning production - spacial, replacement policy etc.; Selection and monitoring techniques - breeding stock; Breeding management - synchronization of oestrus; Artificial insemination; Planning time and space for swine production; Herd projection and forecasting; Management and feeding of sows, gilts, boars during breeding, pregnancy, parturition and lactation; Management of young, growing and finishing pigs; Computer application on feeding; Housing, equipment and waste disposal; Meat preparation; Marketing; Technology of producing pig products; Introductory fisheries - types and planning; Systems of aquaculture; Establishment and management of ponds; Management of fish - sexing and fingerling production; Fattening units - stocking, fertilization etc.; Feeding and nutrition; Pests and diseases, prophylactic and curative approaches; Harvesting and cleaning pond; Marketing. Practicals This course will have 45 hours of practical sessions pertaining to the above. University of Guyana - Faculty of Agriculture Home Page This page was created and maintained by T.M. VELLOZA, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Guyana, Turkeyen, Georgetown, Guyana. If you have any questions or comments, please contact "ugfacagri@yahoo.com" |
