Animal Nutrition

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Abstract

This subject is an introduction to the principles of ruminant and monogastric nutrition. Students will explore principles module covering nutrients in animal feeds, nutrient digestion, absorption and metabolism in monogastrics and ruminants. Students will then complete a module covering the use of quantitative feeding standards, using ruminant animals as an … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject is an introduction to the principles of ruminant and monogastric nutrition. Students will explore principles module covering nutrients in animal feeds, nutrient digestion, absorption and metabolism in monogastrics and ruminants. Students will then complete a module covering the use of quantitative feeding standards, using ruminant animals as an example, and the application of these to cattle and sheep production systems.

Syllabus

Animal feeds and the nutrients they contain;Digestion, absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in ruminants and monogastrics;The role of minerals and vitamins in animal nutrition;The importance of water and water quality in animal nutrition;Analysis of animal feeds;Regulation of feed intake and factors influencing feed intake;Feeding standards;Ration formulation;Feeding management, … For more content click the Read More button below.

Animal feeds and the nutrients they contain;
Digestion, absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in ruminants and monogastrics;
The role of minerals and vitamins in animal nutrition;
The importance of water and water quality in animal nutrition;
Analysis of animal feeds;
Regulation of feed intake and factors influencing feed intake;
Feeding standards;
Ration formulation;
Feeding management, including supplementary feeding; and
Approaches to estimate quantitative requirements for energy and protein in ruminants

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to identify ingredients commonly used in rations for livestock;

be able to list key nutrients for animals;

be able to categorise different carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals;

be able to describe the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in monogastrics and ruminants;

be able to describe the functions of minerals and vitamins in the nutrition of animals, and list the sources as well as the clinical signs associated with a deficiency of these nutrients;

be able to describe how a feedstuff could be analysed for dry matter, organic matter, lipid content, protein and fibre contents;

be able to demonstrate the use of feeding standards to calculate the nutrient requirements of ruminants and to formulate rations to meet such requirements; and

be able to demonstrate the practical application of science to the feeding of animals, including supplementary feeding.

Assumed knowledge

Biochemistry

Enrolment restrictions

Incompatible