TV5210 - Animal Nutrition

Available to graduates with a degree in Agricultural Sciences (or equivalent). Other appropriately trained graduates may enrol at the discretion of the Academic Head of Veterinary Science. Periodic attendance on campus required throughout the Study Period.

The subject provides the building blocks for advanced and current concepts in production animal nutrition and tropical pasture production with emphasis on the science behind the biological mechanisms of ruminant and monogastric digestion and utilisation of nutrients. Animal nutrients (protein, energy, water, vitamins, minerals), feeding systems, ration formulation & computations, feed nutritive value analysis, digestive physiology of ruminants, pig nutrition, poultry nutrition, tropical pastures and forages for ruminant feeding, fodder conservation in feed planning programmes for ruminants will be covered. Literature review of special topics in animal nutrition and seminar presentations on current nutritional research topics will be the basis for student assessment.

Learning Outcomes

• be critically conversant with production animal nutrition literature;
• discuss nutrient utilisation and ration formulation for both ruminants and monogastrics;
• be proficient in laboratory analyses of animal feeds and their interpretation;
• describe nutritional management of intensively and extensively managed livestock;
• be able to make significant contributions to relevant scientific seminars.

Subject Assessment

• presentations (20%)
• journal critique (10%)
• assignments (35%)
• lab practicals (35%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.