Aims

The module aims to provide a detailed understanding of fundamental and applied aspects of nutrition and its interaction with growth and other physiological activities of domestic animals (farm livestock and companion animals). This module builds on understanding of “Animal Feed Science and Technology” module at Stage 2.

NES3010 has two levels of application – firstly applied to the animal, the module will consider formulation of diets for a range of animals (devising diets, considering nutrient requirements for farm and companion animals and monitoring the impact of the diet on the animal in practical situations at a farm/kennel level), but also application to the industry/society by taking account of global nutrient supply (e.g. sustainability of sourcing raw materials from different parts of the globe, environmental impact informed by the competencies outlined in the recent Feed Advisors' Register) and food safety (informed by Food Standards Agency reports) and informed by current research e.g. addressing human deficiencies / health through manipulating the feeding of livestock.

This module has Virtual Feed Industry visits and guest speakers to give the students a current applied insight into the various industries and careers associated with applied nutrition.

Outline Of Syllabus

Intro: Nutrition in practice: the changing focus of animal nutrition from production and meeting basic nutritional needs to considering global issues of feed supply; sustainability (including environmental issues); security; safety; human and animal health implications. The relevance of feeding animals to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) will be highlighted.

Principles of growth and applied evaluation of growth (including carcass evaluation for livestock)

Control of growth (e.g. nutrition, endocrine, genetic, gender, season, health)

Energy: energy evaluation systems and animal requirements (based on physiological state; evaluating industry standard and current research). Examples from farm (pig, poultry, ruminant) and companion animals (horse, dog, cat), considering sustainability – the use of by-products; research into reducing methane production; and introducing the concept of Life cycle analysis of feed / product supply.

Protein: security of protein supply; alternative sources and food safety; protein evaluation systems and animal requirements (based on physiological state). Examples from farm (pig, poultry, ruminant) and companion animals (horse, dog, cat)

Lipids, vitamins and minerals (including significant metabolic diseases /nutritional imbalances/sustainability issues)

Voluntary feed intake: Principles of control, Prediction

Ration formulation: Principles of matching requirements with supply in practice emphasising the importance of monitoring and evaluation, including a virtual visit to a feed mill and undertaking a practical session to design a ration for a specific context of animal nutrition.

Case studies of ration formulation for a range of farm and companion animal, (including clinical diets / performance horse) including monitoring diet effectiveness, informed by current research and industry practices and priorities.

Common nutritionally-induced metabolic disorders and their prevention and management are discussed for a range of species.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Much of the solid principles and theories on nutrition and growth are best delivered by formal lecture and small teaching groups.

Virtual fieldwork allows students to connect the theoretical aspects of this module with the practical application in the development of ration formulations.

Guided independent preparation gives students the opportunity to demonstrate autonomy, ability to follow instructions, problem solve and provide attention to detail.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The formative practical ration formulation tests the student’s ability to research information, their ability to present information and their computer literacy. This will take place during the relevant PC session.

The exam will assess their understanding of the principles of nutrition and its application to various physiological states and applied scenarios.

Study abroad students may request a take-away exam paper to be returned via NESS.