ANSC40280

This module is designed for students who want to develop their expertise in animal nutrition as applied to livestock production systems. The online lectures and materials will give students the necessary theoretical foundation and applied focus to critically engage with the major issues in animal nutrition and in particular how novel feeding strategies can be utilised in modern production systems.

The provision of feed is by far the greatest cost of modern animal production. It is important, therefore, to be able to understand what nutrients are contained in a feedstuff, and how they are assimilated and metabolised by the animal affecting both growth and development. The rate of technological change in the feed industry over the last two decades has been impressive. Our understanding of the often complex interactions among feed and nutrient intakes, digestion, metabolism and growth and the effect of factors such as animal genotype, disease and the social and thermal environment, has increased. Also, the biotechnology industry has offered the animal and feed industries new opportunities, with the development of innovative products such as enzymes, pre- and pro-biotics, acidifiers, anti-oxidants, novel feed ingredients. Feed processing technologies have also improved. Such advancement in knowledge and technology allows for a better formulation of diets to maximise productive efficiency and to minimise the loss of nutrients via excretion. This module addresses growth in ruminant and simple-stomached animals and aims to review the fundamental concepts relevant to animal nutrition and to provide an update on recent advances in the area. The topics covered will include, nutrient bioavailability, post-absorptive nutrient utilisation and the principles of animal growth. Moreover, practical aspects of feed processing, antinutritional factors, the use of innovative products, the prediction of bioavailable nutrient contents, and the principles of diet formulation will be covered.