ANSC40280 Advanced animal nutrition

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module is for students taking the MSc in Animal Science.
It is designed for graduates 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 mainly 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 in detail.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
Fully understand the anatomical digestive characteristics of the main farm production species
Understand how differences in digestive capacity impact the diets fed
Evaluate key feed ingredients for ruminants and non-ruminants for nutritional quality and understand there use in diets
Formulate diets for ruminants and non-ruminants through various life stages
Evaluate the key interaction between host genetics, animal health and nutrient use and how this impacts diet formulation
Critically evaluate the use of alternative/novel feeding strategies to improve the productivity and environmental sustainability of modern intensive animal production systems for both ruminants and non-ruminants
Collaborate and communicate with peers and other stakeholders to engage and critically evaluate the latest developments in research and technology across the animal nutrition field

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

40

Tutorial

10

Specified Learning Activities

50

Autonomous Student Learning

100

Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be delivered through the UCD VLE system and practical tutorials that will consist of:
• Lectures
•Practical tutorials and peer-to-peer work
Guest lectures and discussions with industry experts
•Individual and group online presentations
• Asynchronous discussion threads led by tutors 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Will include participation in in class activities, assignments and presentations Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ Throughout the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

40


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive individual feedback from the online practical tutorials and assessments

Name Role
Dr Kieran Meade Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 

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