Popular description
This advanced course describes the chain from content of nutrients in different feedstuffs to the final animal product in the form of milk, meat, eggs, and fur. During the course the students will work project oriented with a number of nutrients in different feedstuffs, how these nutrients are digested in the gastric-intestinal tract and in different animals, and how the nutrients are allocated between e.g. udder milk production and growth. Subsequently the students will be able to evaluate if the need of nutrients is satisfied on the basis of given feeding strategies for different domestic animals.
Budget
100% SVE.
Level
Master course.
Credits
15 ECTS (6 ECTS).
Objective
The objective of this advanced course is to give the students a sufficient background to be able to describe and quantify digestion of individual nutrients both in the gastrointestinal tract and intermediarily in domestic animals. This will take place on the basis of a solid knowledge of nutrient composition of feedstuffs and domestic animal anatomy and physiology. The obtained knowledge will enable the students to evaluate the need of nutrients and energy for domestic animals for given responses (growth, lactation, egg-laying, fur development, reproduction).
Learning goals
- Describe methods for determination of nutrient content and availability in feedstuffs and knowledge of content in the most regularly used feedstuffs.
- Estimate energy and nutrient value of feedstuffs and relate it to the different responses of domestic animals and needs during different production environments.
- Quantify digestion of each nutrient and absorption in each section of the gastrointestinal tract in different domestic animals.
- Quantify pools and metabolism of nutrients in different organs and tissue.
- Analyse interactions in the digestion and metabolism of different nutrients in domestic animals.
- Predict production response on the basis of a given feed ration for different domestic animals, and explain how the feed ration affects product composition.
- Describe applied and theoretical models/methods as tools for prediction of nutrient metabolism at e.g. animal, tissue or organ level.
Content
Characteristics of regularly used feedstuffs and energy and nutritional value. Feedstuff analysis and determination of digestion. Physiological and nutritional differences between domestic animals (ruminants vs. monogastrics). Factors regulating feed intake, regulation of appetite. Quantification of digestion and absorption of nutrients in the different sections of the gastrointestinal tract. Interaction between nutrients. Methods used for quantification of digestion and absorption. Allocation of nutrients between different tissues and organs and intermediary metabolism. Regulation of nutrient allocation and intermediary metabolism. The need of energy and nutrients for a given response (growth, lactation, egg-laying, fur development, reproduction) in a given animal. Models and experimental methods describing metabolism of nutrients at organ and animal level. Feedstuff significance for product composition and quality. Introduction to diseases related to feeding.
Special requirements
The bachelor courses Animal Anatomy and Physiology and Animal Production and Environment or similar courses are desirable qualifications regarding course output, but not mandatory qualifications. In addition it is required that students have experience with project work, literature search and written reporting.
Type of instruction and working method
The course will consist of segments including both lectures and theoretical exercises. In groups small project assignments are prepared in connection with each segment on the basis of arithmetical problems, modelling and perspective questions, and the segments are completed regularly with a compulsory group presentation and acting as opponents. In certain segments practical laboratory exercises may be included at Research Centre Foulum in connection with the excursion in stead of theoretical exercises.
Course hours budget
- Lectures 56.
- Exercises 56.
- Presentation/acting as opponents 14.
- Preparation 140.
- Project work 126.
- Excursions 11.
- Examination 2.
- Total 405.
Teacher
Peter Lund (in charge of course), Jan Værum Nørgaard and relevant scientists from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and external scientists.
Literature
Original literature in the form of reviews and articles from international journals, and textbooks on animal nutrition and physiology. Choice of textbooks is announced at the beginning of the course.
Type of examination
The course is evaluated according to the 7-point grading scale with external examiner. Oral examination on the basis of syllabus and project assignments.
Language of instruction
English (Danish).
Weekly lessons
Monday and Thursday (8.15-12.30), but also a few Wednesdays and Fridays (8.15-12.30).
Lectures and exercises
To register for an exam all current project work, presentations and acting as opponents must be approved.
Educational provider
Dept. of Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition. Included in the curricula Master programme in Agrobiology.
Particulars on this course
Together with the parallel course in Animal Production, Health and Welfare this course is compulsory for students selecting the Animal Health and Welfare line on the Master programme Agrobiology. 1-day excursion to Research Centre Foulum.
