Module Code - Title:
BY4055
-
ANIMAL FEEDING AND DIGESTION
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of the module is to provided students of the B.Sc (Education) in Biological Science , Agricultural Science elective with an introduction to the principles of feeding and nutrition in farm animals.
Syllabus:
Carbohydrates, protein and fats classification and sources; ruminant and non-ruminant digestion and fermentation; VFA production; feedstuffs and their classification, feed processing and benefits; forages for farm animals; assessment of forage and feed quality; minerals and vitamins in the animal's diet; energy, protein and amino acid requirements and sources; diet formulation; algebraic calculations and Pearson Square methods; feeding management; feeding for maintenance; feeding during pregnancy and lactation. Feeding the growing animal and average daily gain; condition scoring, forage to concentrate ratios.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module the student should be able to;
Describe the nutrient composition of feeds and forages.
Characterize different feed categories and their components.
Describe the digestion of key nutrient components. Understand the fundamental aspects of nutrition.
Demonstrate knowledge of feeding management of different farm animals. Describe how horses process and respond to environmental stimuli and learn.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module the student should be able to;
Embrace the basic principles of nutrition into practical aspects of feeding.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module the student should be able to;
Formulate basic diets for farm animals.
Measure the gross composition of feeds and forages.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught through a combination of lectures and laboratory practicals and exercises that will promote knowledge and skill acquisition, critical thank and a an understanding of how the principles of aniaml nutrition can be applied to real-world challenges.
Prime Texts:
McDonald, P. (2011)
Animal Nutrition (7th Ed).
, Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco
Other Relevant Texts:
Sejrsen, K. (2006)
Ruminant Physiology
, Wageningen Academic Publishers,Wageningen
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (EDUCATION) IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (EDUCATION) IN BIOLOGY WITH PHYSICS OR CHEMISTRY OR AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
bridget.younge@ul.ie