The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the scientific principles of Equine Nutrition and how these relate to the practical applications of feeding.

Classification, digestion, absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and lipids; Amylose and amylopectin; Utilisation of the products of dietary energy and protein, Glycemic response, insulin production, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia; microbial fermentation, manipulation of fermentation; VFA absorption; VFA efficiency, lactic acid production, Feed digestibility including aspects on apparent and true digestibility; Transit and retention times, Protein degradation and amino acid absorption; NPN and N utilisation, FFAs; NEFAs; Water; water requirements; Appetite; Feeding standards, Metabolic body size and intake; Feed energy systems, Partition of dietary energy for horses, an evaluation DE and NE systems; energy and protein requirements based on UFC and MADC; heat increment; Efficiency of utilisation of ME; A critical review and evaluation of feeding experiments, and nutrient balance studies; Dietary electrolyte balance; Feeding for performance and metabolism of nutrients during exercise, Applied equine nutrition including aspects on nutrient requirements and utilisation during periods of for growth and production (lactation, gestation). An overview of dietary related problems; Application of current equine nutritional research;

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to; Demonstrate knowledge of the chemical structure, biochemical and physiological function and occurrence of the main nutrients. Demonstrate an ability to relate nutritional composition to horses requirements/responses and vice versa. Demonstrate an understanding of the metabolism of key nutrient components and any interrelationships between these nutrients. Evaluate energy and protein systems

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to; Embrace the scientific principles of nutrition and relate these to the practical aspects of feeding.

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to; Operate a range of instrumentation used for the proximate analysis of forages and feedstuffs Measure the components of forages/feedstuffs and their digestion products. Demonstrate proficiency in the evaluation of diets for horses Relate feeding to the health and wellbeing of the horse

This module is delivered in the form of 1 hour lectures and 2 hour laboratory sessions including field visits. SULIS portal is used to distribute lecture material and provide access to relevant scientific journal articles.

The module is constantly updated as scientific literature on relevant topics is available.