Course code LauZ4274

Credit points 6

Animal Nutrition II

Total Hours in Course162

Number of hours for lectures32

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes32

Independent study hours98

Date of course confirmation17.09.2019

Responsible UnitInstitute of Animal Science

Course developer

author lect.

Elita Aplociņa

Mg. agr.

Prior knowledge

LauZ3183, Animal Nutrition I

Vete2022, Animal Physiology

Course abstract

Students have been introduced with aspects of zootechnical and economical evaluation of feedstuffs. Students get knowledge in importance of feed nutrients to cover requirements of animal maintenance, production and health. Students learn the principles of optimization of feed ration for dairy cow, beef cattle, sheep and goat at different ages, sex and productivity groups to get maximal productivity and maintain animal health, reproduction abilities, longelivity.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After completing the course student will have:
knowledge of importance of feedstuffs and nutrients in livestock maintenance, production and health management – 1st and 2nd test in practical works, 1st and 2nd test in lectures;
skills in optimization of feed ration of dairy cow, beef cattle, sheep and goat – practical works;
competences in providing of profitable animal production – practical works.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Importance of Animal nutrition science. Chemical composition of feedstuffs according Wendee and vanSoest.4h
2. Main nutrients (dry matter, water, protein) in ruminants nutrition. Methods for expressing of digestibility and energy content of feedstuffs. 4h
3. The role of key nutrients (fats, carbohydrates) in ruminants nutrition. Calculation of the metabolism by N and C balance sheet.4h
4. Minerals and vitamins in ruminants nutrition.4h
5. Feedstuffs and their characteristics. Forage. Energy content of feedstuffs.4h
6. Feedstuffs and their characteristics. Concentrated feed. Development of new energy evaluation systems, calculation of NEL.4h
7. Evaluation of protein content of feedstuffs.4h
1st test in practical works. Energy and digestibility.
8. Evaluation of feedstuffs by mineral content.4h
1st test in lectures. Feed nutrients and feedstuffs.
9. Basic principles of dairy and dry cows' nutrition. Preparation of feed mix.4h
10. Feeding of dairy cow. Optimization of feed ration for dairy cows.4h
11. Analysis of the factors influencing the quality of milk. Preparation of a feed ration for a cow herd through a computer program.4h
2nd test in practical works. Importance of minerals. Feed mix.
12. Feeding of calves. Feeding scheme for calves up to 6 months age.4h
13. Feeding of heifers. Optimization of feed ration for heifers.4h
14. Feeding of beef cattle. Preparation of feed ration for beef cattle and suckler cows.4h
15. Feeding of sheep. Optimization of feed ration for sheep.4h
16. Feeding of goats. Optimization of feed ration for goats.4h
2nd test in lectures. Feeding of cattle, sheep and goats.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Successful completion and defense of tasks of practical work. Successfully completed tests and exam.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During each practical work, students receive individual tasks that need to be performed and defended.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The study course provides 2 tests for lecture topics and 2 tests for practical work topics, final exam. Final grade is calculated from practical tests (30%), lecture tests (30%) and exam (40%).

Compulsory reading

1. McDonald P., Edwards R.A., Greenhalgh J.F.D. etc. Animal nutrition. Edinburgh, 2011. 692 p. [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 24.09.2019.] Pieejams: http://gohardanehco.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Animal-Nutrition.pdf

Further reading

1. Hadjipanayiotou M., Economides S. and Hadjsdemetriou D. The chemical composition of feedstuffs commonly used in ruminant diets. 1983. [Online] [viewed 02.09.2019.] [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 24.09.2019.] Pieejams:
http://news.ari.gov.cy/publications/mr9-hadjipanayiotou.pdf
2. NRC. Nutrient requirements of small ruminants: sheep, goats, cervids and New World camelids. National Academy Presss, 2006. 362 p.
3. NRC. Nutrient requirements of dairy cattle. 7th Revised Edition, National Academy Presss, 2001. 381 p. [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 24.09.2019.] Pieejams: https://profsite.um.ac.ir/~kalidari/software/NRC/HELP/NRC%202001.pdf

Periodicals and other sources

1. Journal of Agricultural Science https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-agricultural-science/open-access
2. Journal of Animal Nutrition. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/animal-nutrition

Notes

Compulsory course for full-time studies at the Faculty of Agriculture in Bachelor's study program „Sustainable Agriculture”, specialization “Sustainable animal production”.