Equine nutrition and feeding

This curricular unit will use knowledges learned at External anatomy and anatomy of the horse and Equine management curricular units.

Theoretical-practical classes, in which theory exposition is followed by practical application, both laboratorial (analytical determination of the main parameters of the chemical-bromatological composition of equine feeds or foodstuffs), or at calculating the energy value of feeds and at solving simple ration formulation exercises.

• Knows the horse’s feeding behaviour. 
• Knows the digestive system of the horse. 
• Knows the equine feeding rules. 
• Understand the difference between nutritional needs for maintenance and production. 
• Understands information of tables of feed composition and horse requirements. 
• Solve basic feeding problems

1. Equine feeding behaviour.

2. Nutrients

2.1. Main Function

2.2. Laboratory analysis

3. Equine digestion.

4. Assessment of equine nutritional requirements.

5. Equine feeding disorders.

6. Equine feeds.

7. Introduction to ration formulation.

8. Equine feeding:

    a. Stud stallion and mares

    b. Foals

    c. Competition horses

    d. Malnourished or elderly equines

    e. Obese or with metabolic conditions horses.

Continuous evaluation:

The assessment of competences will be carried out through written tests (short answer and/or multiple choice), and group work, to be carried out during the training period. The final grade will be the result from the weighted average of the grades obtained in each of the assessments made.

4 evaluation moments are foreseen, with the following weights:

• evaluation 1: 25%
• evaluation 2: 25%
• evaluation 3: 25%
• evaluation 4: 25%

Final Classification = (0,25 × test1) + (0,25 × test2) + (0,25 × test3) + (0,25 × test4).

A student is approved if attended at least 75% of classes and obtained a final classification equal or greater than 9.5.

Final exam:

The final exam assesses students who, despite having met the minimum attendance in class, did not obtain the minimum grade required in the continuous assessment; or students who, by force of law, cannot be required to attend classes, or students that intend to improve classification. The evaluation will be made through a written test, being considered approved a student that obtains a classification equal to or higher than 9.5 values

NAO