Complements of Animal Nutrition and Feeding

Previous background knowledge on nutrition and animal feeding would be desirable .

In class expository methodology is adopted for the presentation of theoretical concepts. In parallel, there is a permanent monitoring of case studies and pratical examples offered for group discussion. Furthermore, analysis of scientific articles and search of elements and comparative data, as well as direct observation and assessment of grassland and forage crops farm installed in ESAC or other farms will allow the reinforce of the syllabus. Finally, the need for students to propose technical alternatives against hypothetical soil and climatic situations, objectives and farm conditions, allows them to exercise skills of practical application of the concepts

1. Understand digestion, metabolism and functions of nutrients in the animal body, as well as the nutritional value of foods, indications and restrictions on its use. 2. Develop feeding programs for different animal species, based on case studies.

Syllabus is organized in 2 modules:

MOD.1

Energy value of food and energy partition within the animal. Protein systems for ruminants and monogastrics. Nutritional value of foods, antinutritive and/or toxic substances. Trace mineral elements in animal feeding: metabolic acid-base balance. Food additives and growth-promotor substances. Metabolic profile: biochemical parameters in milk/blood to identify animal nutritional status. Dietary methods of control and manipulation of the nutritional value of animal products.

MOD.2

Characterization of a farm animal husbandry (cultural planning, soil and climatic conditions, food resources, livestock, production systems, productivity). Evaluation of farm food dependence based on food existing availability and livestock requirements. Drawing up of monthly food program with indication of eventual ways of supplementation.

Continuous Evaluation

The continuous assessment results from the achievement of the following assessment instruments and respective weightings:

Module 1 (60%): written test (70%) and preparation, oral presentation, and discussion of a  work (30%)

Module 2 (40%): Report on the case study (70%) and oral presentation and discussion (30%)

Final Grade = (0.60 x Module 1 grade) + (0.40 x Module 2 grade)

The student is approved when he/she has, cumulatively:
- Fulfillment of the minimum attendance value, or equivalent legal determination;
- Minimum mark in each module: 7,5;
- Minimum final mark: 9,5.

Final Exam
In the final examination, the students who were assessed by continuous assessment benefit from a partial exemption to the module(s) in which they have obtained a minimum classification of 7.5.

The final exam results from the following assessment instruments and respective weightings:

Module 1 (60%): Written examination
Module 2 (40%): elaboration, oral presentation, and discussion of a report related to a case study

Final Grade = (0.60 x Module 1 grade) + (0.40 x Module 2 grade)

NAO