Animal Nutrition

Expository methodology is adopted for the presentation of theoretical concepts. Viewing of videos and slideshows will also be used. Demonstrative and practical laboratory classes related to the chemical composition of food will be performed, to develop in the students a critical mind in relation to the results obtained and enabling the student to know how to select the most appropriate foodstuffs for the different animal species and zootechnical production system.

This curricular unit aims to promote in the student who completes it successfully, the following learning outcomes:
1. To understand the structural and functional interrelationships of plants and animal’s constituents;
2. To identify animal species according to its existent anatomic and physiologic particularities, either on a digestive or metabolic level, recognizing its different nutrient requirements;
3. To know the methods and systems of foods evaluation.
4. To recognize metabolic disorders.

1. Food composition and systems of food analysis.
2. Classification, structure, function and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, nitrogenous compounds, vitamins, and mineral in animal nutrition.
3. Anatomy, physiology, and microbiology of the digestive system of different animal species and main digestion products.
4. Digestibility of food. Methodologies for measuring and estimating digestibility.
5. Energy value of food and energy partition within the animal.
6. Feed energy evaluation systems and energy requirements of animals.
7. Importance of amino acids balance in protein synthesis.
8. Protein quality measures for ruminants and non-ruminants.
9. Feed protein evaluation systems and protein requirements of animals.
10. Etiology, physio-pathological mechanism, consequences on farm productivity and prevention of the most important metabolic disorders in animal production.

NAO

McDonald, P., Greenhalgh, J., Morgan, C., Edwards, R., Sinclair, L., Wilkinson, R. (2022). Animal nutrition, 8ª Ed. Pearson. ISBN 1292251662
INRA (2007). Alimentation des bovins, ovins et caprins: besoins des animaux – valeur des aliments. Versailles: Éditions Quae.
Inra (2018). Alimentation des ruminants, Éditions Quæ, Versailles, France.
Martin-Rosset, W. (2012). Nutrition et alimentation des chevaux. Éditions Quæ, Versaillhes, France.
National Research Council, National Academy Press, Washington. 2001. Nutrient Requirements of Swine (2012, 11ª Ed), Nutrient Requirements of Horses (2007, 6ª Ed), Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (2001, 7ªEd.)