Aims of the module
To provide a specialist knowledge of equine nutrition, concentrating on nutrient metabolism, dietary requirements, and metabolic disorders. Considerable emphases will be placed on experimental techniques currently used in equine nutritional research. This module will build upon level 1 and 2 animal nutrition modules, and will give equine science and animal science students the opportunity to specialise in equine nutrition in their honours year.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Identify and evaluate nutrient sources for all performance horses.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of nutrient metabolism.

3. Evaluate in-vivo and in-vitro digestibility trials.

Brief description
This module uses the knowledge of the scientific principles of animal nutrition covered in level 2 to develop a detailed understanding of horse nutrition. Subject areas covered include: in vitro and in vivo techniques for measuring digestibility in horses; effect of diet on heat increment and digesta passage rates; high energy diets, glycaemic response; vitamin and mineral nutrition. Value of probiotics and ergogenic aids on equine nutrition; metabolic disorders, grass sickness. Considerable emphasis is placed upon current experimental research in all areas of equine nutrition.