Module Identifier RS33910  
Module Title ADVANCED EQUINE NUTRITION  
Academic Year 2004/2005  
Co-ordinator Professor Charles J Newbold  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr David R Yanez  
Pre-Requisite RS10510 , RS20910 or equivalent  
Course delivery Lecture   20 Hours 20 x 1 hour  
  Seminars / Tutorials   1 Hours 1 x 1 hour  
  Practical   1 Hours 1 hour visit  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4  100%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours assesses all outcomes  100%

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.

4.   Give advice on dietary management to horse owners in a wide range of equine disciplines.

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.

Aims

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.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
Students will be given published papers to read and evaluate for discussion in group tutorial sessions. The tutorials will encourage group interaction and will also allow individuals to demonstrate knowledge gained through independent reading around the `set? papers.

.2 IT and information handling
Students will need to use library catalogues, the external loan system and computerised catalogues such as Libertas and the Web to retrieve information on lecture topics and for the assessed tutorials.

.3 Use and analysis of numerical information
A good working knowledge of experimental statistics will be required for a comprehensive analysis of research papers for tutorials.

.4 Writing in an academic context
Critical evaluation of research writing will be encouraged in the tutorials. Students? own academic writing skills will be assessed by the end of semester examination.

.5 Oral discussion and presentation
This skill will be developed via the tutorial session as students will be encouraged to discuss ideas and present them in an organised and articulate manner.   

.6 Careers need awareness
Students will receive a talk/visit by a nutritionist from a commercial company on 'rareers and Development in the Equine Nutrition Industry?. In addition, lectures will continually review nutritional research and development thereby increasing awareness of the many aspects of the nutrition industry.

.7 Self-management
Preparation for tutorial sessions will require self motivation and good time management. References accompany all lectures and students are strongly encouraged to read around the subject in their own time.

.8 Group activity
In tutorials students will have to interact effectively to develop an interesting and valuable discussion. This will develop mental alacrity and assess their ability to be pro-active in discussions.

Reading Lists

Books
Frape D (1983) Equine nutrition and feeding Longman

Journals
Animal Science
British Journal of Nutrition
Proceedings of the Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society
Equine Veterinary Journal

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6