APMA113-Livestock Nutrition and Feeding

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: c.rymer@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This online learning module is available to students on the following modes of study:

1. Students enrolled on the distance learning MSc by research in Animal Science programme


2. Students enrolled on AgriFood Training Partnership programmes


3. Students wishing to undertake independent study on a modular basis


4. Students engaged in continuing professional development (CPD): the module can also be taken as a stand-alone module and may be undertaken with or without assessment (without assessment APMA513)

It aims to develop in students a systematic understanding of the nutrient requirements of farmed livestock, and the challenges and opportunities associated with meeting these requirements.  Using a series of interactive, online sessions and discussions, it examines the systems for determining the requirements of farmed livestock, the means by which feeds are characterised to estimate nutrient supply, and the role of the feed industry in supplying balanced diets for farmed livestock. 

This module can be taken as a stand alone module by students engaged in independent study and may be undertaken, without assessment, as part of an individual’s continuing professional development (CPD).  Students wishing to take the course as part of an unassessed CPD programme should ensure that they are enrolled on the CPD version of the module (APMA513).

Aims:

To provide a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the opportunities and constraints associated with optimising the health and performance of farmed livestock through nutrition. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• Critically evaluate the role of feed and nutrition in the maintenance of livestock health and performance


• Critically appraise the challenges and opportunities that face the livestock feed industry

Additional outcomes:

• Demonstrate an ability to formulate diets for different classes of livestock


• Use appropriate tools to identify reliable information and literature on a given topic


• Communicate research findings clearly

Demonstrate good academic practice in the use, citation and referencing of source material

Outline content:

Topics within this module will include:

• Nutrition requirements for livestock


• Livestock feeds and feed characterisation


• Feed manufacture and safety

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Each topic will be introduced with some interactive online material and downloadable materials.  There will be a series of online discussions and exercises to support learning.  An online presentation by each student on challenges and opportunities facing the livestock and livestock feed industry will form the basis of discussion at the end of the module, and form part of the assessment of the module

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The module will be assessed by written coursework and a screencast/ online presentation.  The report will consider how the supply of nutrients required by a particular livestock system would be secured, and the challenges and opportunities that would arise for the livestock feed and other supply industries in achieving this.  This would comprise 60% of the overall module assessment.  An online presentation (screencast) will be prepared that will evaluate the challenges and opportunities facing a sector of the livestock feed industry will be uploaded for viewing by peers and academic staff as part of an online conference.  The presentation and the contributions made to the online discussion will comprise the remaining 40% of the overall module mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Online exercises and quizzes, and feedback and contributions from others in the online discussion fora will provide the basis for formative assessment.

Penalties for late submission:

Work that is submitted up to one calendar month after the submission deadline (and time) will be subject to a deduction of 10%.  Work that is submitted after one calendar month beyond the submission deadline will not be marked (unless extenuating circumstances have been agreed).

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall (weighted average of the coursework marks).

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of coursework

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 13 May 2019