This course will facilitate students to develop their knowledge and understanding of nutritional biochemistry and metabolism in ruminants and monogastrics.

10 week course. Approximately 1h lectures weekly, plus tutorial sessions and workbased learning.

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Written assignment (1500 words - 70%)

Set exercise comprised of extended matching questions (30%).

The course will provide students with detailed information about the biochemical processes involved in the breakdown and transformation of feed components within the digestive tract of ruminants and monogastrics, we well as the main pathways of nutrient metabolism in animal tissues.

By the end of this course students will be able to: 

■ Appraise the main components of feeds and their relationship with variation in nutrient availability and feed values;

■ Examine the chemistry of plants in relation to animal nutrition;

■ Contrast the ways in which energy is derived from carbohydrates through aerobic and anaerobic metabolism;

■ Critically describe protein and lipid digestion and metabolism in ruminants and monogastrics;

■ Determine the role of hydrogen in the rumen;

■ Critically outline the functions of vitamins and minerals and determine how symptoms of deficiency are related to the failure of metabolic pathways;

■ Critically discuss nutrient interactions and evaluate their impact on animal performance and feeding values.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.