Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
BR35720
Module Title
Equine Nutrition and Pasture Management
Academic Year
2020/2021
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
BR20720 or RD22420 or BG20720
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   40%
Semester Assessment Pasture improvement assignment  (1,500 words)  30%
Semester Assessment Laboratory and rationing report  (1,500 words)  30%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module  40%
Supplementary Assessment Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module  60%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Describe the morphology, growth and development of pasture species.

2. Describe and evaluate factors influencing pasture growth.

3. Evaluate principles and systems of grazing and forage conservation.

4. Describe the structure and function of the equine gut and the factors affect diet degradation and digestion in the gut.

5. Discuss the importance of microbes in equine nutrition and their role in disease states.

6. Discuss the influence of microbial fermentation on disease states.

Brief description

This module will provide an understanding of the underlying scientific principles of equine grassland management and equip students with the knowledge to manage such grasslands in order to utilize its full potential for equine health. In addition, the module will cover the digestive anatomy, and the role of microbial populations in the horse, as well as the consequences of this for nutrient requirements and rationing in managing the horse’s gut and preventing digestive upsets.

Content

To provide students with a sound, basic understanding of the principles and practice of equine grassland management and forage conservation, with particular reference to UK conditions. Through a series of integrated lectures, practicals and visits, students will be introduced to underpinning concepts of grassland management and principles and examples of best practice. Further, the module will also focus on digestion in the horse and the most recent advances in understanding digestive function. Students will also evaluate a range of dietary ingredients in a laboratory environment and use the information obtained to formulate rations for horse susceptible to digestive disorders.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number The assignments will require some manipulation of numbers, and this will be assessed in the assignment. Feedback on this will be given in the assignment.
Communication Students will be expected to be able to express themselves appropriately in all assessments. Feedback will be given in the assignments.
Improving own Learning and Performance Outside the formal contact hours, students will be expected to research materials, manage time and meet deadlines for the assignment and exam.
Information Technology Students will be required to source information from a variety of scientific publication databases. The use of various software packages will be required for the correct presentation of the assignments.
Personal Development and Career planning Students will gain confidence in their ability to evaluate feeds, rations and grassland management though the module. The structure of the associated industries and its supporting research infrastructure will be implicit in the module, revealing some potential career destinations to students.
Problem solving The pasture improvement assignment will be based on a 'real life' scenario with numerous questions and challenges posed. Students will also be required to evaluate dietary ingredients based on laboratory analysis and use this information to formulate practical rations. Feedback will be given in the assignments.
Research skills Students will be required to source and summarize a substantial amount of information without staff direction in order to complete the assessments. Feedback will be given in the assignments.
Subject Specific Skills The underlying principles of grassland management, rationing and avoiding digestive problems in horses will be central to the module.
Team work Students will work in teams in the laboratory.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6