Module Information

Module Identifier
BDM0320
Module Title
Ruminant Nutrition
Academic Year
2021/2022
Co-ordinator
Mr Neil Mackintosh
Semester
Distance Learning
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 Assessment Interactive Task  (Minimum 1,200 words)  25%
Semester Assessment Report  30%
Semester Assessment Essay  45%
Supplementary Assessment Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  100%

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Evaluate the scientific methods used in nutrition research

2. Discuss the ecology of the rumen and the methods used to modify it

3. Evaluate the methods used to modify the characteristics of meat and milk

4. Discuss the digestion and metabolism of nutrients in ruminants

Brief description

You will study the fundamental physiological and microbiological principles underpinning ruminant nutrition. The module then explains the science which enables the characteristics of meat and milk to be modified: the design of animal nutrition experiments; ruminant ration formulation and evaluation; nutrient digestion and metabolism; microbial populations and their ecology; and metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and lipids. You will also look at the latest research into reducing the environmental impacts of ruminants through their nutrition.

Aims

This module aims to teach industry about the latest research into ruminant nutrition.

Content

The module will involve 20 hours of formal teaching and consider the following areas:
  • Fundamentals of Ruminant Nutrition
  • Research methods used in ruminant nutrition
  • Ecology of the Rumen
  • Managing the Rumen
  • Altering product composition through nutrition
  • Feed sourcing and alternative feeds
  • Home grown feeds
  • Nutrition and the Environment
  • Nutrition and meeting product quality
  • Ruminant Genetics
  • Future of Ruminant Nutrition. (Reflective forum only)
    • The module will deliver the content through a series of recorded lectures, interviews, discussions and interactive activities with key researchers at IBERS and industry. The students will be given a reading list of 'essential' and recommended' articles and books. They will be expected to interact through forums with other students and the course tutor. The module will also contain assessments which will look to encourage students to apply the research they have learnt about to real-life scenarios. 'Future of Ruminant Nutrition' will require the students to reflect on what they have learnt from the module and to give their views on what they think will be used in the future to feed ruminants.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Students will be required to answer questions in interactive sessions that will to some degree require the application of numbers. Students will also be expected to look critically at research into ruminant nutrition which in some cases will require the understanding of or even critical analysis of numerical data.
Communication Students will be expected to be able to express themselves appropriately in their assignments.
Improving own Learning and Performance Detailed feedback will be given for assignment work.
Information Technology Students will be required to source information from a variety of scientific publication data bases. Interact through Blackboard forums and adobe connect sessions.
Personal Development and Career planning This module will form part of the Advanced Training Partnership that aims to provide the latest research to professionals in the Agri-food industry and to provide them with the skills required to interpret future scientific research. Also parts of this module have been recognized as fulfilling the Feed Advisers Register's Core Competencies. Although this module does not meet all core competencies. The module can also count towards BASIS and DairyPro career professional development points.
Problem solving Formative MCQ online quizzes will be used to help develop and improve students problem solving skills.
Research skills Students will be required to undergo directed self-study and so will develop their literature research skills.
Subject Specific Skills Research methodology of ruminant nutrition
Team work Online forum assessments will require students to debate among themselves to develop a consensus of opinion.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7