About this course
This course gives detailed information on function, metabolism, homeostasis, requirements, responses and sources of nutrients for animals. Laboratory practicals will involve principles of diet formulation and diet processing. The course is taught by several 'in-house' ANU-teachers, but also guest lecturers are invited. Lectures and practicals (both laboratory and experimental) will be part of the program. The course leaders aim to enhance a general understanding of the principles in animal nutrition.
Some of the course activities include working with living animals. Procedures and activities have been approved by National and local Ethical Committees (EC's), prior to the start of this course. We regard the use of animals in research and teaching as a privilege, not a right. Animals are only used in teaching if, after considering alternatives, it is necessary for students to achieve their learning objectives. The EC's ensure that all animals are treated humanely and not subjected to unnecessary or excessive pain, distress, or discomfort. During the activities, ethical considerations are discussed with students.
Learning outcomes
Understand the value of data and concepts that are used in the analysis of feedstuffs
Understand the presence of undesired constituents (level, mode of action, animal effects) in important feedstuffs
Explain the principles of digestion and utilization by different nutritional characteristics of several animal species (cow, pig, fish, dog, horse, etc.)
Explain the principles of protein and energy evaluation systems for feedstuffs
Relate a feedstuff and its objective for use for a certain animal species
Assessment method
- Performance (0%) Attandance at practicals is compulsory
- Assignment other (0%) For the feed manufacturing practical you will hand in an individual report that will be graded with a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’. In case of a fail the report needs to be improved sufficiently to obtain a pass. In case of a fail you have not fulfilled all criteria for the course, which will result in an ‘incomplete’ as the final mark.
- Assignment report (20%) Based on the laboratory practical you will write a group report/ practical journal. Students receive a summed mark (e.g. 4 students get 28 points) and they are requested to divide (after discussion in the group) the number of points to obtain an individual mark for the practical, including the active participation of group members in tutorial and other practical activities.
- Written test with closed questions (80%) Combination of various question types (e.g. matching, drag and drop, hotspots, false vs true, etc.)
Prior knowledge
ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety
Resources
- Reader.
Additional information
- More infoCourse page on website of Wageningen University & Research
- Contact a coordinator
- Levelbachelor
- Mode of instructionon campus
Starting dates
5 Jan 2026
ends 1 Feb 2026