VM80384: General Animal Nutrition

Introduction

This module introduces the fundamental principles of animal nutrition, emphsizing the role of nutrients in animal maintenance, growth, reproduction, and production. It covers the classification, digestion, absorption, metabolism, and functions of nutrients in farm animals, as well as factors affecting feed intake and nutrient utilization. Students are exposed to basic concepts of feed resources, feed evaluation, and ration formulation for different classes of livestock. The course provides a foundation for understanding how nutrition influences animal health, productivity, and sustainable livestock production systems.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this module/course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the classification, functions, and metabolism of major and minor nutrients in farm animals
2. Descrobe the processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients in monogastric and ruminant animals
3. Identify and evaluate common feed resources and factors affecting feed intake and nutrient utilization
4. Apply basic nutrional principles to formulate simple rations for different classes of livestock under varying production systems

Course units:

1. Rangeland and pasture management
2. Principles of animal nutrition
3. Applied animal nutrition

Course size: 20 credits

Lecturers:

1. Mr. Andrew KIBOGO
2. Dr. Valentin MUJYAMBERE
3. Mrs. Louise MUKAMUHIRWA