Lesson 1Feed additives and supplements: buffers, yeast, ionophores, anthelmintics and mineral premixesWe examine major feed additives and supplements used in ruminant diets, including buffers, yeast, ionophores, anthelmintics, and mineral premixes, highlighting their mechanisms, benefits, limitations, and regulatory considerations.
Mode of action of buffersYeast cultures and rumen microbesIonophores and feed efficiencyAnthelmintics in feeding programsFormulating mineral premix packagesLesson 2Macro- and micro-mineral requirements and common deficiencies (Ca, P, Mg, Se, Cu, S, Co, I)This section covers macro- and micro-mineral roles, requirements, and interactions in ruminants, focusing on Ca, P, Mg, Se, Cu, S, Co, and I. Common deficiency signs and prevention strategies in dairy, beef, and small ruminants are discussed.
Functions of Ca, P and MgTrace minerals Se, Cu, Co, IClinical signs of key deficienciesAntagonisms among minerals in dietsDesigning mineral supplementationLesson 3Fiber, NDF, ADF and their effects on intake and rumen functionHere we detail fibre fractions, including NDF and ADF, and how they influence chewing, rumen fill, passage rate, and milk fat. Emphasis is placed on balancing fibre to support intake, rumen health, and animal performance.
Definitions of fiber, NDF and ADFPhysically effective NDF and chewingFiber effects on rumen pH and VFAFiber, intake regulation and gut fillManaging low- and high-fiber dietsLesson 4Practical feeding management: grouping strategies, feed delivery, bunk management, water quality and intake driversWe focus on practical feeding management, including animal grouping, feed delivery schedules, bunk management, and water quality. The section highlights key intake drivers and how daily routines affect health and performance.
Grouping by production and stageFeed delivery timing and frequencyBunk scoring and refusals controlWater quality and access checksEnvironmental factors affecting intakeLesson 5Formulating rations: balancing energy, protein and fiber using Pearson square and least-cost principlesHere we present practical methods for ration formulation, including balancing energy, protein, and fibre using Pearson square and basic least-cost approaches, while respecting nutrient constraints and on-farm ingredient availability.
Setting nutrient specificationsUsing Pearson square for energyBalancing protein and fiber levelsBasics of least-cost formulationChecking rations for practicalityLesson 6Feedstuff composition tables and how to source reliable feed analysis dataThis section explains how to interpret feed composition tables, compare different data sources, and obtain accurate laboratory analyses, helping you select reliable values for ration formulation and on-farm decision making.
Key nutrients listed in feed tablesOfficial and commercial data sourcesSampling and sending feeds to labsInterpreting lab reports and unitsUpdating on-farm feed librariesLesson 7Estimating maintenance, lactation and growth requirements for Holstein dairy cows, beef steers, and growing lambsThis section explains how to estimate maintenance, lactation, and growth requirements for Holstein cows, beef steers, and growing lambs, using body weight, production level, and environmental factors to calculate nutrient needs.
Maintenance energy and protein needsLactation requirements in HolsteinsGrowth needs of beef steersRequirements of growing lambsAdjusting for climate and activityLesson 8Energy systems and units: ME, NE, TDN and converting feed energy valuesThis section clarifies energy systems used in ruminant nutrition, including ME, NE, and TDN. You will learn how these units are derived, when each is used, and how to convert and compare feed energy values across systems.
Gross, digestible and metabolizable energyNet energy for maintenance and gainTotal digestible nutrients conceptConverting between energy systemsUsing energy values in ration softwareLesson 9Forage quality assessment: sampling, laboratory tests, and in-field evaluation (DM, CP, NDF, energy)This section details forage quality assessment, from proper sampling to laboratory analysis and field evaluation. Emphasis is placed on DM, CP, NDF, and energy, and how these metrics guide ration formulation and harvest decisions.
Sampling hay, silage and pastureOn-farm dry matter determinationLab analysis for CP, NDF and energyScoring visual and sensory qualityUsing results to adjust rationsLesson 10Protein requirements and degradable vs undegradable protein in ruminantsWe explain protein requirements of ruminants and the distinction between rumen degradable and undegradable protein. The section covers microbial protein synthesis, balancing RDP and RUP, and consequences of under- or overfeeding.
Rumen degradable versus undegradable proteinMicrobial protein synthesis in rumenBalancing RDP and RUP in dietsProtein needs by class of animalImpacts of protein excess or deficit
