Lesson 1Feed additives and supplements: buffers, yeast, ionophores, anthelmintics and mineral premixesWe look at major feed additives and supplements used in ruminant diets, including buffers, yeast, ionophores, anthelmintics, and mineral premixes, explaining their modes of action, benefits, limitations, and regulatory aspects.
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 discusses roles, requirements, and interactions of macro- and micro-minerals in ruminants, focusing on Ca, P, Mg, Se, Cu, S, Co, and I. Common deficiency symptoms and prevention methods for dairy, beef, and small ruminants are covered.
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 explain fibre fractions like NDF and ADF, and how they affect chewing, rumen fill, passage rate, and milk fat. Focus is on balancing fibre to optimise 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 discuss practical feeding management, covering animal grouping, feed delivery timings, bunk management, and water quality. Key drivers of intake and how daily practices impact health and performance are highlighted.
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 cover practical ration formulation methods, balancing energy, protein, and fibre using Pearson square and simple least-cost methods, considering nutrient limits and farm-available ingredients.
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 teaches how to read feed composition tables, compare data sources, and get accurate lab analyses, to choose reliable values for ration making and farm decisions.
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 shows how to calculate maintenance, lactation, and growth needs for Holstein cows, beef steers, and growing lambs, using body weight, production levels, and environmental factors.
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 explains energy systems in ruminant nutrition like ME, NE, and TDN. Learn how they are calculated, when to use each, and how to convert and compare feed energy values.
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 covers forage quality checks from sampling to lab tests and field assessment. Focus on DM, CP, NDF, and energy, and how they guide ration formulation and harvest choices.
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 cover protein needs of ruminants and difference between rumen degradable and undegradable protein. Includes microbial protein production, balancing RDP and RUP, and effects 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
