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ASC412 Equine Nutrition (8)

Abstract

This subject expands on the basic principles and application of feeding horses introduced in previous subjects. The feeding of all horse classes will be studied in depth including an examination of nutritional problems that may arise. From this management strategies will be developed. The role of nutritional supplements and evaluation of commercial feedstuffs will be explored and least cost rations formulated. Topics such as toxic plants and dental health will also be covered. Students will examine current research in the area of equine nutrition.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
InternalWagga Wagga Campus
Distance*Wagga Wagga Campus
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ASC412
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

ASC273

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Be able to formulate rations, at least cost, for all classes of horses according to NRC (2006) requirements;
  • Be able to evaluate traditional feeding practices and their impact on equine health and welfare;
  • Be able to evaluate existing rations and implement improvements;
  • Be able to devise feeding strategies that enhance equine health and welfare;
  • Be able to evaluate the quality of feedstuffs and commercially available products;
  • Be able to identify plants that are toxic to horses and develop management strategies to avoid toxicity;
  • Be able to develop a plan to maintain viable horse pastures;
  • Be able to use the literature to review current research into equine nutrition;
  • Be able to identify normal and abnormal dentition in a horse and explain the importance of maintaining good equine dental health;
  • Be able to engage in the Solutions Based Learning (SBL) process, working as part of an effective SBL team by demonstrating developing skills in team management, team communication and team efficiency;
  • Be able to demonstrate appropriate time management and organisational skills to permit completion of all SBL activities and assessment tasks.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
- Feeding breeding mares, foals, growing horses, performance horses for least cost rations
- Feeding sick or old horses
- Feeding facts, fallacies and strategies
- Nutritional supplements
- Evaluation of commercial feedstuffs
- Toxic plants and pasture care
- Nutritional disorders
- Dental health
- Present and future directions in equine nutrition

Residential School

This subject contains a compulsory 2 day residential school. The residential school will provide a hands on approach to the theory taught in the subject.

Specialised Resources

This subject has a compulsory residential school.

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The information contained in the 2015 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 01 October 2015. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.