ASC412 Equine Nutrition (8)

This subject builds on the basic principles and application of feeding horses. The feeding of all horse classes will be studied in depth and include examination and evaluation of nutritional problems that may arise as a result of horse diet. From this, feeding management strategies will be developed which can be applied to a range of contexts depending on horse type and use. The role of nutritional supplements and use of commercial feedstuffs will be explored and evaluated. Least cost rations will be formulated for a range of horses. Other factors that influence equine nutrition such as toxic plants will also be covered. Solution-based problem solving will be used to enable students to experience a hands-on approach to the theory taught in this subject. On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to formulate comprehensive nutrition plans tailored to individual equids and the conditions (natural or artificial) in which they are kept.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

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

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

Animal nutrition (core concepts)

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 (2007) requirements;
  • be able to evaluate the quality of feedstuffs and commercially available products;
  • be able to appraise a range of feeding practices and evaluate their impact on equine health and welfare;
  • be able to devise feeding strategies that enhance equine health and welfare;
  • be able to identify plants that are toxic to horses and develop management strategies to avoid toxicity;
  • be able to critique the literature and contemporary research findings into equine nutrition;

Syllabus

This 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

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of ASC412 in Session 1 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Maintaining horse pastures report
20
2
Commercial feed evaluation report
15
3
Management of equine obesity review
25
4
Final exam
40

Residential School

This subject contains a 2 day Compulsory Residential School.

A series of tutorias, workshops, practicals and Solution-Based problem solving activities will be used to provide a hands on approach to the theory taught in the subject.

Special Resources

Online students will be required to attend a residential school which may incur travel and accommodation expenses.

Closed-in stout leather shoes or boots must be worn when working with horses. Clean overalls with long sleeves are compulsory for this subject. When working with horses it is a requirement that all students wear an Australian Standards approved hard hat AS 3838. You may also use helmets considered acceptable by Equestrian Australia  these include NZ 3838, ARB HS 2012, ASTM F1163, PAS 015 and VG01.040.
 

 

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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