INTRODUCTION
The course aims to equip students with knowledge on animal feeding requirements for optimum
production, growth and health. Specifically the student will learn on feed classification, functions,
resource base, composition and formulation. Definitions; classification of feeds; digestion,
absorption, utilization, assimilation, requirement and functions of nutrients; deficiencies and
toxicities; unidentified growth factors; feed additives; protein and energy evaluation for livestock
and poultry; present status of feed industry, feed resources, feed formulation and mixing, feeding
standards, composition of formulate feeds.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The course will provide opportunities for;
a. Describing the range of livestock feeds using accepted industry terminology.
b. Understanding energy foods, including the sources and functions of those foods, in
animal diets.
c. Understanding animal nutrients, functions and sources
d. Understanding nutrient deficiencies and toxicity
e. Understand the principle of feed formulation, feed ingredients, and standards of
formulated feeds and feed additives
f. Understand the current status of feed in Kenya
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course, the learners will be able to:
a. Describe the various terminologies applied in animal nutrition and feed industry
b. Explain the role of water in animal nutrition.
c. Describe various principles related to animal nutrition.
d. Outline various nutrients requirements, their functions and sources
e. Discuss the effects of nutrient deficiencies and toxicity to livestock
f. Discuss common growth promoters and feed additives and their functions
g. Explain carbohydrate and protein requirements of animals
h. Give an overview of current feed industry and various feed ingredients
i. Discuss the consideration for nutrient requirements during feed formulation and various
methods for feed formulation
j. Describe how basic formulation function works and Pearson’s square feed formulation
method
k. Describe the various fractions of formulate feed and feed ingredients classification
l. Discuss various crop byproducts
COURSE OUTLINE AND SCHEDULE
WEEK
LECTURE TOPIC
LECTURE DETAILED OUTLINE
1
6
Introduction to course, expectations
Terms and definitions
Types of nutrients
Water
Principles related to
Digestion (monogastric and ruminant)
animal nutrition and
Absorption and variety of mechanism of absorption
feeding
Utilization
Assimilation
Poultry digestive system
Animal nutrient types
Carbohydrates, their functions and sources
and their function
Proteins, their function and sources
Fats , their function and sources
Minerals, their functions and sources
Vitamins, their functions and sources
Other requirements
Nutrition deficiencies
Definition of deficiency and toxicity
and toxicities
General effects of nutrient deficiencies and toxicity to
livestock
Overview of carbohydrate, proteins, mineral and vitamin
deficiencies and the effects
Growth factors and feed
Antibiotics
additives
Growth promoters
Coccidiostats
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TEST 1
7
Practical
8
Current status of feed
industry
Livestock feed resources
2
3
4
5
Introduction
9
During this lesson, we will visit a farm where various types
of livestock feeds and feeding strategies will be evaluated
Production and supply, legislation, demand, trade, policy,
taxes, quality concerns and regulation
Roots and tubers, grains, concentrates, roughages, hay and
silage.
Additionally, anti-nutritive factors in animal feeds will be
discussed.
10
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TEST 2
11
Feed formulation
Consideration for nutrient requirements
Available methods for feed formulation
How basic formulation function works
Pearson’s square method
Composition of feeds following feed analysis and the
regulation of feed intake in farm animals
12
Feeding analysis
13
Feeding
Standards/Systems
Quality standards considered during feeding animals to
ensure balanced diets
Feed formulation
simulation
Formulate feed formulation using a mobile based application
14
15 & 16
END OF SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS
EVALUATION INSTRUCTIONS
Semester course assessments will include two continuous assessment tests. The distribution of
Marks is as follows:
CAT 1 – 30%
Practical report -15%
CAT 2 - 30%
Average CAT = CAT 1 +Practical report + CAT 2 = 30%
EXAM – 70 %
TOTAL FINAL MARKS = 100%
CORE READING MATERIALS
1. Chiba, L. I (2009) Animal Nutrition Handbook, Second revision
2. McDonald et al., (2010) Animal nutrition, 7th edition, @Pearson
3. Bels,.V. (2006) Feeding in Domestic Vertebrates, From Structure to Behaviour @ CAB
International
4. International Livestock Research Institute (2007). Feeding dairy cattle A manual for
smallholder dairy farmers and extension workers in East Africa Manuals and Guides No. 2;
OTHER REFERENCE MATERIALS
1. FAO. 2012. Pig Sector Kenya. FAO Animal Production and Health Livestock Country
Reviews. No. 3. Rome.
2. Dairy farmers training manual, Ministry of livestock development, 2012
3. ARC (1987). The nutrient requirements of farm livestock: Poultry Agricultural Research
Council, Uk.
4. FAO and IFIF. 2010. Good practices for the feed industry – Implementing the Codex
Alimentarius Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding. FAO Animal Production and
Health Manual No. 9. Rome