AGRI S9Z04 - Biotechnology in Animal Feeds

Module Details

Module Code: AGRI S9Z04
Full Title: Biotechnology in Animal Feeds
Valid From:: Semester 2 - 2018/19 ( February 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Caroline Gilleran
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The aim of this module is to provide students with knowledge of biotechnological advances in the feed industry, specific to the conversion of nutrients to high quality animal products. This is a rapidly growing area in all aspects of agriculture with rapid advances noted in the beef, dairy and broiler industries. This module offers a combination of interactive site visits, master practical classes, and lectures that engage student participation with many of the ongoing novel research studies and advances within feed biotechnology industries internationally.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Critically assess and evaluate merits and constraints of biotechnology in animal feeds and feeding.
MLO2 Synthesise and appraise the range of value added feedstocks and feed additives being researched and employed in the agri-food sector.
MLO3 Appraise and assess the biotechnological conversion of nutrients to quality animal products.
MLO4 Perform lab practical’s efficiently in relation to the compositional analysis and efficiency of specific feedstock’s.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Animal feeds and feeding
The digestive systems of ruminant and non-ruminant animals; Rumen microbiome and its role in the efficiency of nutrient utilisation and methane production; Types of traditional feed and feed composition.
Introduction to biotechnology in animal feeds and feeding
Merits and constraints of biotechnology in animal feeds and feeding; Legislation; Cost.
Feed additives
Enzymes as feed additives; Antibacterials in pig and poultry nutrition; microbial probiotics; Oligosaccharide feed additives; Additives for decreasing methane emissions; Role of yeast supplementation in ruminant nutrition; Concept and application of chelation/protection of mineral/trace element supplements; Protected (by-pass) fat and protein supplements; Novel/future protein supplements.
Feed Efficiency
Conversion of nutrients to quality animal products; Effects of diet modification and supplementation on beef quality, milk yield, nutrient absorption and animal waste. Molecular biomarkers for the genetic selection of animals with greater feed efficiency.
Value added feedstock
Feed with improved nutritional value, for example, GM crops with improved amino acid content. Feed with less environmental impact, for example, crops with improved phosphorus availability.
Laboratory practicals
Compositional analysis of animal feed products (Cellulose, hemi-cellulose, dry matter digestibility, sugar content, crude protein, calorific value) / Molecular markers for the identification of feed ingredients/ Analysis of biotech feed additives.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work40.00%
Final Examination60.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Site visits to Industry leaders in the animal feed sector will serve to re-emphasise topics covered in lectures and will be assessed by MCQ quiz.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Practical skills/evaluation and report.
Practical classes on analysis of biotech feed additivies e.g. phytase in poultry feed; Compositional analysis of animal feed products (Cellulose, hemi-cellulose, dry matter digestibility, sugar content, crude protein, calorific value).
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
n/a

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Weekly lectures relating to course content. Every Week 2.60 2.5999999046325684
Practical Contact Two laboratory classes on the compositional analysis of animal feed products. Every Week 0.40 0.40000000596046448
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 5.00 5
Online Contact Contact Online Discussion Forum Every Week 0.50 0.5
Total Weekly Learner Workload 11.50
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.50
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • John Wallace, Andrew Chesson. (2008), Biotechnology in Animal Feeds and Animal Feeding, John Wiley & Sons, 2008, [ISBN: 3527615342].
  • Holger Zorn and Peter Czermak. (2014), Biotechnology of Food and Feed Additives, Springer, [ISBN: 9783662437612].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Michael Richard Bedford, Gary G. Partridge. (2010), Enzymes in Farm Animal Nutrition, p.319, [ISBN: 1845936744].
  • Satish Kumar Jindal, M. C. Sharma. (2010), Biotechnology in Animal Health and Production, [ISBN: 9789380235356].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • http://www.efsa.europa.eu/.