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Unit outline_

AVBS2004: Animal Nutrition

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

One of the greatest limiting factors to the health and wellbeing of animals under our care is the nutritional value of their feed. Whether provided by nature or manufactured to meet the production and health needs of farmed animals, being able to provide suitable nutrition to animals in our care is fundamental to good animal health management. This Unit is broadly divided into three sections, namely: estimating the nutritive value of feeds; estimating the nutrient requirements of animals and diet formulation. The focus is on building up knowledge on animal nutrition by assessments of nutritional adequacy and solving of nutritional problems, with a particular emphasis on wildlife and animals used in agricultural production systems. The principles discussed in this course will be expanded in third year, in which species-specific systems will be described within the animal production major. In this unit you will develop the skills to create diets based on sound science, to meet animal requirements for a variety of purposes and under a variety of constraints and identify deficiencies, excesses and imbalances in diets and optimising nutritional health and minimising disease risk.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XXX) and 6cp from AVBS100X
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
ANSC3101
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Alex Chaves, alex.chaves@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
In class written paper exam.
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Small test Online in class quiz
Online in class quiz
5% Week 04
Due date: 20 Aug 2024 at 12:00
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO2
Assignment Problem based learning report
Report
30% Week 08
Due date: 16 Sep 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 21 Sep 2024
14 pages max excluding references
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Assignment Individual video presentation
Video presentation
25% Week 13
Due date: 28 Oct 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 31 Oct 2024
5 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7

Assessment summary

  • Online short quiz: the examination will consist of 5-10 MCQ questions using lecture contents from week 1 to 4 of the semester.
  • Problem based learning report: Students need to comment on the ability of each diet to meet the nutritional requirements of these animals using the diet formulation reports. Please indicate nutrients required by the animals of each scenario and the amounts of these nutrients provided in the diet.
  • Individual video presentation: This presentation is about creating a diet to meet nutrient requirements for a specific class of animal.
  • Final exam: The entire content of the semester will be assessed including reading material.

There are no marking adjustments and no replacement assessment task in for any assessment tasks on this UoS.

Assessment tasks are not compulsory.

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library Reading List, available on Canvas. 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Distinction

75 - 84

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Credit

65 - 74

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Pass

50 - 64

o be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty

Fail

0 - 49

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

There is no marking adjustments in AVBS2004. Late penalties do not apply for the Online short answer quiz. For the other assessment tasks: Written work submitted electronically after 23.59 pm on the due date will be considered to have been submitted late. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. The penalty will be calculated by first marking the work, and then subtracting 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. The marker may elect to, but is not required to, provide feedback on such work.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction to AVBS2004; 2. Feed types and composition / Feed fractions; 3. Physically effective fibre concept. Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Introduction to Canvas, Diet formulation software Computer laboratory (1.5 hr) LO1 LO6 LO7
Week 02 1. Digestibility; 2. Energy; 3. Metabolisable protein (MP) and lipid digestion. Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Problem-based learning Computer laboratory (1.5 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 03 1. Rumen microbiology - bacteria, archaea, fungi and protozoa (Part 1); 2. Rumen microbiology - bacteria, archaea, fungi and protozoa (Part 2); 3. Factors to consider in the ensiling of forages; Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Problem-based learning Computer laboratory (1.5 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 04 1. Evolution and role of silage inoculants in ensiling; 2. Digestive disturbances in feedlot cattle - acidosis & bloat; 3. Diet formulation. Lecture (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Online in class quiz (5%) Computer laboratory (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Problem-based learning Computer laboratory (1.5 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 05 1. Horse nutrition; 2. Sheep nutrition; 3. Fish nutrition. Lecture (3 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Problem-based learning Computer laboratory (1.5 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 06 1. Pasture versus total mixed ration (TMR); 2. Swine nutrition; 3. Use of unsalable veggies as animal feeds. Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6 LO7
Problem-based learning Computer laboratory (1.5 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 07 1. Macrominerals; 2. Microminerals; 3. Camelid nutrition. Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6 LO7
Problem-based learning (PBL) report preparation Computer laboratory (1.5 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 08 1. Video presentation guidelines 2024; 2. Wildlife nutrition; 3. Nutrition geometry. Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Problem-based learning (PBL) report submission Computer laboratory (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 09 1. Beef nutrition; 2. Poultry nutrition; 3. Dairy nutrition. Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6 LO7
Design diet for video presentation Computer laboratory (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 10 1. Water soluble vitamins; 2. Fat soluble vitamins; 3. Dogs and cats nutrition. Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO6 LO7
Design diet for video presentation Computer laboratory (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 11 1. Use of indigestible markers in animal nutrition; 2. In vivo experiments in animal nutrition; 3. Carbon footprint of beef from a global and Australian perspective. Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6 LO7
Design diet for video presentation Computer laboratory (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Preparation of video presentations Computer laboratory (2.5 hr) LO1 LO6 LO7
Week 13 UoS evaluation; Submission individual video presentation. Computer laboratory (2.5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to participate in at least 80% of the timetabled activities for all units of study in their degree, unless granted an exemption by the Associate Dean.  To meet the learning outcomes of this Unit of Study, students are required to attend a minimum of 11 of the 13 practical classes and 26 of the 33 lectures as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study where inadequate attendance results in learning outcomes not being met.

Student attendance will be monitored using group QR codes, which link to Student Relationship Engagement System. The QR codes will be provided during the lectures and practical classes where students are required to scan the QR codes using their mobiles/iPads.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Book: Animal Nutrition. McDonald, P, Edwards, RA, Greenhalgh, JFD, and Morgan, CA. 7th Edition, Prentice-Hall, 2011.
 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. describe feed types and composition
  • LO2. outline factors to consider in the ensiling process of forages
  • LO3. describe digestion differences between animals
  • LO4. examine the factors that affect the digestibility and metabolisable energy of feeds
  • LO5. characterise the microbes organisation in the rumen
  • LO6. explain the reasons for differences in nutrient requirements within and among animals
  • LO7. design and evaluate animal diets.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

I had 12 students (5.7% of the pool size) from the last co-hort (S2 2023) who are dissatisfied with the quality of teaching of my UoS. Even though I received only 25% of the response of USS. To consider USS, we should have 80% of response (Grad Cert USYD guidelines). In S2 2022 we had exactly the same assessment tasks and teaching methodology and no issues with students’ dissatisfaction. Regardless this biased and unfairness decision based on minority from this last co-hort (e.g.: no power to make any proper inference), I will change the assessment tasks for S2 2024. This will simplify the unit and address this minority concern.

Work, health and safety

Completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

 

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General laboratory safety rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances 
  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory 
  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories 
  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door 
  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory 
  • As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.