ANSC 4200

Nutrition of Felids and Canids

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2021-2022.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge on cat and dog nutrition to prepare them for careers in animal nutrition research, veterinary medicine, and the pet food industry. The course is divided into 5 modules. The first part of the course discusses ingredient and nutrient requirements of felids and canids by teaching students to integrate knowledge of evolutionary feeding habits, gastrointestinal anatomy, digestive processes, and nutrient metabolism. The second part covers practical feedings through the teaching of feed ingredient sourcing and processing, and the pet food manufacturing regulations. The third focusses on metabolic disorders of nutrient metabolism. Learning activities consist of daily student reflections, designing hypothesis-driven questions, discussing peer-reviewed articles, and presenting a final project.

When Offered Fall.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: ANSC 2120.

• Students will be able to evaluate ingredient and nutrient adequacy of commercial foods for domestic felids and canids.
• Students will be able to participate in the development and implementation of basic feeding programs for exotic felids and canids.
• Students will be able to recognize best feeding practices for a domestic felid and canid with a given common underlying metabolic disorder.
• Students will be able to design a complete feed for a domestic felid and canid.

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