Key facts
UNE unit code: ANUT421
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Knowledge and practical skills in animal nutrition are invaluable in a range of animal science, industry and production settings. This unit introduces the basic concepts of digestion and metabolism and their integration through endocrine functions.
Studying this unit, you will explore the structure and function of the digestive system of ruminant and monogastric animals. You will learn about the key role of the metabolic hormones and the nutritional roles of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, minerals and vitamins.
Relating these nutritional concepts to other constraints to animal production, you will examine the importance of protein quality and ecological factors in trace element deficiency.
With an understanding of diet formulation and its role in overcoming nutritional constraints, you will be well-equipped to deal with the challenges you may face in the field.
Practical classes focus mainly on animal experimentation related to production.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | The Intensive School is mandatory for online students. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an advanced, broad and coherent understanding of nutritional constraints to livestock production and how these are overcome with evidence-based feeding practices;
- apply at an advanced level, a practical understanding of how metabolic and physiological concepts are related to nutritional requirements and extrapolate these to devise innovative solutions to complex nutritional problems in animal science; and
- evaluate, analyse and interpret nutritional research to devise nutritional recommendations and communicate these in writing and through oral presentation.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 55% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Seminar - Assurance Task and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. | |
| Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 |
| Report | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 3500 |
| Seminar - Assurance Task | Yes | 15% | All offerings | 5 minutes duration followed by 3 minutes question time. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Seminar - Assurance Task and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Animal Nutrition
ISBN: 9781292251660
McDonald, P. and others, Pearson Education 8th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Animal Nutrition: From Theory to Practice
ISBN: 9781486309498
Hynd, P., CSIRO Publishing 1st ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2027 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
