Fundamentals of Dairy Nutrition: Forages and Feed

Overview

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This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles of dairy cattle nutrition. It offers a self-paced online learning environment where students can delve into the latest research, on-farm applications, and emerging trends in dairy nutrition. The course objectives include identifying and understanding the role of common feedstuffs in a typical dairy diet, understanding the basics of forage growth and its connection to dairy nutrition, comparing cereal grains and oilseed meals used in dairy diets, and understanding the nutritional value of byproducts from common feed processing techniques. Expert instructors and guest nutritionists will guide students through these topics, presenting and critically evaluating nutritional concepts and their practical applications. This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs, including the graduate certificate, "Dairy Nutrition for Udder Success" that can be stacked toward an advanced degree in the College of ACES. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your Coursera work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit ACES Online at acesonline.illinois.edu.

Syllabus

Orientation & Module 1 | What are Commonly Used Feedstuffs?

In the course orientation, you will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course. Then dive into the second part of this module to gain a comprehensive understanding of the most prevalent feedstuffs, their physical characteristics, and chemical composition. This knowledge will empower you to optimize dairy rations effectively.

Module 2 | What are Commonly Used Forages?

In this module, you will explore the basics of forage growth, harvest, insulation, and storage connecting these principles to dairy nutrition.

Module 3 | What are Commonly Used Grains and Concentrates?

In this module, you will evaluate common cereal grains and oilseed meals used in dairy rations and dive into the key factors driving the economic value of feedstuffs.

Module 4 & Conclusion | What do we know about feed processing techniques?

In this module, you will consider common feed processing techniques and the nutritional value of resulting byproducts incorporated in dairy rations. At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!