Catalog Description

Formerly known as AGRI 0012
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL C1000
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: An introduction to the feeds and nutrition of animals including basic digestive system anatomy and physiology; composition and selection of feeds; characteristics of nutrients; principles of nutrition; nutrient requirements of non-ruminant and ruminant animals; and formulating diets to meet these requirements. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Evaluate the role of livestock feeding in human nutrition, human food safety, and agriculture production.
  • CSLO #2: Assess how animal nutritional requirements change with physiological development and production stage.
  • CSLO #3: Analyze and evaluate economic, environmental, and social factors that influence feeding practices and management.
  • CSLO #4: Compare and contrast various types of roughages, protein sources, high-energy feedstuffs, mineral and vitamin supplements, feed additives, nutrient assessment methods, primary and by-product feeds, processing methods, and ration formulation techniques.

Effective Term

Fall 2026

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

108

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

216

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. Identify career paths and requirements for employment in livestock nutrition.
2. Explain the role of livestock feeding in human nutrition and food safety.
3. Analyze cultural influences on the livestock nutrition industry.
4. Assess how animal nutritional needs change with physiological development and production stage.
5. Relate type of gastrointestinal (GI) tract to dietary needs and nutritional management.
6. Classify nutrients, describe their metabolism, and explain feeding standards.
7. Evaluate animal behavior as it relates to feeding practices and management.
8. Collect and organize data for ration formulation.
9. Analyze economic factors and trends affecting feeding practices and management.
10. Formulate cost-effective rations using the Pearson Square method.
11. Compare and contrast various types of roughages, protein sources, high-energy feedstuffs, mineral and vitamin supplements, feed additives, nutrient assessment methods, primary and by-product feeds, processing methods, and ration formulation techniques.
12. Interpret National Research Council (NRC) nutrition tables and apply the relevant data to livestock ration formulation.
Laboratory Objectives:
1. Collect and organize data for ration formulation.
2. Formulate cost-effective rations.
3. Identify and classify various feedstuffs.
4. Analyze feedstuffs for nutritional content.
5. Read and evaluate feed tags for nutrient value.
6. Access and apply nutritional requirements from credible sources.
7. Interpret feed labels and tables to compare and contrast diets.
9. Identify anatomical features of ruminant, monogastric, and avian gastrointestinal tracts.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Natural Sciences
    • AA/AS - Natural Sciences Laboratory
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
      • Cal-GETC 5B - Biological Science
      • Cal-GETC 5C - Laboratory Science
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

      Articulation Information

      • CSU Transferable
      • UC Transferable

      Methods of Evaluation

      • Essay Examinations
        • Example: Sample Question: Compare and contrast nutritional related differences resulting from two different feed processing techniques. Essay will be assessed based upon content accuracy, grammar and style. Rubric Grading.
      • Objective Examinations
        • Example: Students will take a multiple choice examination on digestive tract. Standard Grading. Sample Question: Which of the parts of the ruminant digestive tract is where hydrochloric acid is produced? a. rumen b. reticulum c. omasum d. abomasum e. B&D
      • Projects
        • Example: Formulate a nutrition management program for a cow-calf operation. Address prebreeding, all stages of pregnancy, stages of lactation, and maintenance. Each of the stages should include a balanced ration (developed using Pearson Square) as well as the cost of the ration (least cost ration). Feedstuffs used in the ration should be available in California (consult local feed stores/mills). Feedstuffs should be evaluated for palatability, nutritional value and economic feasibility. In addition to the actual feeds incorporated into the management plan, the feeding facilities as well as the times and methods of feeding should be included. This project and report will be assessed based on accuracy of rations based on stage of animal performance, feedstuff availability, correct ration formulation and cost analysis.
      • Reports
        • Example: Formulate a nutrition management program for a cow-calf operation. Address prebreeding, all stages of pregnancy, stages of lactation, and maintenance. Each of the stages should include a balanced ration (developed using Pearson Square) as well as the cost of the ration (least cost ration). Feedstuffs used in the ration should be available in California (consult local feed stores/mills). Feedstuffs should be evaluated for palatability, nutritional value and economic feasibility. In addition to the actual feeds incorporated into the management plan, the feeding facilities as well as the times and methods of feeding should be included. This project and report will be assessed based on accuracy of rations based on stage of animal performance, feedstuff availability, correct ration formulation and cost analysis.

      Repeatable

      No

      Methods of Instruction

      • Laboratory
      • Lecture/Discussion
      • Distance Learning

      Lab:

      1. In groups, students will identify anatomical features of ruminant, monogastric and avian gastrointestinal tracts. Tissue examination will occur via dissection. The functions of anatomical features will be reported. Comparison and contrasts will be made between the three different gastrointestinal tracts.

      Lecture:

      1. Instructor will present information on how to access and interpret NRC nutrition tables. Students will be provided various scenarios of different species and different stages of production and will determine nutrient requirements using the NRC nutrition tables. Lecture Objectives: 4, 12; Laboratory Objectives: 1, 7

      Distance Learning

      1. The instructor will develop an online text, audio and/or video lecture (with captions), which explains the concept of the National Organic Program or other USDA regulated livestock feed labeling programs. After reading/listening/watching the assigned lecture content students may be asked to participate in a discussion board assignment which explains their understanding and addresses the relevance of the lecture content.

      Typical Out of Class Assignments

      Reading Assignments

      1. Students will read the assigned pages from the textbook and be prepared to discuss ruminant microbial symbiosis. Students will give specific examples of feeds that disrupt this microbial population and discuss feeding management strategies to prevent this. 2. Students will be responsible for reading current media and scientific articles regarding animal nutrition and feeding management. For example, students will read articles from peer-reviewed journals regarding ruminant by-pass fats and relate the information to dairy cattle nutrition management assessing its impacts on milk production.

      Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

      1. Students will complete a series of one page reports on nutritional deficiencies, nutrition management & technology and other aspects of animal nutrition. 2. Students will be given specific livestock production scenarios and evaluate various feed options for: palatability, nutritional value, and economic feasibility.

      Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

      Students will design a nutrition management program using least cost rations for the species of their choice. Nutritional requirement changes based on animal purpose and changes in physiological development will be incorporated.

      Required Materials

      • Animal Nutrition
        • Author: John M. Brameld, Spiridoula Athanasiadou, et al.
        • Publisher: Wiley
        • Publication Date: 2026
        • Text Edition: 1
        • Classic Textbook?: Yes
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Fundamentals of Applied Animal Nutrition
        • Author: Gordon Dryden
        • Publisher: CAB International
        • Publication Date: 2021
        • Text Edition: 1
        • Classic Textbook?: Yes
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Principles of Animal Nutrition
        • Author: Guoyao Wu
        • Publisher: CRC Press
        • Publication Date: 2021
        • Text Edition: 1
        • Classic Textbook?: Yes
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Principles of Animal Nutrition
        • Author: Guoyao Wu
        • Publisher: CRC Press
        • Publication Date: 2025
        • Text Edition: 2nd
        • Classic Textbook?: Yes
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Laboratory Manual for AGRI 203
        • Author: Instructor Developed
        • Publisher:
        • Publication Date: 2026
        • Text Edition:
        • Classic Textbook?: No
        • OER Link:
        • OER:

      Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.