This practical-based course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in feed and feeding management for ruminant animals. Students will learn how to formulate rations by selecting and mixing feed ingredients to meet the nutritional requirements of different ruminant species. The course will begin with an overview of feed ingredients and the principles of ration formulation. Students will then apply this knowledge to calculate and prepare rations with varying crude protein (CP) and energy content for animals in a project setting.

The course also covers the preparation and use of hydroponic fodder, where students will grow and feed hydroponic fodder to the animals. Students will learn how to treat straw using urea and molasses, understanding the benefits of such treatments in animal nutrition. Additionally, students will be involved in silage-making, using grass from the field to create about 500 kg of silage, and potentially producing hay as well.

As part of the course, students will visit a local feed factory to observe industrial feed production processes. Throughout the course, students will be required to submit reports detailing their activities, including ration formulation, hydroponic fodder production, straw treatment, and silage preparation.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Formulate and prepare balanced rations for ruminant animals.
2. Implement practical feeding strategies based on animal nutritional requirements.
3. Understand and apply the principles of hydroponic fodder production.
4. Treat and process straw for improved animal nutrition.
5. Produce silage and hay using different feed resources.
6. Observe and understand feed production at an industrial scale.