Section outline

    • Welcome to animal basics!

      This module is structured slightly differently from the previous ones. For the ‘Animal Production and Welfare’ module in the first semester of the Master’s programme, the key concepts are particularly important; you can familiarise yourself with these in the ‘Important Animal Terms’ glossary. These terms are put into context in the slides provided, which outline the key production cycles and digestive systems.

      Feeding is also an important part of animal husbandry; for this section, there is a glossary of key feedstuffs with explanations and images.

      You can test your knowledge in the final quiz.

      If you have any difficulty with a topic, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are always happy to help!

      Student Assistant: Helix Aldinger-Sommer, helix.aldinger-sommer@student.hswt.de

       

    • Important animal terms glossary
    • Slides File

      These slides will give you an insight into the key production cycles in livestock farming. They will also help you familiarise yourself with the main anatomical features of poultry, cattle and pigs.

    • Feedstuff glossary

      In this glossary, you will find key concentrated feeds, as well as a few basic feeds, each accompanied by a photo and a brief explanation of their production and/or nutritional content.

      Basic feed refers to plant-based feedstuffs that serve to meet the daily basic requirements for energy and nutrients. It is characterised above all by a high crude fibre content and a fibrous structure, which is essential for digestion.

      Concentrate feed is a nutrient-dense animal feed that is high in energy or protein but low in crude fibre.

      The classification of feed into energy or protein feed is based on feed analyses, which provide the content values of various ingredients. The two most important indicators of feed quality are crude protein (CP in g per kg) and metabolisable energy (ME in megajoules). All animals require protein and energy for their maintenance and for the production of milk or meat. 

    • Quiz Interactive Content

      Now test your knowledge of farm animals in the quiz.