ARS/Dairy Science Nutritional Training Modules for

Livestock Educators

Jeff Held, Brad Johnson, Bob Thaler, Julie Walker, and Dave Weinand

Module 1 = Basic Nutritional Concepts

- Brad Johnson will be the coordinator

- It will general nutrition and not specie-specific

- Concepts to be covered include:

- Nutrient classes

- Terminology

- DM calculations

- Simultaneous equations

- Cost/unit of nutrient calculations

- English/metric conversions

- Proposed method of delivery is self-study via the Internet

Module 2 = Feed Quality/Feed Manufacturing

- Jeff Held will be the coordinator

- It will general information and not specie-specific

- Concepts to be covered include:

- Hay storage/handling

- Alternate feedstuffs

- Weather-damage grains

- Sampling

- Feedstuff analysis

- Mixer types

- Hammer mill vs roller mill

- Particle size

- Determining mixing quality/CV’s

- It will be presented at Annual Conference along with a Reference Manual

- After Module 2 is completed, they then choose which of the remaining modules (3, 4, & 5) best fits their most critical needs

Module 3 = Monogastric Nutrition

- Bob Thaler will be the coordinator

- Concepts to be covered include:

- Use of “PigFeed” ration balancing program

- In-depth study of the SD/NE Swine Nutrition Guide

- Analysis of different feeding programs and production systems

- Case studies from SD operations

- Proposed method of delivery is direct instruction with some self-study via the Internet

Module 4 = Ruminant Nutrition

- Brad Johnson, Jeff Held, Julie Walker, & Dave Weinand will coordinate

- Will cover beef, sheep, and dairy cattle

- Proposed method of delivery is direct instruction before regional/area producer meetings with some self-study via the Internet

- Basic knowledge of ruminant digestive system

- Rumen function and environment

- Factors affecting digestibility

- Rumen digestive end-products

- Nitrogen metabolism

- Essential mineral supplementation and function

- Essential vitamin supplementation and function

- Common nutritional disorders

Module 5 = Specie Specific Nutrition Training

- Brad Johnson, Jeff Held, Julie Walker, Dave Weinand and Bob Thaler will coordinate within their own areas of expertise

- Will cover beef, sheep, swine, and dairy

- Will also integrate cost of production and marketing concepts where appropriate

- Proposed method of delivery is direct instruction with some self-study via the Internet

Nutrition for the New Millenium Homepage

- Bob Thaler will coordinate

- Potential items to include are:

- Selected training modules

- List of activities/educational opportunities

- List of meetings

- Newsletter

- Current topics of interest

Extended Training

- Future training modules will be developed with Veterinary Science, Ag and Bio-Systems Engineering, and Economics to address other Outcomes