A7078 Principles of Ruminant Nutrition

Assessment Overview: Feed and Forage Analysis Report

In this task you will work as a feed consultant. You will analyze a forage sample. The goal is to show that you understand feed chemistry and how nutrients are made up in forage. You also need to understand what affects the quality of forage and how it is produced.

You need to connect the chemical structure of feed components to their function in plants and animals. Then you need to explain how this affects the supply of nutrients.

The main things you need to focus on are:

• You must be able to explain how the structure of chemical components in animal feeds relates to their function in plants and animals
• You must be able to evaluate factors that influence forage and feed production
• You must be able to analyze animal feed composition and interpret laboratory forage/feed analysis reports

Task Description

You have been appointed as a feed consultant. You need to analyze a forage sample.

For this task you should use the forage sample that you looked at during your taught module sessions.

Your report must include the stages:

1. Rationale for Sample Assessment
   You need to explain why the forage sample is being assessed. You also need to explain why it is important to analyze its quality in a livestock feeding context.
   
   
2. Appraisal of the Sample
   You need to present the results of a limited practical evaluation of the forage sample. This may include looking at the sample feeling its texture smelling it or making any relevant physical observations that you made during practical sessions.
   
   
3. Nutritional Evaluation and Advisory Report
   As part of your advice to the client you must discuss:
1. Nutritional Value
   You need to evaluate the nutritional composition of the forage sample. You also need to talk about its contribution to animal diet requirements. For example you need to look at energy, protein and fibre content.
2. Production Factors
   You need to identify and discuss production-related factors that may have influenced the quality of the forage sample. These factors may include:
• Harvest timing
• Storage conditions
• Soil and environmental factors
• Processing methods
  
  
4. Further Analytical Recommendations
   You need to suggest laboratory or analytical tests that could be carried out on the forage sample. You also need to explain why these further analyses would be useful in improving the accuracy or depth of your evaluation.

Report Structure Requirements

Your submission must be presented as a written report. You need to follow the Harper Adams Guide to Report Writing.

The report should include:

• Title page
• Summary
• Main body
• Conclusions
• References

Submission Requirements

• You need to upload one word-processed report via The Learning Hub assignment drop box.
• You must follow Cite Them Right Harvard referencing style.
• You must submit your report before the deadline.

Assessment Criteria

Your work will be assessed based on the following weighted criteria:

• Presentation is worth 10%
• Content is worth 40%
• Synthesis and Analysis is worth 50%

Marking Expectations

• If you get a High Distinction, which`s 70–100% your report will be highly structured and professional. You will use language, tables and diagrams very well. You will also show critical analysis, with insightful interpretation of data. You will use references and evidence in a way.
• If you get a Merit, which`s 60–69% your report will be clear and well-structured. You will show an understanding of key issues. You will use data and references in a way. You will also have an analytical discussion supported with examples.
• If you get a Pass, which`s 50–59% your report will be reasonably structured. You will have a correct understanding of concepts. You will use some references and data. You will also have some analysis. It will be limited in depth.
• If you get a Low Pass, which`s 40–49% your report will have a weak structure and limited clarity. You will mostly describe things than analyze them. You will use references. You will have an understanding of concepts.
• If you get a Fail, which`s 0–39% your report will have a poor or unstructured presentation. You will lack understanding of concepts. You will do no analysis. You will also use references in a way or not use them at all.