Evolution of a feed formulation practice in a mandatory course on animal production

Abstract

The evolution of a feed formulation practice (from attendant to an on-line webquest) included in a mandatory discipline (animal production) in the fourth year of Agronomy Engineering School was analized. The students formulate a diet with a formulation software, and analyzed the feed from a nutritional and economical point of view. The average score (8.1out of 10) of the students was independent of the method used, but more students did the practice with non-attendant method (57 vs 26%). The global judgment of the practice was relatively low (2.8 out of 5) probably due to its complexite and the long time spent (7 ± 2 h) in its performance. However the students consider the practice positive for their formation (3.3). © 2009.