If you work with farm, companion or performance animals, this course gives you the practical nutrition skills to support health, welfare and productivity across a wide range of species. The Certificate of Animal Feed and Nutrition is a professional development program that covers the fundamentals of nutrients and digestion through to ration formulation, species-specific feeding and contemporary issues in feed innovation and sustainability.
In this online animal feed and nutrition course you’ll explore why nutrition matters, how different nutrient groups work, and how digestive systems vary between ruminants, monogastrics, birds, hindgut fermenters and companion animals. You’ll examine feedstuffs, pastures, forages, conserved fodder, commercial feeds and supplements, alongside water, minerals, vitamins and special nutrients, learning how to assess quality and safety and how nutrition affects health, growth, behaviour and performance.
You’ll also build the skills to interpret and classify common feed ingredients, evaluate water and micronutrient status, and formulate balanced rations using both manual methods and basic digital tools. You’ll discover feeding plans that account for species, life stage, production goals, seasonal and regional conditions, and you’ll learn how to document, monitor and adjust diets for various animals, whether production, companion or performance.
By the end of this course, you’ll feel confident to make informed, evidence-based nutrition decisions, troubleshoot common feeding and gut health issues, and critically evaluate new feeds and products.
Course Structure
Certificate of Animal Feed and Nutrition
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Animal Nutrition
- Why nutrition matters
- Nutrient groups.
Maintenance vs production Overview of digestive systems Deficiencies, toxicities and imbalances - Nutrition in the broader system
Unit 2: Feedstuffs, Ingredients and Feed Quality
- Feed classifications
- Pastures, forages and conserved fodder
- Commercial feeds, premixes and supplements
- Assessing feed quality
- Feed safety
- Home-grown vs purchased feeds
Unit 3: Digestive Physiology and Nutrients
- Ruminant digestion
- Monogastric and avian digestion
- Hindgut fermenters.
- Digestibility, DCP, TDN and energy systems
- Gut health and common nutrition-related disorders
- Practical feeding management
Unit 4: Water, Minerals, Vitamins and Special Nutrients
- Water as a nutrient
- Water intake, quality and access
- Macro-minerals
- Trace minerals and vitamins
- Deficiency and toxicity syndromes
- Practical water and micronutrient management
Unit 5: Ration Formulation and Feeding Plans
- Principles of balanced rations
- Manual ration formulation
- Using basic digital tools and feed tables
- Feeding plans
- Seasonal and regional adjustments
- Documentation, monitoring and review
Unit 6: Species-Specific Nutrition
- Beef and dairy cattle nutrition: pasture-based and feedlot contexts.
- Sheep and goat nutrition: seasonal and regional considerations.
- Pig nutrition: growth, reproduction and welfare in intensive systems.
- Poultry nutrition: meat and layer birds.
- Supplements, licks and blocks: when and how to use them.
- Case studies: troubleshooting nutrition issues in production animals.
Unit 7: Companion, Performance and Special-Needs Animals
- Equine nutrition
- Dogs and cats
- Working and performance animals
- Special-needs and clinical nutrition
- Nutrition in shelters, rescues and foster care settings.
Unit 8: Contemporary Issues and Innovation
- Innovation in feed formulation
- Sustainability and environmental considerations
- Australian standards, guidelines and assurance programs
- Ethics, marketing and critical evaluation
- Staying current
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Course was easy to access and very easy modules to follow. Doing it in your own time also makes it very accessible.
Georgia | Meningie, SA | Certificate of Animal Feed and Nutrition
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Afterpay: Within 1-2 working days
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Farmers
- Pet owners
- Animal rescue volunteers
- Animal health care personnel
- Wildlife personnel/volunteer
- Manufacturer – pet food
- Pet shop personnel
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