ANEQ 323 - Zoo Nutrition

Prerequisite

ANEQ 320 (Principles of Animal Nutrition); ANEQ 345 (Principles of Nutrition: Equine Applications); FSHN 350 (Human Nutrition).

Description

Monkey biscuits, bones, crickets, reptile salad--these are just a few culinary examples of dietary components enjoyed by captive wild animals in our zoos. Proper nutrition for these animals is vital for their physical health and general well-being. This course provides students with an introduction to the amazing animal kingdom, and imparts an awareness of our world's unique animal species and their nutritional needs.

Zoological institutions--zoos--provide the general public with glimpses of exotic animal species known only from books, stories and the Internet. The animal residents of zoos are in a sense a living museum, and it is our responsibility to provide for their basic needs to the best of our ability.

Students taking Zoo Nutrition learn to strategize on how to feed animals by learning animal dietary classifications and gastrointestinal morphology. Based on a few fundamental principles, students develop an awareness of HOW and HOW NOT to feed many new animal species seen in the companion animal trade. Application of these fundamentals saves animal lives and creates a better living environment.

The course is geared toward zoo professionals; employees of rescue, rehabilitation and animal shelter organizations; and undergraduate students majoring in animal sciences, natural resources, biology, zoology and similar fields. Or if you are someone who is just interested in the course topic (and who has met the necessary prerequisite), you are invited to enroll and enjoy the course.

Instructors

Nancy Irlbeck
(970) 491-6274
Nancy.Irlbeck@colostate.edu

Nancy Irlbeck, Ph.D., is the Associate Dean of Academic Programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University and serves as a nutrition consultant to the Denver Zoo.