This course offers a comprehensive exploration of dairy cow health and nutrition, focusing on physiological changes around calving and their impact on nutrient needs. Students will learn about production diseases, major metabolic changes, and key biomarkers of health and disease. The course addresses common health problems in dairy cows and the role of biomarkers in diagnosis and management. A systems approach to nutritional management is emphasized, exploring how genetics, cellular networks, and dietary components influence cow health and productivity. Expert instructors will guide learners through practical applications to optimize dairy cow health and production
Dairy Nutrition & Health: Analyzing Cow Wellness
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Understand the physiological changes around calving and their impact on dairy cow health and nutrient needs.
Identify key biomarkers of health and disease and their roles in metabolism, immune function, and liver function.
Diagnose and manage common health problems in dairy cows using metabolic and immune biomarkers.
Apply a systems approach to nutritional management for optimal cow health and productivity.
Details to know
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Recently updated!
February 2025
Assessments
6 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 4 modules in this course
In the course orientation, you'll get to know the course, your classmates, and our learning environment, and gain the technical skills needed. Then, learn about the significant changes in dairy cows around birth and their nutritional needs. We'll discuss homeostasis, homeorhesis, and the importance of good nutrition during this period. By the end of this module, you'll be able to identify these changes and manage cow nutrition effectively.
What's included
14 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, you will look at common diseases that affect dairy cows and how to diagnose them. You will learn about tests that measure substances in the blood to find out if a cow is sick. We will also talk about the role of calcium and other minerals in keeping cows healthy, especially around the time they give birth. By the end of this week, you will be able to recognize key terms related to these diseases and understand how to use blood tests to diagnose them.
What's included
9 videos1 reading1 assignment
In this module, you will study common health problems that dairy cows face after giving birth. You will learn about issues like mastitis, lameness, and ketosis, and understand what causes them. We will also cover how to prevent and manage these problems through good nutrition and care practices. By the end of this week, you will be able to identify these health problems and know how to help prevent and manage them.
What's included
13 videos1 reading1 assignment
In this module, you will be introduced to the concepts of systems biology and nutrigenomics. You will learn how scientists use computer tools to study the nutrition and health of dairy cows. We will also explore how nutrients can affect the genes of cows and impact their health and milk production. By the end of this week, you will understand these key concepts and how they can be applied to improve dairy cow nutrition and health. At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!
What's included
13 videos4 readings2 assignments
Instructor
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Frequently asked questions
Yes! Although completion of the Coursera course alone is not credit-bearing, it is a required component of a graduate-level Canvas course that can be "stacked" toward advanced credentials such as an academic (transcriptable) graduate certificate or a degree. If you decide to pursue further education, the credits you earn from this course can be applied toward a formal academic program, provided that you meet all the requirements of admission to the certificate or degree.
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.