This course aimed to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the carbohydrates in feeds in relation to nutrition and intestinal health of non-ruminant animals. Many lecturers were invited to share on their expertise with diverse aspects of related to carbohydrates such as composition in feedstuff, digestion and absorption and gut health.

Here's a breakdown of the topics covered by the lecturers:

• Professor Knud Erik Bach Knudsen discussed about definitions and characterization of carbohydrates, wet chemical methods to analyze carbohydrates, composition in carbohydrates of cereals and legumes and quantitative aspects of carbohydrates digestion and absorption.
• Professor Han H. Stein from the University of Illinois shared about digestion, absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates and the use of animal models to study digestion.
• Helle N. Lærke, core researcher in the PIG-PARADIGM Nutrition Pillar and Senior Researcher in the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Aarhus University, talked about the use of animal and in vitro models, wet chemistry methods to analyze carbohydrates and viscosity measurement.
• PIG-PARADIGM Postdoc Élisabeth Chassé from Aarhus University discussed carbohydrates content in novel feedstuffs and the use of animal and in vitro models to study digestion.
• Researcher Samantha Joan Noel from Aarhus University talked about non-destructive methods for analysis of carbohydrates using near infrared spectroscopy and gave a demonstration of the analysis.
• Professor Birger Svihus from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences gave a talk about feed processing and how it can affect the properties and digestibility of carbohydrates.
• Nuria Canibe, Research Theme Lead in the PIG-PARADIGM Nutrition Pillar and a Senior Researcher in the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Aarhus University, shared the influence of carbohydrates and feed processing on microbial ecology and gut health.
• Postdoc Mihai-Victor Curtasu from Aarhus University discussed about metabolomics as a tool in carbohydrates metabolism.

In addition to the lectures, the course incorporated hands-on activities in the lab to learn about analyses related to carbohydrates (sugars, starch, non-starch polysaccharides and water-binding capacity). These activities allowed the students to develop lab skills and to practice calculation for results.

As most of the students were from abroad, the course included cultural excursions to explore Denmark and its popular landmarks, including Skagen, Rubjerg Knude Fyr, and Blokkhus during the weekend. Another tour to Hamlet Protein was also organized to gain insights into research and product development in the industry sector. Finally, a social dinner in Aarhus provided a platform for networking and socializing among participants.