Nutrition: Nutrients and Intro

body condition score

ribs, waist, tummy

visual evaluation and palpation

important for pregnancy rates, postpartum interval, maternal immunity, health implications and nutritional needs

muscle condition score

head, scapula, vertebrae, pelvis areas

nutritional assessment

screening evaluation - interview and physical exam

• animal specific factors

• diet specific factors

• feeding management/environmental factors

extended evaluation - if screen reveals factors of concern → additional diagnostics

animal specific factors

age, physiology (lactating, frowning, maintenance) (nutrient-sensitive disorders, intolerances, allergies)

management: select diet formulated to address disease-associated nutrient limitation

diet specific factors

safety, appropriateness (diet-induced disorders, imbalances, contamination)

management: feed diet appropriate for the animal

feeding management/environmental factors

frequency, timing, location/method (environment or feeding related disorders, over/under feeding)

management: effective communication with client

nutrients

compounds from foods and bacterial production in the gut that the body uses for normal functions to maintain life, growth, reproduction, and health

6 main nutrients

carbohydrates (primary energy source)

proteins (supply AAs for tissue growth/repair, energy)

fats absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, cell structure, cholesterol, energy, metabolic functions)

vitamins (organic compounds that aid in metabolism)

minerals (inorganic elements that are vital for various physiologic processes)

water (solvent for biochemical reactions, regulating body temp, nutrient transport)

essential nutrients

Nutrients that an animal must obtain from their diet

AAs: PVT TIM HALL

Fatty Acids: Linoleic acid (omega 6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3)

Vitamins: A, D, E, K, and B-complex

Minerals

• macrominerals - Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, S, Cl

• microminerals (trace) - Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, I

Water

PVT TIM HALL

• Phenylalanine

• Valine

• Threonine

• Typtophan

• Isoleucine

• Methionine

• Histidine

• Arginine

• Leucine

• Lysine

Non essential nutrients

Synthesized from other components of diet

non-essential AAs (alanina, glutamine, etc)

glucose

Vit D

factors affecting nutrient utilization

age (growth vs maintenance)

physiologic state (repro)

genetics

environment

anatomy (herbivores, omnivores, carnivores)

health status (immuno comprimised)

physical form of diet (whole vs processed)

nutrient requirement

quantity of an essential nutrient needed to be absorbed by an animal for a physiological state

establishing nutrient requirements

growth vs maintenance

one approach - determine minimal intake that prevents signs of deficiency

(apparent) digestibility

proportion of a nutrient that is broken down (digested) in the GI tract and absorbed into the bloodstream

measured by comparing the amount consumed vs excreted in the feces

bioavailability

proportion of a nutrient that after being digested/absorbed is available for utilization by the body

measurement takes into account absorption, distribution, metabolism, and any modifications it undergoes

minimal requirement (MR)

min concentration or amount of a bioavailable nutrient that supports a defined phys state

adequate intak

concentration in the diet or amount required by the animal of a nutrient that is presumed to sustain a given live stage when no MR has been demonstrated

recommended allowance

conc./amount of nutrient in a diet formulated to support a given phys state

safe upper limit

max conc./amount of a nutrient not associated with adverse effects

weight estimations

when you don’t have a scale for proper dosing of medications

mainly use length and heart girth

familiar with age/growth and approximate weights

cattle: W = (LxG²)/300 (length from point of the shoulder to pin bones)

swine: W = (LxG²)/400 (length from poll to base of tail)

equine: W = (LxG²)/330 (length from point of the shoulder to point of the rump)

• yearling - /301

• weanling - /280