Animal Nutrition and Feed Evaluation Terminology

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to animal nutrition and feed evaluation, covering key terms and definitions.

Dry Matter (DM)

The portion of feed that is not water; essential for evaluating feed quality.

Organic Matter (OM)

The component of the feed that includes all substances except minerals.

Crude Protein (CP)

The total protein content in the feed, measured as nitrogen x 6.25.

Ether Extract (EE)

Measure of the fat content in feed.

Non-Fibrous Carbohydrates (NFC)

A fraction of carbohydrates that includes sugars and starches.

Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF)

Includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin; indicates feed bulk.

Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF)

Composed of cellulose and lignin; implies digestibility of feed.

Metabolizable Energy (ME)

The energy available for maintenance, growth, reproduction, and lactation.

Net Energy (NE)

The energy available for maintenance and production after heat loss.

Minerals

Inorganic elements needed in small amounts for various physiological functions.

Micro-minerals

Trace minerals required in minute quantities for specific biological functions.

Macrominerals

Minerals needed in larger amounts, such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Phytic Acid

The principal storage form of phosphorus in many plants; often unavailable to nonruminants.

Ruminants

Animals that have a multi-chambered stomach, allowing for fermentation of plant-based foods.

Concentrates

Feed with high energy density, low fiber content; often grains or mixed feeds.

Roughage

High fiber feed; includes hay, silage, and pasture.

Ferulic Acid

A component found in plant cell walls that is important for fiber digestibility.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain one or more double bonds in their carbon chain, essential for health.