Chapter 5.1 Vet Science

Essential Nutrients

Nutrients that cannot be synthesized in the body and are crucial for diet and nutrition.

Non-essential Nutrients

Nutrients that can be synthesized in the body and do not need to be part of the diet.

Proteins

Nutrients essential for normal growth, development, maintenance, and milk production, breaking down into amino acids in the stomach for necessary body functions.

Carbohydrates

Include nitrogen-free extract like grains, easily digestible sugars and starches, major components of feed concentrates, can be mixed with less nutrient-dense components for a balanced diet.

Crude Fiber

Indigestible high fiber materials like cellulose found in grasses, legumes, and grain plants, providing energy for growth, milk production, and reproduction.

Fats and Oils

Nutrients derived from plants and animals, providing twice the energy of carbohydrates.

Macro-minerals

Essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chloride needed for various life processes including bone development, chemical regulation, nervous system function, reproduction, and blood building.

Micro-minerals

Essential minerals like iron, copper, zinc, manganese, iodine, cobalt, selenium, and fluoride needed for various life processes.

Vitamins

Essential for normal growth, development, and maintenance of the animal body, aiding in reproductive and lactation processes.

Fat-soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, K that are stored in the body.

Water-soluble Vitamins

Vitamins B, C that must be synthesized or regularly consumed.

Water

Essential for life and bodily functions, with animals requiring 1.5 quarts of water for each pound of solid feed eaten, influenced by temperature, exertion, and lactation.