Nutrition and Digestive Systems

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on Nutrition and Digestive Systems.

Nutrition

The process by which an animal receives a proper and balanced food and water ration to grow, maintain good body condition, reproduce, and supply or produce expected elements.

Nutrient

A single food or group of foods of the same general chemical composition that supports animal life.

Carbohydrates

Nutrients made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that provide energy for bodily functions.

Proteins

Complex nutrients made up of amino acids that develop and repair body organs and tissues.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins; 25 are found in animal feed with 10-11 being essential.

Fats

Nutrients that provide energy and aid in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, containing more energy than carbohydrates.

Vitamins

Organic substances needed in small amounts for specific biochemical reactions but do not build tissue.

Minerals

Inorganic elements crucial for biochemical processes; can be classified as macrominerals or microminerals.

Water

The most important nutrient that supports biological functions, helps regulate body temperature, and carries waste from the body.

Digestive System

The system responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, consisting of various organs.

Ruminants

Animals with multi-chambered stomachs that can efficiently digest fibrous plant material.

Non-Ruminants

Animals with a single compartment stomach that primarily digest simpler, easily digestible foods.

Pseudo-Ruminants

Animals that have a specialized digestive system to digest roughage but are not true ruminants, such as horses.

Gallbladder

An organ that secretes bile into the small intestine to help break down fats.

Pancreas

An organ that secretes enzymes into the small intestine to further break down food.

Cloaca

A common chamber for the digestive, urinary, and reproductive tracts in birds.