Lecture Notes on Animal Nutrition and Physiology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to animal nutrition and physiology, including digestive processes, reproductive terms, and anatomical features.

What are volatile fatty acids (VFAs) used for in ruminants?

VFAs provide energy to the animal.

What are the primary VFAs and their respective carbon counts?

Acetate (2c), Propionate (3c), Butyrate (4c).

What distinguishes true ruminants from pseudo ruminants?

True ruminants have 4 compartments and chew cud, while pseudo ruminants have 3 compartments and partial cud.

What is the main difference between ruminants and non-ruminants?

Ruminants have multiple stomachs and ferment food before digestion; non-ruminants have one stomach.

List the gestation period for cattle.

Cattle have a gestation period of 283 days.

What is the term for the birth of a goat?

Kidding.

What is the purpose of feed efficiency?

To measure how well an animal converts feed into body weight.

Define digestibility in the context of animal nutrition.

Digestibility refers to how much of the feed is absorbed and utilized by the animal.

What is the function of the rumen in ruminants?

The rumen acts as a fermentation chamber.

What is the main absorption site for all animals?

The small intestine.

What is the role of amylase in digestion?

Amylase breaks down carbohydrates.

What is the definition of prehension in animal feeding?

Prehension is the act of grabbing food.

What is the end product of carbohydrates during digestion?

Monosaccharides, mainly glucose.

What is the role of the pancreas in digestion?

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes.

What distinguishes foregut fermenters from hindgut fermenters?

Foregut fermenters (like sheep and cows) ferment food before it enters the true stomach, while hindgut fermenters (like horses and rabbits) ferment afterward.

What are the components of the digestive system in order?

Mouth, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, large intestine, rectum, anus.