Animal Nutrition: Key Concepts, Metabolism, and Digestive Systems

What is the study of nutrition in animals focused on?

It focuses on what an animal needs to eat, what it is fed, and what the animal does with its feed.

Name three factors that affect animal nutrition.

Photoperiod, stress, and water intake.

What is metabolism in the context of animal nutrition?

Metabolism is the sum of physical and chemical processes that produce and maintain living substances (anabolism) and transform energy for use by the organism (catabolism).

Define anabolism.

Anabolism is the building up of a chemical compound from its elements or other suitable starting materials.

Define catabolism.

Catabolism is a destructive metabolic process where organisms convert substances into excreted compounds.

What are the six main types of nutrients?

Water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Why is water considered the most important nutrient?

It is the cheapest, most abundant nutrient, essential for various bodily functions and hydration.

How much water do horses typically drink per day?

Horses drink about 8-10 gallons per day.

What are the signs of water deficiency in animals?

Decreased feed intake, physical activity, dry membranes, and signs of dehydration.

What are the two main types of carbohydrates?

Simple carbohydrates (sugars) and complex carbohydrates (starch, cellulose).

What is the primary energy source in most feedstuffs?

Carbohydrates are the main energy source.

What is the role of lipids in animal nutrition?

Lipids help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and provide energy.

What is the energy value of fats compared to carbohydrates and proteins?

Fats provide 9.0 kcal/g, which is 2.25 times greater than carbohydrates and proteins, both of which provide 4.0 kcal/g.

What are essential amino acids?

Essential amino acids are amino acids that must be obtained through the diet because the body cannot synthesize them.

List three essential amino acids.

Phenylalanine, valine, and threonine.

What are the signs of protein deficiency in animals?

Reduced growth, weight loss, and rough, coarse hair.

What are vitamins and why are they important?

Vitamins are organic nutrients essential in very small quantities for various bodily functions.

Name two fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamins A and D.

What are macrominerals?

Macrominerals are minerals needed in larger quantities, such as sodium, calcium, and potassium.

What is proximate analysis in animal nutrition?

Proximate analysis estimates the value of a feed by separating its components into fractions.

What does the van Soest Fiber Analysis Procedure measure?

It measures the fiber content of feed, differentiating between easily digestible and fibrous residues.

What is the National Research Council (NRC) classification of feeds?

It classifies feeds into forages/roughages, energy feeds, protein supplements, mineral supplements, vitamin supplements, and non-nutritive additives.

What is the importance of maintaining a proper Ca:P ratio in animal diets?

A proper calcium to phosphorus ratio is essential for bone health and muscle function.

What can increase the need for sodium, chloride, and potassium in animals?

Sweating increases the need for these minerals.

What is the role of fiber in animal nutrition?

Fiber helps maintain gut health and aids in digestion.

What is a common source of protein in animal diets?

Soybean meal and alfalfa are common protein sources.

What is the primary function of fiber in animal diets?

Fiber can be lower or higher depending on the type of feed, affecting digestion and nutrient absorption.

What is the energy content in concentrates compared to forages?

Concentrates have higher energy content, while forages have lower energy content.

What is the protein level in concentrates?

Protein level in concentrates is generally low, ranging from 8 to 10%.

What are some examples of forages?

Examples of forages include legume or grass hay, wheat straw, corn cobs, and rice hulls.

What is the process of silage production?

Silage is produced by harvesting a forage crop at high moisture content (> 50%) and fermenting it in anaerobic conditions.

What is the role of Lactobacilli bacteria in ensiling?

Lactobacilli bacteria are inoculated to aid in the fermentation process during ensiling.

What are byproducts in animal nutrition?

Byproducts are edible waste products from feed milling plants and breweries, such as corn gluten feed and brewer's grains.

What is the importance of ATP in animal cells?

ATP provides energy for proper function in various cells, including neurons, muscle cells, and liver cells.

What are the main steps in the conversion of feed to ATP?

The main steps are digestion of feed, absorption of nutrients, and metabolism of nutrients.

What is the process of digestion?

Digestion is the conversion of food into soluble and diffusible products capable of being absorbed.

What is the function of the mouth in digestion?

The mouth is responsible for selection, chewing, salivation, and swallowing of food.

What is the difference between pre-gastric and post-gastric fermentation?

Pre-gastric fermentation occurs in the reticulorumen of ruminants, while post-gastric fermentation occurs in the cecum and colon of monogastric herbivores.

What are volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and their significance?

VFAs are produced from the fermentation of carbohydrates and are used by bacteria for energy.

What is the role of the stomach in monogastric animals?

The stomach performs physical, chemical, and enzymatic digestion, storing feed and forming chyme.

What is the primary site of digestion and absorption in monogastrics?

The small intestine, which includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

What is the function of the large intestine in monogastrics?

The large intestine is responsible for water absorption and fiber fermentation.

What is the significance of microbial fermentation in hindgut fermenters?

Microbial fermentation in hindgut fermenters produces VFAs, B-vitamins, and gas, aiding in nutrient absorption.

What are the main types of diets based on gastrointestinal anatomy?

Types of diets include those for ruminants, monogastrics, and hindgut fermenters, each adapted to maximize digestion and absorption.

What is the role of teeth in the digestive process?

Teeth are used for selection and chewing, with incisors shearing forage and molars grinding food.

What is the difference between ruminants and monogastrics in terms of stomach structure?

Ruminants have a complex stomach with four compartments, while monogastrics have a simple stomach with one compartment.

What are the main functions of the cecum in hindgut fermenters?

The cecum is involved in microbial fermentation and absorption of nutrients, particularly from fiber.

What are the primary functions of the colon?

Water absorption and formation of fecal balls.

How long is the colon in horses and how much does it hold?

10 ft long and holds 5 gallons.

What is the length of the rectum and its function?

1 ft in length; serves as a storage reservoir for feces.

Where does protein digestion occur in monogastrics?

In the stomach and small intestine (SI).

What is the role of the cecum in monogastrics?

Site of complex carbohydrate fermentation.

What is rumination?

The regurgitation of ingesta from the reticulum for mechanical breakdown and increased surface area for fermentation.

What is the reticulorumen?

The combined structure of the rumen and reticulum in ruminants.

What is Hardware Disease in ruminants?

A condition caused by heavy objects puncturing the GI wall, often prevented by using magnets.

What is the function of the omasum in ruminants?

Water absorption and mineral dissolution.

What are the two main functions of the pancreas?

Endocrine function (secreting insulin and glucagon) and exocrine function (secreting digestive enzymes).

What does the gall bladder do?

Stores and concentrates bile for digestion; absent in horses.

What is the maintenance energy requirement?

The amount of energy needed to maintain an animal in zero energy balance.

What indicates a positive nutrient balance?

Nutrients used are less than nutrients consumed, leading to growth or production.

What are the effects of poor nutrition on female reproduction?

Can prevent cycling, decrease egg ovulation, and increase embryonic mortality.

What are the nutritional requirements during early gestation?

Focus on embryo development and maintenance, with nutrients prioritized for the fetus.

What is the significance of late gestation nutrition?

Energy requirements increase significantly as fetal development is prioritized.

What are the nutritional needs during lactation?

High protein, minerals, vitamins, and energy requirements, especially in the first half.

What is creep feeding?

A method to provide young animals with a special diet to promote faster growth and ease weaning stress.

What are the signs of a geriatric animal?

Weight loss, abnormal dentition, severe arthritis, and organ dysfunction.

What dietary adjustments are recommended for geriatric animals?

Easily chewable and digestible diets, often higher in fiber and quality ingredients.

What types of stress can affect animals?

Transport, breeding, handling, weaning, weather, and health-related stress.

What is PSE meat?

Pale, soft, exudative meat resulting from rapid lactate production and low blood pH.

What are the consequences of stress on beef production?

Enlarged glands, dark firm dry meat, and reduced immune function.

What are some developmental orthopedic diseases (DOD) in young animals?

Contracted tendons, wobblers syndrome, angular limb deformities, and osteochondrosis.

What is the role of water in animal nutrition?

Essential for maintaining hydration, especially during exercise, and for electrolyte balance.

What factors influence nutrient requirements in animals?

Maintenance, production, lactation, pregnancy, growth, and exercise.

What is the importance of protein in lactation?

High protein is necessary for milk production, particularly in the early lactation phase.

What is the impact of obesity on male reproduction?

Can lead to lethargy, reduced libido, and decreased fertility.

What are the signs of stress in animals?

Alarm response, resistance/adaptation, and fatigue.