Animal Nutrition

This set of flashcards includes key vocabulary and definitions related to animal nutrition, which are essential for understanding the subject matter.

Water

Essential nutrient for metabolism, body temperature regulation, and optimal productivity in animals.

Carbohydrates

Main storage form of photosynthetic energy; classified into structural (fiber) and non-structural (starch).

Lipids

Organic compounds soluble in organic solvents, high energy value (9.45 kcal/g), and serve as concentrated energy sources.

Proteins

Composed of amino acids; essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.

Vitamins

Organic compounds essential for various metabolic functions; classified into fat-soluble and water-soluble.

Minerals

Inorganic nutrients required for various physiological functions; divided into macro-minerals and micro-minerals.

Ad libitum

Refers to providing feed or water freely without restrictions.

Glucose

A simple sugar; primary energy source for cells.

Starch

A complex carbohydrate; major energy reserve in plants.

Cellulose

A structural carbohydrate that provides fiber; indigestible by amylase.

Amylase

An enzyme that digests carbohydrates, breaking down starch into sugars.

Volatile Fatty Acids

Short-chain fatty acids produced during fermentation; used as energy source by ruminants.

Fatty Acids

Building blocks of lipids; can be saturated or unsaturated.

Triglyceride

A lipid molecule composed of glycerol and three fatty acids; main form of fat storage in animals.

Gross Energy

Total energy content of food before any losses.

Digestible Energy

Energy available after accounting for losses in feces.

Metabolic Energy

Energy available for maintenance and production after urine and gas losses are subtracted.

Net Energy

Energy available for maintenance and production after all losses are accounted for.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins; some are essential and must be obtained through diet.

Macro-minerals

Minerals required in large amounts, expressed as percentage or grams per kg of feed.

Micro-minerals

Minerals required in smaller amounts, typically expressed as milligrams per kg of feed.