Lecture 16: Animal Nutrition - Introduction to Practical Nutrition and Ration Formulation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to animal nutrition, ration formulation, and nutrient requirements for various animal species.

What is a Least Cost Ration?

A diet that meets the animal’s needs at the cheapest price.

What are Nutrient Requirements?

The essential nutrients necessary for the maintenance, growth, reproduction, and health of an animal.

What does Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) refer to?

A traditional method to express energy that does not account for energy losses in urine, methane, and heat.

What is Digestible Energy (DE)?

The amount of energy that is digestible and usable by an animal, particularly for equines.

What is Metabolizable Energy (ME)?

Energy available to an animal after accounting for energy losses through urine and methane, commonly used for pigs and poultry.

What is Net Energy (NE)?

The amount of energy available for maintenance and production, calculated as metabolizable energy minus heat increment.

What is Degradable Intake Protein (DIP)?

The fraction of dietary protein that is broken down by rumen microbes.

What is Undegradable Intake Protein (UIP)?

The fraction of dietary protein that is not degraded by rumen microbes and is absorbed in the small intestine.

What is Ration Formulation?

The process of creating a diet that meets all of an animal's nutrient requirements.

What is the National Research Council (NRC)?

An organization that publishes guidelines for nutrient requirements and feed composition every 7 to 10 years.

What are Energy Units in animal feeds?

Different measurements of energy needs and supplies in animal feeds.

Why is the Least Cost Ration important?

It covers 40 to 50% of production costs and is vital for efficient livestock operations.

What are some challenges in Ration Balancing?

Difficulty in balancing nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, in animal diets.