Classify animal feeds. Objective 7.01

Nutrients General Information Nutrient- chemical element or compound that aids in the support of life. Ration- the amount and kind of feed given to animal on a daily basis. Roughages- feeds that contain higher fiber such as hay, pasture grasses and silage. Concentrates- feeds that contain less fiber such as grains, plant and animal proteins and processed by-products.

Nutrients General Information Some livestock producers feed commercially prepared feeds sold in bags while larger scale producers will mix their own ration. A ration should fit the amounts and kinds of nutrients an animal needs based on the status or function of the animal. Common Functions of a Ration Maintenance- basic nutrient requirements to keep vital body processes functioning. All animals need maintenance requirements met, before other functions will work. Growth- increasing the size of bones, muscles, organs and connective tissue. Production- milk, eggs, wool, etc. Reproduction- gestations, parturition and lactation. Fattening- storage of nutrients not used for other functions. Work- most livestock animals do not work, but police dogs, ranch horses, etc. would fall into this classification.

Groups of Nutrients Carbohydrates- main energy nutrients made up of sugars, starches, cellulose and gums, found in the largest quantities in livestock feed, chemically composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Fats and Oils- 2.25 times the energy value of carbohydrates, at body temperature, fats are solid and oils are liquid. They carry the fat-soluble vitamins. Extra carbohydrates are stored as fat. Fat is composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Proteins- organic compounds made up of amino acids and contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sometimes sulfur, phosphorus and iron. Vitamins- trace organic compounds, all contain carbon. Minerals- inorganic materials or compounds needed in small amounts. Contain no carbon. Water- makes up 40%-80% of an animal’s body.

Functions & Sources of Nutrients Carbohydrates- provide energy. Common carbohydrate sources include cereal grains such as corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley and sorghum. Corn is most commonly grown grain in the United States. Fats and Oils- furnish 2-25 times the energy value of carbohydrates and carry fat- soluble vitamins. Often provided by the grains and protein concentrates fed to the animal. Animals that are lactating or in a fattening status would need additional fat added to their diet.

Functions & Sources of Nutrients Proteins- supply material to build body tissues such as muscles, skin and hair. Sources of Proteins Plant Sources- included soybean meal, cottonseed meal and alfalfa meal. Animal Sources- include meat meal, fish meal, dried milk and synthetic nitrogen source of urea. Vitamins- help regulate many body functions and are designated by letters such as A, B-complex, D, E, K. Most vitamins are provided through feed ingredients. Pre-mixes can be added to feed to balance vitamin amounts based on specific needs of the animal.

Functions & Sources of Nutrients Minerals- provide material for growth of bones, teeth and body tissue and regulate many of the vital chemical body processes. Provided through most feed ingredients, but pre-mixes can be added to feed to balance mineral amounts based on specific needs of the animal. Water- helps dissolve other nutrients and carry them to different parts of the body and is a vital factor in nutrition. Water is considered by many as the most important nutrient. Usually supplied separate from other nutrients from water wells. Feed Supplements- livestock producers may also add products such as molasses to improve palatability (taste) and reduce feed dust.