Intro to Animal Nutrition Mrs. Chotkowski Jr. / Sr. Veterinary Science

Nutrients Elements or chemicals that support the life processes of animals in all stages Water Carbohydrates Proteins Fats Vitamins Minerals

Carbohydrates Provide ENERGY!!!!!! (For ALL life functions, and muscle movement) Sugars: easily digested Fiber: less easily digested, source is plant material (cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose) Extra carbs are converted and stored as body fat Sources: hay, grain…

Fats (Lipids) Provide ENERGY! (2.25 times the energy of carbohydrates) Also carry certain vitamins Sources in diet: oils, waxes, fatty supplements Shiny coat, healthy nervous system etc. Much safer source of energy for horses

Proteins Building blocks of all body tissues, inc. muscle, hair, hooves, feathers, etc. Comprised of amino acids Essential amino acids: must be obtained in diet Non-Essential amino acids: can by synthesized by the body

Proteins In dogs : Unfortunately the most easily digestible grain fed to them is corn. Dogs, however are carnivores. Most important amino acid for dogs is: Linoleic Acid, feed safflower or flaxseed oil. In cats, the most important amino acid is: Arginine

Proteins, con’t CP: Crude Protein, total amount of protein in a feed. Usual measurement on feed labels DP: Digestible Protein, part of crude protein in total diet that can be used by the animal.

Minerals Inorganic elements that are used by the body: materials for skeleton & teeth, & regulatory function of enzymes, hormones, nervous & muscle activity Macro-Minerals: need larger amounts Ca, P, Na, K, Cl, Mg, S Micro-Minerals : need trace amounts Fe, I, Cu, Co, Fl, Mn, Zn, Mo, Se, Cr Chelated minerals: Hidden inside amino acids – organic – easily used.

Functions of certain minerals Ca & P: bone and teeth formation Na & Cl: cell concentration of body fluids Cu: absorption of dietary iron Iron: contains hemoglobin in RBC’s; deficiency causes anemia Iodine:formation of hormones; deficiency causes goiter Selenium: cell function & use of Vitamin E

Vitamins Regulate body functions & development of vision & body tissues, and immunity. Fat-Soluble Vitamins: A, D, E, K. Water-Soluble Vitamins: Vitamin C & all the B vitamins

Functions of Certain Vitamins A: good vision, immunity, growth D: Bone growth, use of Ca & P E: healthy muscle tissue (Lack causes White Muscle Disease K: blood clotting B’s: Co-factors for body functions, do not need to be supplemented in ruminants & horses (usually) C: promote growth, immunity, reproduction, nervous system

Water Transports nutrients and wastes Plays a role in all biochemical reactions Regulates body temperature Approx. 90% of body weight is water Factors that affect intake: Age, performance level, external temp.

Water, con’t Effects of poor intake: Less feed intake, reduced performance, dehydration, digestive disorder, death! Sources: Drinking water In Feed From body metabolism

Feed Energy Gross Energy: total amount of energy in a feed Net Energy: energy avail. for maintenance & production Measuring Energy: Calorie/Kcal TDN: Total Digestible Nutrients, measures food energy in terms of % and pounds, Now use DE or digestible energy.

Feed Energy In horses, the three key factors to consider on a horse feed label are: Protein, fat and fiber

Life Stages Maintenance: part of diet needed to live! Basic metabolism. Growth: Needs increase for all nutrients! Especially for protein & energy! Reproduction: Increased dietary needs Performance/Production: Greater needs Aged: less needs for certain nutrients, needs more careful observation & care

Value of a Feed Availability Suitability Quality Palatability

Feed classes Roughages: hay, pasture, silage Concentrates: grains, molasses (energy); animal, marine, plants (protein) Supplements: vitamins & minerals Non-nutritive products: preservatives, antibiotics, hormones, flavors, coloring

Feed Questions What is an extruded feed? What are two methods for measuring feed? What are meat by products? What is the difference between “chicken” and ”chicken meal”

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