1. Animal Nutrition 7.01

2. 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.

3. Nutrients General Information  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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Common Functions of a Ration  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.

7. Groups of Nutrients

8.  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.

9.  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.

10.  Proteins- organic compounds made up of amino acids and contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sometimes sulfur, phosphorus and iron.

11.  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.

12. Functions & Sources of Nutrients

13.  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.

14.  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.

15.  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.

16.  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.

17.  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.

18.  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.

19.  Feed Supplements- livestock producers may also add products such as molasses to improve palatability (taste) and reduce feed dust.