1. The Ruminant Digestive System
Small intestine
Rectum
Cecum
Rumen
Esophagus
Reticulum
Omasum
Colon
Abomasum
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2. The Non-Ruminant Digestive System
Rectum
Colon
Stomach
Esophagus
Small intestine
Cecum
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3. The Cecal Fermenter Digestive System
Rectum
Small intestine
Esophagus
Stomach
Cecum
Colon
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4. Small Animal Nutrition TM
The Digestive Process
Mechanical digestion – begins in the mouth where food is chewed and broken down into smaller pieces
Peristalsis – a muscular contraction that causes food to move through the digestive tract
Chemical digestion – enzymes and acids reduce food particle size and change particles into forms that can be used by the animal
Absorption – nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream through the intestinal villi
Metabolism – nutrients are removed from the bloodstream and used by the body organs for things like bone and hair growth, maintaining body temperature, etc.
Small Animal Nutrition TM

5. Major Nutrients’ Functions
Protein- Development and repair of body organs and tissues. Production of wool, milk,eggs. Fetal development. Production of hormones and enzymes. Antibody development. Transmission of DNA.
Carbohydrates- Support bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and exercise. Help maintain body temperature. Store fat.
Lipids- Enhance palatability and caloric value of feed. Provide energy. Provide fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Aid in absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Help maintain body temperature. Provide essential materials for hormone secretion.
Small Animal Nutrition TM

6. Major Nutrients’ Functions cont.
Water- Support biochemical reactions (respiration, digestion, conversion of food to absorbable components). Transport of nutrients. Help maintain body temperature. Helps give the body its form. Carries waste form the body.
Vitamins- Regulate digestion, absorption, metabolism, gland activity, and cell formation. Necessary for normal vision. Fights diseases. Develop a healthy nervous system.
Minerals- Furnish structural material for teeth and bones. Aid in building body tissue, digestion, muscle activity, and transmission of messages through the nervous system. Part of hormones.
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7. Small Animal Nutrition TM
Marketing Concepts
Nutritional value – markets food based on specific nutritional content of the food.
All purpose – based on the concept that one food is adequate for all stages of the pet’s life.
Price – uses “low price” concept or “more for your money”. Price can be very misleading.
Palatability – markets based on how the food tastes to the pet
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8. Cost per Feeding Analysis
·      Determines cost per day and per year
·      Compares pet foods for economical value (which one gives you more for your money)
The most economical pet food may be the more expensive one!
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9. Small Animal Nutrition TM
What is Dry Matter
Dry matter = nutrient content of a food after all water has been removed
When comparing a wet food to a dry food is necessary to first determine the dry matter content. This gives a more accurate nutritional comparison.
Dry matter = 100% - moisture
I.e. A canned food with 70% moisture has 30% dry matter
100% - 70% = 30% dry matter
Small Animal Nutrition TM

10. Calculating MER Maintenance Energy Requirements
MER is the amount of energy needed by an animal to keep it in good health. It varies with age, activity level, production, reproduction, and environmental conditions.
MER is measured in kilocalories per day (Kcal/day)
Small Animal Nutrition TM