Animal Nutrition: Water and Carbohydrates

• There are six basic feed nutrients: water, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals
• These nutrients are essential for an animal's survival, growth, reproduction, and overall health
• Animals obtain these nutrients through their diet, and each nutrient plays a specific role in the body

Water

• Water is an essential nutrient involved in numerous physiological processes, including temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and waste elimination
• It is the most abundant component of an animal's body
• Animals obtain water from drinking, food, and metabolic processes
• Water aids in digestion, absorption, and excretion
• It helps maintain proper electrolyte balance
• Water serves as a solvent for various biochemical reactions
• Deficiency can lead to dehydration with signs of reduced performance, and in severe cases, death

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for animals and are composed of sugars, starches, and fiber
• They are broken down into glucose, which is used for energy production
• Sources include grains, forages, and fruits
• Simple carbohydrates (sugars) provide quick energy. Complex carbohydrates (starches and fibers) offer a more sustained energy release
• Fiber is important for digestive health, particularly in ruminants
• Excess carbohydrates can be stored as fat

Fats

• Fats (lipids) are a concentrated source of energy, providing more than twice the energy of carbohydrates per unit weight
• They are essential for hormone production, insulation, and protection of organs
• Fats aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K)
• Sources include oils, seeds, and animal fats
• Essential fatty acids (e.g., omega-3 and omega-6) must be obtained through the diet
• Deficiency can lead to poor growth, skin problems, and reproductive issues
• Excess fat intake can lead to obesity

Proteins

• Proteins are critical for building and repairing tissues, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies
• They are composed of amino acids, some of which are essential and must be supplied in the diet
• Sources include meat, milk, eggs, legumes, and oilseed meals
• Protein quality depends on the amino acid profile and digestibility
• Ruminants can synthesize some amino acids through microbial action in the rumen
• Deficiency can result in poor growth, muscle wasting, and impaired immune function
• Excessive protein intake can strain the kidneys and liver

Vitamins

• Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for various metabolic processes and overall health
• They are classified as either fat-soluble (A, D, E, and K) or water-soluble (B vitamins and vitamin C)
• Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body, while water-soluble vitamins are excreted more readily
• Sources include a variety of foods, and some vitamins can be synthesized by the animal or by rumen microbes
• Vitamin A supports vision, immune function, and cell growth
• Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health
• Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function
• Vitamin K is important for blood clotting
• B vitamins play a role in energy metabolism
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant and supports immune function
• Deficiency symptoms vary depending on the specific vitamin but can include poor growth, skin problems, and neurological issues
• Excessive supplementation can sometimes lead to toxicity, especially with fat-soluble vitamins

Minerals

• Minerals are inorganic substances needed for various physiological functions, including bone formation, enzyme activity, and electrolyte balance
• They are classified as macro-minerals (required in larger amounts) and micro-minerals (trace minerals, required in smaller amounts)
• Macro-minerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, and sulfur
• Micro-minerals include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, and cobalt
• Calcium and phosphorus are essential for bone and teeth formation
• Sodium, potassium, and chlorine are important for fluid balance and nerve function
• Magnesium is involved in enzyme activity and muscle function
• Sulfur is a component of certain amino acids and vitamins
• Iron is needed for oxygen transport in the blood
• Zinc is involved in enzyme activity, immune function, and wound healing
• Copper plays a role in enzyme activity and iron metabolism
• Manganese is important for enzyme activity and bone development
• Iodine is required for thyroid hormone synthesis
• Selenium acts as an antioxidant and is important for immune function
• Cobalt is a component of vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell formation
• Mineral deficiencies can lead to various health problems, including skeletal abnormalities, anemia, and impaired immune function
• Mineral toxicities can occur with excessive supplementation