components of feeds and forages.docx

Components of feeds and forages: **Carbohydrates (CHO)** - Function: Source of energy. - Consists of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen. - Major component of plant dry matter (approx. 75%). - Concentrates predominantly consist of CHO. - Soluble (non-structural): Broken down by GIT enzymes...

Components of feeds and forages: **Carbohydrates (CHO)** - Function: Source of energy. - Consists of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen. - Major component of plant dry matter (approx. 75%). - Concentrates predominantly consist of CHO. - Soluble (non-structural): Broken down by GIT enzymes (e.g., glucose, fructose). - Insoluble (structural): Resistant to GIT enzymes (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose). - Lignin: Completely indigestible, reduces digestibility of other components. **Types of Carbohydrates:** 1. **Monosaccharides**: Simple sugars. 2. **Disaccharides**: Two linked monosaccharides. 3. **Trisaccharides**: Three linked monosaccharides. 4. **Polysaccharides**: Many linked monosaccharides (e.g., starch). **Energy** - Derived mainly from carbohydrates and fats. - Essential for metabolic processes and growth. **Fat and Energy in the Diet:** - Triglycerides: Composed of glycerol and three fatty acids. - Functions: Energy source, essential fatty acids, vitamin absorption, cell membrane structure. - Digestion: Lipase breaks down fats in the small intestine; bile aids digestion. **Protein** - Consists of amino acids. - Essential and non-essential amino acids. - Functions: Growth, repair, metabolic processes, pH balance. **Metabolism and Measurement of Energy in Ruminants:** - **Digestible Energy (DE)**: Proportion of feed energy not in feces. - **Metabolizable Energy (ME)**: Energy not in urine and gases. - **Net Energy (NE)**: Energy lost as heat during metabolism (Heat Increment of Feeding). Understanding these components helps optimize animal diets for growth, health, and productivity, tailored to specific nutritional needs and digestive capabilities.