Animal Nutrition & Feeding : Introduction PDF

Animal Nutrition & Feeding  Nutrition Branch of Biology Science and practice of feeding animals Process by which animals ingest, digest, absorb, and use the nutrients in feed for maintenance, growth, work, and reproduction  Nutrition Proper a...

Animal Nutrition & Feeding  Nutrition Branch of Biology Science and practice of feeding animals Process by which animals ingest, digest, absorb, and use the nutrients in feed for maintenance, growth, work, and reproduction  Nutrition Proper animal nutrition 1. Good health 2. Increases productivity 3. Increases feed efficiency 4. Well-being  A Nutrient is: A substance that is necessary for an organism to live and grow Nutrients make it possible for animals to carry out life processes Nutrients are provided to animals through? 1. Feed & Water  Where do farm animals get their nutrients from? Plants: grasses, forage crops & legumes Plant products & by-products: grains (corn, rice, wheat), rice bran, wheat middlings, copra meal, soybean meal Animal Products: Bone meal, fish meal, meat meal, shrimp meal, milk  Nutrient Needs of Animals Six essential nutrients 1. Water 2. Carbohydrates 3. Fats 4. Proteins 5. Minerals 6. Vitamins  Water Necessary for an animal to live An animal can live longer without food than water Largest component of nearly all living things Water makes up 50 – 75% of the weight of an animal’s body  Water Basic functions of water 1. Transports nutrients throughout the body 2. Aids in digestion 3. Removes wastes 4. Helps maintain body temperature 5. Is required for milk production  Carbohydrates Carbohydrates – Are energy producing nutrients C6H12O6 (Glucose) Should make up at least 75% of an animal’s diet Animals need energy for: Metabolic activity Physical work Production of meat, eggs, and milk Types and Sources of Carbohydrates Types Monosaccharides: simple sugars (Glucose, Fructose, Galactose) Disaccharides: (Maltose, Sucrose, Lactose) Polysaccharides: (Starch, cellulose, hemi-cellulose, lignin) Sources Plants: pasture grasses, plant products, plant by-products (root crops, fruits, seeds, grains, rice bran, wheat bran)  Energy Deficiency Energy deficiency, which can include a lack of carbohydrates, is the most common nutritional deficiency that limits the performance of grazing animals Feed may be inadequate due to overgrazing, drought, poor quality or digestibility, or cost. Sometimes forage may have too much water thereby limiting energy intake  Energy deficiencies result in: Retarded growth in young animals and delay in the onset of puberty Shortened lactation in milking animals and decline in milk production A marked loss in body weight (mature animals) especially during late pregnancy and early lactation Prolonged periods of anestrus (months) which has a marked effect on breeding and the breeding cycle Offspring may be born weak or undersized  Proteins – Are organic compounds made up of amino acids Contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen Animals need protein for: Building new cells and tissues (including muscles) Production of milk, wool, hairs, and feathers Body maintenance: repair and replacement of tissues Production of enzymes and hormones  Sources of Protein Plants: pasture legumes, field peas, soybean Animal products: Fish meal, bone meal, milk, meat meal, blood meal  Protein Deficiency Protein deficiency normally accompanies energy deficiencies. They are not as severe as energy deficiencies and take the form of: Reduced appetite in young animals Lowered feed intake Lack of muscle development Prolonged time to reach maturity Loss of weight and decreased milk production (mature animals)  Fats & Lipids – Are made up of fatty acids and glycerol Contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen Fats have 2.25 times more energy than carbohydrates Fats are used to supply energy and store energy Excess energy from carbohydrates is stored as fat This fat is stored under the skin, without the muscle tissues and under the abdominal cavity Sources: oilseed meals (copra, canola, linseed), vegetable oils, tallow, lard  Vitamins – Are organic compounds required in the diet in small quantities for healthy growth and development Groups of vitamins: Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamins A,D,E,K Water-soluble vitamins: Vitamins B and C  The role of vitamins in the diet and its deficiency Roles: Essential for proper utilization of proteins, fats, and carbs Clotting of blood Formation of bone Reproduction Lactation Prevention of certain nervous disorders  The role of vitamins in the diet and its deficiency Deficiency: Retarded growth Poor reproduction Skin ailments Hemorrhaging Diarrhea Night blindness Rough coat Muscular problems  Sources of vitamins Green pasture grasses and legumes Legume hays Silage Cereal grains Oil seeds Sunlight Injectable and packet vitamins  Minerals Promotes healthy growth and development 16 essential minerals that are divided into macro & micro minerals They all have specific roles in the animal’s body Calcium and phosphorus – strong teeth and bones Strong egg shells Prevent milk fever in dairy cattle  Sources of Minerals Green pasture grasses and forages Legumes including pasture legumes Cereal grains (e.g. corn, rice, sorghum) Mineral licks (salt licks/blocks) Fish meal, bone meal, shrimp meal Composition of the Animal Body  Composition of the Animal Body J.B. Lawes and J.H. Gilbert analyzed the bodies of farm animals and published it in 1859 Level of water and fat varies inversely! Composition of fat-free body:  Water: Protein: Ash = 19: 5: 1 (74-76% : 20-22% : 3-5%) Composition of fat and moisture-free body:  Protein: Ash = 80:20 Body composition of a moisture-free and fat-free body is practically constant  Water Water content of an animal’s body is variable and decreases as age increases For example,  A cattle embryo contains ~ 95% water  A newborn calf contains ~ 75 – 80% water  5 month old calf contains ~ 66 - 72% water  Mature animal contains ~ 50 – 70% water  Water The distribution of water within the body is not uniform Blood plasma contains 90 – 92% Heart, Kidneys, lungs – 80% Muscles – 75% Bones – 45% Teeth enamel – 5% Water content on animal body depends on nutritional status of animal  Protein Protein along with some inorganic elements is responsible for the structure of an animal’s body Major constituent of dry matter in muscles and other body organs Muscles contain almost 75 – 80% protein Protein is also present in hair, nails, feathers, hooves, skin, wool, tendons and bones  Fat Fat is the most variable of all body components Fat content of an animal’s body increases with age Usually found in adipose tissues which are found under the skin, around the kidney, intestines, and other body organs.  Carbohydrates Only about 1% of the total animal body It is constantly formed and broken down and serves a multitude of functions Usually present as glucose or glycogen in the muscles and liver  Inorganic Elements Calcium and Phosphorus are the minerals that occur in the largest amounts in the body and is almost entirely present in teeth and bones Phosphorus is also present in association with protein, fats, and other inorganic salts. Ca and P are the major inorganic components of the body and represents 70% of body ash Na, K, and Cl are present in the inorganic form in various fluids. Other minerals form components of tissues, fluids, and enzymes  Inorganic Elements Calcium and Phosphorus are the minerals that occur in the largest amounts in the body and is almost entirely present in teeth and bones Phosphorus is also present in association with protein, fats, and other inorganic salts. Ca and P are the major inorganic components of the body and represents 70% of body ash Na, K, and Cl are present in the inorganic form in various fluids. Other minerals form components of tissues, fluids, and enzymes Thank You!