Animal Nutrition PDF - Vitamins, Digestion, and Metabolism Guide

UNDERSTANDING ANIMAL NUTRITION Animal nutrition is the process by which animals obtain and utilize food to support various biological functions. It involves the intake, digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are...

UNDERSTANDING ANIMAL NUTRITION Animal nutrition is the process by which animals obtain and utilize food to support various biological functions. It involves the intake, digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for maintaining the health and functioning of the body. Importance Energy Nutrients, especially carbohydrates and fats, are broken down to release energy Production through processes like cellular respiration. This energy is essential for maintaining bodily functions such as movement, temperature regulation, and metabolic processes. Without sufficient energy, animals cannot survive or perform basic physiological activities. Growth and Proper nutrition provides the building blocks needed for tissue growth and cell Development development. Proteins, amino acids, and minerals like calcium are essential for muscle development, bone growth, and the formation of new cells. Without adequate nutrition, animals may experience stunted growth or developmental issues. Reproduction Reproductive success relies heavily on nutrition. Nutrients support hormone production, gamete formation, and embryo development. A balanced diet ensures that animals have the necessary energy and nutrients for healthy reproduction, leading to successful mating and offspring production. Immunity Adequate nutrition supports the immune system by providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect the body from infections and diseases. For instance, vitamin C and zinc play crucial roles in immune function. A malnourished animal is more vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Sustainability of Healthy animal populations rely on proper nutrition for survival, growth, and Ecosystems reproduction. When animals are well-nourished, they maintain balanced populations, which contribute to ecosystem stability. Over time, improper nutrition due to habitat destruction or resource depletion can affect animal populations and disrupt food webs, ultimately threatening ecosystem sustainability. What are essential nutrients (vitamins) in humans? 1. Carbohydrates – Carbohydrates are the body's primary energy source, providing quick fuel through glucose metabolism and storing excess as glycogen in the liver and muscles. They support brain function by aiding neurotransmitter synthesis and influence mood. Additionally, dietary fiber, a complex carbohydrate, promotes digestion and gut health. 2. Fats – Fats provide long-term energy storage, offering more energy per gram than carbohydrates while insulating the body and protecting organs. They are essential for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and play a key role in cell membrane structure and hormone production. Additionally, fats support brain health by supplying essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, crucial for cognitive function. 3. Proteins – Proteins are essential for building muscles, skin, hair, and connective tissues, providing strength and support. They act as enzymes to facilitate metabolic reactions and support the immune system by forming antibodies. Proteins also regulate bodily functions through hormones like insulin and serve as an energy source when carbohydrates and fats are lacking. 4. Essential Vitamins VITAMIN TYPE FUNCTION Essential for vision, immune function, skin health, and cellular 1. Vitamin A (Retinol) Fat-soluble growth. It is crucial for the formation of retinal, a component of the vision pigment rhodopsin. Helps in calcium and phosphorus absorption in the intestines, 2. Vitamin D Fat-soluble promoting bone and teeth health. It also aids in immune (Calciferol) system regulation and cell growth. Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative 3. Vitamin E Fat-soluble damage. It also supports immune function and helps in the (Tocopherol) formation of red blood cells. Essential for blood clotting, as it is involved in the synthesis 4. Vitamin Fat-soluble of proteins needed for coagulation. It also plays a role in K(Phylloquinone) bone health by regulating calcium. Vital for collagen synthesis, which supports skin, blood Water- 5. Vitamin C vessels, and bones. It also enhances immune function and soluble acts as an antioxidant. Necessary for energy metabolism, especially in the 6. Vitamin B1 Water- conversion of carbohydrates into energy. It also supports (Thiamine) soluble nerve and muscle function. Important for energy production, as it helps in the metabolism 7. Vitamin B2 Water- of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It also supports skin and (Riboflavin) soluble eye health. Plays a key role in energy metabolism, helping convert food Water- 8. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) into usable energy. It also supports skin health and the soluble nervous system. 9. Vitamin B5 Water- Involved in the synthesis of coenzyme A, essential for fatty (Pantothenic acid) soluble acid metabolism, energy production, and hormone synthesis. Essential for amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter 10. Vitamin B6 Water- synthesis, and red blood cell production. It also supports (Pyridoxine) soluble immune function. Important for the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids, and Water- 11. Vitamin B7 (Biotin) glucose. It also plays a role in maintaining healthy hair, skin, soluble and nails. Crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division, making it vital for Water- 12. Vitamin B9 (Folate) growth, reproduction, and tissue repair. It also helps in the soluble production of red blood cells. Key for the production of red blood cells, the functioning of 13. Vitamin B12 Water- the nervous system, and DNA synthesis. It is essential for (Cobalamin) soluble energy metabolism. Metabolism and the Digestive System Metabolism refers to the sum of all chemical reactions that occur in the body to provide energy. The digestive system plays a crucial role in metabolism by breaking down food into nutrients that can be used by the body for energy. It consists of two primary components: anabolism and catabolism. A. Anabolism is the process of synthesizing complex molecules from simpler compounds. It requires energy and is responsible for building and repairing cellular structures and tissues. Anabolic processes occur throughout the body and are essential for growth and maintenance. B. Catabolism involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler compounds. This process releases energy, which is then used by the body for various physiological processes. Catabolism occurs during digestion when carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are broken down into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body. Phases of Digestion The digestive process can be divided into four major phases: ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination. A. Ingestion – Ingestion is the process of taking in food through the mouth. As soon as food enters the mouth, it begins to be broken down through both mechanical and chemical digestion. B. Digestion – Digestion is the process of breaking down food into small particles or molecules that can be absorbed by the body. It can be both mechanical and chemical. Mechanical Digestion – Mechanical digestion occurs when food is chewed, smashed, and ground in the mouth. This physical breakdown of food increases its surface area, making it easier for enzymes to act upon it. Chemical Digestion – Chemical digestion takes place when organs secrete enzymes that break down larger molecules into smaller ones. This process starts in the mouth with the secretion of salivary amylase, which helps break down starch. The majority of chemical digestion occurs in the stomach and small intestine. C. Absorption – After food is digested, smaller molecules are ready to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine, where nutrients are transported into the cells lining the intestinal walls and then into the bloodstream. D. Elimination – Undigested food or waste products that were not absorbed are eliminated from the body through the anus. This process is known as elimination and is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. The Human Digestive System The digestive system is a complex network of organs and processes that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste from the body. In this resource, we will explore the different components of the digestive system and their functions. Anatomy of the Digestive System The digestive system is a continuous tube that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. It consists of several organs, each with its specific functions. A. Mouth The mouth is responsible for ingestion and is the starting point for both mechanical and chemical digestion. It contains the tongue, which aids in taste perception and mixing food, and teeth, which mechanically break down food. Saliva, produced by the salivary glands, contains enzymes that begin the chemical digestion of carbohydrates. B. Esophagus The esophagus is a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It secretes mucus to facilitate the smooth movement of food and uses muscle contractions called peristalsis to transport food to the stomach. No digestion occurs in the esophagus. C. Stomach The stomach is a muscular bag-like structure in the digestive tract. It serves as a temporary site for food storage and mixes food with digestive juices. The stomach lining secretes strong gastric acid and enzymes that chemically digest food. The partially digested food in the stomach is called chyme. D. Small Intestine The small intestine is a long, muscular tube where most digestion and absorption occur, consisting of three sections: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum plays a crucial role in chemical digestion by receiving digestive secretions from the liver and pancreas. The liver produces bile, which is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder before being released into the duodenum. Bile aids in the digestion of fats by breaking them down into smaller droplets through a process called emulsification, increasing the surface area for enzyme action. This helps pancreatic enzymes work more efficiently in fat digestion. The pancreas secretes pancreatic juices into the duodenum, which contain a variety of digestive enzymes and bicarbonate. Enzymes such as lipase, amylase, and proteases (trypsin and chymotrypsin) break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, respectively. The bicarbonate in pancreatic juice neutralizes the acidic chyme from the stomach, creating an optimal pH environment for enzymatic activity. After digestion in the duodenum, the partially digested nutrients move into the jejunum and ileum, where absorption of essential nutrients such as amino acids, fatty acids, and simple sugars takes place through the intestinal lining into the bloodstream or lymphatic system. E. Large Intestine The large intestine consists of the cecum, colon, and rectum. Its primary function is to remove water and electrolytes from undigested food, forming feces. The large intestine also houses beneficial bacteria that aid in the digestion of certain substances. Accessory Organs: Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are accessory organs that play important roles in digestion. A. The liver produces bile, which helps break down fats into fatty acids and aids in their absorption. B. The gallbladder stores and releases bile into the small intestine. C. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digest food, particularly proteins. Suggested Learning Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og5xAdC8EUI&t=199s Additional Learning Materials: https://www.who.int/health-topics/nutrition https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works Prepared by: Xavier Ateneo – Senior High School, Biology Teachers