Nutrition: Why It's Important (ANSC31433)

Nutrition: Why important (Why do I have to take this class?) Cells need specific nutrients to survive. Without these nutrients, cells will die, with the final outcome of death. You are taking this course because you will, most likely, be involved with animals in the future. An...

Nutrition: Why important (Why do I have to take this class?) Cells need specific nutrients to survive. Without these nutrients, cells will die, with the final outcome of death. You are taking this course because you will, most likely, be involved with animals in the future. Animals are dependent upon us for care and well being. We all want our farm or companion animals to live long, healthy, and productive lives. Nutrition: Why important (Why do I have to take this class?) Without the correct nutrients, serious complications can arise for those animals within our care. Thus, a good understanding of the nutrients and how they are utilized by the animal is critical for proper management and care.  What do we need to know???? NUTRITION – Human side of class: How to eat a healthy diet!! Related to genetics (Can diet overcome poor parent genes) How much is enough (How do we know how much of each nutrient to consume) Epidemiological evidence of healthy diet effects – Animal Side: How do we feed animals! Meeting minimal requirements-Efficiency is very important Cost important: Always? Least cost formulations  Interesting new info We are learning that we are indeed what we eat! Particularly important in young animals (Early challenges impact future performance). Many potential mechanisms: – Epigenetics? Refers to heritable changes in gene expression (active versus inactive genes) that does not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence; a change in phenotype without a change in genotype. Estimated that 30% of genes involved. – Impact through altering gut microflora? Necessary for immune function development. Control behavior (Gordon lab: Fat rat study) What do each of these young animals need every day to grow and be healthy? Nutrients delivered by feed (diet)