Nutrition is the science that deals with the utilization of food and the processes which transform food into body tissues and energy.
Animals need to obtain and utilize feed stuffs to convert into products such as milk, meat, fiber and work.
Digestible Nutrient Portion of a nutrient
which may be broken down (digested) and absorbed for use in the body.
Needed throughout life for growth and repair.
Help to form muscles, internal organs, skin, hair, wool, feathers, hoofs and horns.
Contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.
Examples of Protein: Meat and Bone Meal Fish Meal Soybean Meal Cottonseed meal Dried skim milk Amino Acids
Carbohydrates: furnish energy. are the largest part of food supply, usually
the fiberous part of the diet. include sugars, starch, and cellulose.
Furnish a concentrated source of energy, up to 2.25 times as much as carbohydrates.
Form cholesterol, steroids, and other body compounds.
Affect the condition of the skin and hair. Are made of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. Also provide energy reserves, protection of vital
organs, and insulation of the body
Primarily in bones and teeth Important in blood for carriage of oxygen Regulates heartbeat with Calcium, Sodium, and
Potassium.
Vitamins Only needed in small amounts Provide defense against disease Promote growth and reproduction Contribute to overall health
Water Water accounts for
70% or more of the composition of most plants and animals.
Water70%
Other30%
Slice 30%
Slice 40%
Feeds that are low in fiber and relatively high in digestible nutrients.
Corn Cottonseed Barley Oats Sorghum
These are the “extras” that supply some necessary nutrient.
Minerals: salt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc are examples.
Vitamins: A and D are most important to ruminant animals.