Nutrition Needs
Six Essential Nutrients
1. Water
4. Protein
2. Carbohydrates
5. Minerals
3. Fats
6. Vitamins
Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement
University of California, Davis
261.T1
Nutrition Needs
Water (H2O)
• Controls body temperature.
• Enables living plants and animals to hold their shape.
• Involves the transport of nutrients at the cell level
through osmosis and diffusion.
• Helps digest feeds.
• Carries waste-products resulting from body functions.
• Major part of all body fluids.
Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement
University of California, Davis
261.T2
Nutrition Needs
Carbohydrates (C6H12O6)
• Furnishes energy for:
A. body functions
B. growth and fattening
C. reproduction
• The largest part of an animal’s food supply
(usually the roughage in the diet).
• Includes sugars, starchs, and cellulose.
• Made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement
University of California, Davis
261.T3
Nutrition Needs
Fats
• Furnishes a concentrated source of energy. (2.25 times
as much energy as C6H12O.)
• Forms cholesterol, steroids, and other body compounds.
• Found in every cell in the body.
• Skin and hair conditions are affected when fat is absent
from the diet.
• Provides: Energy reserves
Protection for vital organs
Insulation for the body
• Made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement
University of California, Davis
261.T4
Nutrition Needs
Proteins
• Needed for growth and repair of the body.
• Helps form the greater part of:
A. muscles and internal organs.
B. skin, hair, wool, and feathers.
C. hoofs and horns.
• Contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.
Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement
University of California, Davis
261.T5
Nutrition Needs
Minerals
• Potassium, phosphorous, and calcium are necessary
for healthy bones.
• Salt (NaCl) is important in most body functions (i.e.
appearance, growth, appetite).
• Iron is required for healthy blood and skin.
• Most other minerals are essential, but are required in
smaller amounts.
Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement
University of California, Davis
261.T6
Nutrition Needs
Vitamins
•
•
•
•
•
Needed in minute amounts.
Essential for life and health.
Catalyst for body processes.
Promotes growth and reproduction.
Contributes to the general health of the
animal.
Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement
University of California, Davis
261.T7