Nutrition and Feeds
Nutrient Needs
Nutrition

Definition: The science of dealing with
the utilization of food by the body and all
body processes which transform food into
body tissues and activities.
Nutrient

Definition: Any single class of food or
group of like foods that aids in the
support of life and makes it possible for
animals to grow or provides energy for
physiological processes.
Digestible Nutrient

That portion of the nutrient which may be
broken down (digested), absorbed, and
used by the body.
Six Essential Nutrients






Water
Carbohydrates
Fats
Proteins
Minerals
Vitamins
Water




Accounts for 70% or more of the
composition of most plants and animals
Controls body temperature
Enables living plants and animals to
maintain their shape
Involved in transport of nutrients at the
cellular level
Water cont.



Helps in the digestion of feeds
Serves as a carrier for waste products
Major part of all body fluids
Carbohydrates




Furnish energy for body functions,
growth, fattening, reproduction, etc.
Largest part of an animal’s food supply
Include sugars, starches, and fiber
Made of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen
Fats





Furnish a concentrated source of energy
One lb. of fat is equal to 2.25 lbs. of
carbohydrates
Form cholesterol, steroids (hormones),
and other body compounds
Found in every cell in the body
When absent from diet, affect the
condition of skin and hair
Fats cont.


Made of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen –
contain much larger proportions of carbon
and hydrogen than do carbohydrates
Also provide:



Energy reserves
Protection for vital organs
Insulate the body to environmental conditions
and changes
Proteins



Essential in livestock feeding because
they are 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
about 16% of nitrogen
Minerals





Needed in nearly all parts of body
Found primarily in bones and teeth
Of total body minerals, Calcium makes up
about 49% and Phosphorus makes up
about 27%
99% of all body Calcium is found in bones
and teeth
Make up important parts of many organic
materials (e.g., blood)
Minerals cont.

Heartbeat depends upon mineral balance
to maintain its regularity
Vitamins



Needed in only minute amounts
Essential for life and health
Provide a defense against:



Disease (Vitamin E)
Promote growth (Vitamin D) and reproduction
(Vitamin B12)
Contribute to the general health of the animal