Nutrition Basics
What are macronutrients?
Macronutrients are nutrients that provide energy and are needed in large amounts, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
What is forage?
Forage is plant material (such as grasses and legumes) that is fed to livestock, typically high in fiber and used for grazing or hay.
What is a balanced ration?
A balanced ration is a diet that provides all necessary nutrients in the correct proportions for the animal's health and productivity.
What is monogastric?
Monogastric refers to animals with a single-chambered stomach, such as pigs and chickens, which digest food differently than ruminants.
What is protein deficiency?
Protein deficiency occurs when an animal does not receive enough protein, leading to poor growth, weight loss, and decreased productivity.
What is the role of protein?
The role of protein is to build and repair tissues, make enzymes and hormones, and support overall growth and maintenance of the body.
What is concentrate?
Concentrate refers to feed that is high in energy and low in fiber, such as grains or oilseeds, used to supplement forage.
What factors influence rations?
actors that influence rations include the animal's age, weight, production stage, health, and the availability of feed ingredients.
What is ruminant?
Ruminant animals have a specialized stomach with multiple compartments (like cows and sheep) that allows for fermentation and breakdown of fibrous plant material.
What are signs of mineral deficiency?
Signs of mineral deficiency can include poor bone development, reduced reproductive performance, and impaired immune function.
What is energy balance?
Energy balance is the relationship between the energy consumed through diet and the energy expended through metabolic processes and physical activity.
What is a complete feed?
A complete feed is a type of feed that contains all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions for the animal's needs.
What is the significance of palatability?
The significance of palatability refers to how appealing a feed is to the animal, affecting its intake and overall nutrition.
What is hindgut fermenter?
Hindgut fermenter refers to animals, like horses and rabbits, that ferment food in the large intestine and cecum after it passes through the stomach.
What is ketosis?
Ketosis is a metabolic disorder that occurs when there is an excess of ketone bodies in the blood, often due to inadequate energy intake.
What are vitamins?
Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for normal growth and nutrition, typically required in small quantities in the diet.
What are supplements?
Supplements are additional feed ingredients added to enhance the nutritional value of a diet, providing specific nutrients that may be lacking.
What is nutrient density?
Nutrient density is the amount of essential nutrients per unit of feed, impacting how effectively animals can meet their nutritional needs.
What is the purpose of the rumen?
The purpose of the rumen is to ferment fibrous plant materials, allowing for the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and the absorption of nutrients.
What is Milk Fever?
Milk Fever is a condition caused by a lack of calcium in freshly calved cattle causing lethagacy and eventual paralysis.
What are minerals?
Minerals are inorganic nutrients that play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including bone formation, enzyme activity, and fluid balance.
What is silage?
Silage is fermented, high-moisture fodder made from green foliage crops that can be fed to ruminants.
What is feed efficiency?
Feed efficiency is a measure of how well an animal converts feed into body weight or production (meat, milk, etc.).
What is digestibility?
Digestibility is the proportion of feed that is absorbed and utilized by the animal's body, indicating how effectively the diet contributes to nutrition.
What is Grass Tetany?
A metabolic deficiency of Magnesium in cattle grazing annual pastures in early spring.