Animal Nutrition Copied from Cal Poly Modified by Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Office June 2002

F What is nutrition? F Why is it important to know? F What are the 6 required nutrients? Introduction to Animal Nutrition

What is Nutrition? b The science of dealing with the utilization of food by the body and all body processes which transform food into body tissues and activities.

WHAT ?!?!?!?!?!??!?! W r i t e t h i s d o w n ! ! ! b Nutrition deals with what nutrients we need to live, how the body uses food to stay alive, and how the body changes food into body functions (like breathing or walking).

Why is nutrition important? b It is required for life! b Allows us to care for ourselves better. b Allows us to take care of animals better. b Provides a link to the causes of many health problems. b Directs our work and income in agriculture. b Is related to wealth for most nations.

What’s with these nutrients? W r i t e t h i s d o w n ! ! ! b Nutrients are the essential requirements for the support of life. They make it possible for the body to grow, have energy, and function correctly.

There are 6 essential nutrients! W r i t e t h i s d o w n ! ! ! b Protein b Carbohydrates b Fats b Minerals b Vitamins b Water b (and sometimes Air!)

Proteins b Proteins are essential for growth and repair in cells b Proteins help form muscles, internal organs, skin, hair, wool, feathers, hoofs, and horns

Carbohydrates b Carbos provide most of the energy for animals. Energy is measured in calories. b Helps with growth, fattening, reproduction. b Carbos come from sugars, starches, and fibrous feeds.

Fats b Are concentrated energy, 2.25 times more than carbos. b Used as energy reserves, protect vital organs, insulate body. b Are in all body cells! b Help form many body compounds!

Minerals b Are needed in all parts of the body, especially bones and teeth. b Affect all body functions, including heartbeat and blood oxygen level! b Are ESSENTIAL for body functions.

Vitamins b Vitamins are only needed in small amounts, but they are essential. b Protect against disease, promote growth, and contribute to overall balanced health.

Water b Controls body temp. b Helps shape body b Transports nutrients b Aids digestion b Carries out waste b Lubricates joints b Majority of body mass

Air b Although usually not included in the nutrient list, air is essential for animals. b Without a supply of fresh air, most animals will be in danger of dying!

Let’s Review! Introduction to Animal Nutrition

What is the study of nutrition all about? b What nutrients animals need to stay alive b How the body uses food to stay alive b How it changes food into a life process

What are the 6 major nutrients all animals need?

Proteins Carbs

FatsMinerals

Vitamins Water

Today we learned... b What nutrition is b Why it’s important b What the 6 major nutrients required by all animals are