Digestive Systems Small Animal Nutrition TM1

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource Standards Addressed Small Animal Nutrition TM2 AS Analyze the nutritional needs of animals. AS a. Identify and summarize essential nutrients required for animal health and analyze each nutrient’s role in growth and performance. AS Analyze feed rations and assess if they meet the nutritional needs of animals. AS c. Select appropriate feedstuffs for animals based on a variety of factors (e.g., economics, digestive system and nutritional needs, etc.)

Small Animal Nutrition TM3 The Ruminant Digestive System Esophagus Rumen Reticulum Omasum Abomasum Small intestine Cecum Colon Rectum

Small Animal Nutrition TM4 The Non-Ruminant Digestive System Esophagus Stomach Small intestine Cecum Colon Rectum

Small Animal Nutrition TM5 The Cecal Fermenter Digestive System Esophagus Stomach Small intestine Cecum Colon Rectum

Small Animal Nutrition TM6 The Digestive Process Mechanical digestion – begins in the mouth where food is chewed and broken down into smaller pieces Chemical digestion – enzymes and acids reduce food particle size and change particles into forms that can be used by the animal Peristalsis – a muscular contraction that causes food to move through the digestive tract Absorption – nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream through the intestinal villi Metabolism – nutrients are removed from the bloodstream and used by the body organs for things like bone and hair growth, maintaining body temperature, etc.

Small Animal Nutrition TM7 Major Nutrients’ Functions Protein- Development and repair of body organs and tissues. Production of wool, milk, eggs. Fetal development. Production of hormones and enzymes. Antibody development. Transmission of DNA. Carbohydrates- Support bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and exercise. Help maintain body temperature. Store fat. Lipids- Enhance palatability and caloric value of feed. Provide energy. Provide fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Aid in absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Help maintain body temperature. Provide essential materials for hormone secretion.

Small Animal Nutrition TM8 Water- Support biochemical reactions (respiration, digestion, conversion of food to absorbable components). Transport of nutrients. Help maintain body temperature. Helps give the body its form. Carries waste form the body. Vitamins- Regulate digestion, absorption, metabolism, gland activity, and cell formation. Necessary for normal vision. Fights diseases. Develop a healthy nervous system. Minerals- Furnish structural material for teeth and bones. Aid in building body tissue, digestion, muscle activity, and transmission of messages through the nervous system. Part of hormones. Major Nutrients’ Functions cont.

Small Animal Nutrition TM9 Marketing Concepts Nutritional value – markets food based on specific nutritional content of the food. All purpose – based on the concept that one food is adequate for all stages of the pet’s life. Price – uses “low price” concept or “more for your money”. Price can be very misleading. Palatability – markets based on how the food tastes to the pet

Small Animal Nutrition TM10 Cost per Feeding Analysis  Determines cost per day and per year  Compares pet foods for economical value (which one gives you more for your money) The most economical pet food may be the more expensive one!

Small Animal Nutrition TM11 What is Dry Matter Dry matter = nutrient content of a food after all water has been removed When comparing a wet food to a dry food is necessary to first determine the dry matter content. This gives a more accurate nutritional comparison. Dry matter = 100% - moisture –I.e. A canned food with 70% moisture has 30% dry matter 100% - 70% = 30% dry matter

Small Animal Nutrition TM12 MER = Maintenance Energy Requirements MER is the amount of energy needed by an animal to keep it in good health. It varies with age, activity level, production, reproduction, and environmental conditions. MER is measured in kilocalories per day (Kcal/day) Calculating MER Maintenance Energy Requirements