Nutrients and Nutrient Requirements Topic 3041 Developed by Amanda R. Moore

Overview I.Object of Nutrition II.Definitions III.Classes of Nutrients

Object of Nutrition  To convert feedstuffs into desirable products Meat Milk Eggs Fiber Work

Definitions  Nutrition: The science of dealing with the utilization of food by the body and all processes which transform food into body tissues and activities  Nutrient: 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

Definitions  Digestible Nutrient: That portion of a nutrient which may be broken down(digested), absorbed and used by the body

Six Classes of Nutrients  Water  Carbohydrates  Fats  Minerals  Vitamins  Protein

Water  Makes up at least 70% of the composition of most plants and animals  Controls body temperature  Helps in maintaining shape  Involved in nutrient transportation on the cellular level  Helps in digestion

Water  Serves as a carrier for waste products that are a result of body functions  Is a major part of all body fluids  A loss of 20% of body water will result in death  In general, animals need 3lbs of water for every 1lb of solid feed consumed

Carbohydrates  Furnish the body with energy  Make up the largest part of an animal’s food supply  Are made of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen  Includes: sugars, starches and fibers

Fats  Furnish a concentrated source of energy  Form cholesterol, hormones and other body components  Found in every cell in the body  Affect condition of skin and hair when not present in the body  Made of carbon, oxygen hydrogen

Fats  Contain much larger proportions of carbon and hydrogen than carbohydrates  Essential fatty acids are necessary for production of some hormones and hormone-like substances  Also provide Energy reserves Protection for vital organs Insulation for the body

Proteins  Needed throughout life for growth and repair  Help to form: Muscles Internal organs Skin Hair Wool Feathers Hooves Horns

Proteins  Contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and approximately 16% nitrogen  Are essential in livestock feed  Crude Protein Total amount of protein in a feed Is calculated by multiplying % nitrogen content by 6.25

Proteins  Digestible Protein Protein in feed that can be digested by an animal Approximately 50-80% of crude protein

Minerals  Needed in all parts of the body  Primarily found in bones and teeth  Make up important parts of many organic materials Ie: iron in the hemoglobin molecule in the red blood cell carries oxygen  Heartbeat depends upon mineral balance to maintain regularity

Vitamins  Essential for life and health  Needed only in very small amounts  Can do the following: Vitamin E: provide defense against disease Vitamin D: promote growth Vitamin B 12 : reproductive health  Contribute to general health of the animal

Digestion  Nutrients are converted to a form that cells can use  Nutrients are then transported by the digestive system