1. Discuss the nutritional requirements of small animals including deficiency symptoms and functions
Objective 6.01

2. Definitions
Nutrition- process by which animals receive a proper and balanced food and water ration so it can grow, maintain its body, reproduce, and perform
Nutrient- substance or part of feedstuff that is necessary for an organism to live and grow
Also known as a single group of foods of the same general chemical composition that supports animal life
Required nutrients include water, carbohydrates, fat, protein, minerals, and vitamins

3. There are six basic nutrients
Water- Most important nutrient!
Animals can go without food for several days, but they need water because it is vital for proper body functions and makes up 55-65% of an animal’s body.
Dissolves and transports other nutrients, aids in digestion, and carries waste from the body
Regulates body temperature and supports breathing (respiration)

4. Six basic nutrients
Proteins- Complex nutrients composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen
Develop and repairing body organs and tissues ex.: muscles, nerves, skin, hair, hooves, and feathers
Important in the reproduction process of the developing fetus, transmitting DNA, and development of young

5. Six basic nutrients
Carbohydrates- Important in converting of food into energy. Carbohydrates are made up of chemical elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Supports breathing, digesting, etc., stores fat, and produces heat for body warmth
Types of carbohydrates- sugars, starch, fiber
Fats-Contain the same chemical elements of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen as carbohydrates but different combinations
Provides energy- contain 2.25 times more energy as an equal amount of protein and carbohydrates
Aid in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and provides the essential fatty acids needed in an animal’s diet

6. Six basic nutrients
Vitamins- Organic substances designated by the letters A, B, C, D, E, and K. Needed for specific biochemical reactions
Needed in very small amounts
Needed for regulating the digestive system, absorption, and metabolism
Minerals- Minerals supply the material for building the skeleton and producing regulators such as enzymes and hormones. Divided into 2 groups
Macro-minerals-Seven major minerals needed in largest quantity and most likely lacking in the ration
Micro-minerals-Nine trace minerals that are only needed in small amounts

7. Symptoms of nutrient deficiency
Slow growth is a common symptom of almost all nutrient deficiencies
Water deficiency- body becomes overheated, and a slowdown in normal body functions occurs
Protein deficiency- normal growth development and repairing of body organs ex: muscles, nerves, skin, hair, hooves, and feathers suffers. Protein deficiency may result in: anorexia, anemia, edema, slow growth rate, low birth weight of young, lower milk production, and decreased feed efficiency
Carbohydrates- lack of energy, normal body functions, loss of body heat
Fats deficiency- providing energy, aiding in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Vitamin deficiency- various body functions will suffer when vitamins are lacking
Mineral deficiency may cause low rate of gains, feed inefficiency, decreased reproduction, decrease in milk production, and production of meat, milk, eggs, and wool