Animal Nutrition and Digestion (PDF file, 5.95 MB)

Unit 1 — Animal Nutrition and Digestion
Unit Summary
Animal nutrition is important for the health and
productivity of agricultural animals. Providing
proper nutrition is much more than purchasing a bag
of feed or putting animals on pasture. The producer
should be knowledgeable about the basics of animal
physiology. Just as the human body is made up of
systems, animals have systems as well. Each of
these systems plays a vital role in animal health.
Nutrients are important to animals so all systems
function properly. Animals need varying nutrients
according to factors such as age, pregnancy, and
use. The six major classes of nutrients include
water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and
vitamins. Nutrient deficiencies can cause health
problems in animals, leading to death. In addition,
an excess of nutrients, such as minerals, can also
cause health problems. Feed additives are used to
improve performance in an area and are generally
not considered a nutrient source. The major types of
feed additives are growth regulators and antibiotics.
Producers must provide animals with balanced
rations. One method of balancing rations is the
Pearson Square. The producer should also have
an understanding of the digestive systems of
animals. The digestive systems of animals are
divided into two main categories: ruminants and
monogastrics. The digestive process for each
differs. Understanding the nutritional needs of an
animal, as well as how the digestive system works,
will enable the producer to provide a balanced
ration that meets the animal’s needs.
Review
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Why is proper nutrition needed for animals?
Explain why it is important to study digestion.
Name the systems of the body.
What system pumps blood throughout the body?
Which system consists of the kidneys and bladder?
Describe how the nutrition of a pregnant animal and a young animal differs.
What are the six major classes of nutrients?
What do carbohydrates do for the body?
Explain the difference between macrominerals and microminerals?
10. Describe the symptoms of nutrient deficiency.
11. Why are feed additives used?
12. How are the two categories of feed additives different?
13. What method is used to balance feed rations?
14. Describe how the Pearson square is used.
15. Explain the differences between a ruminant and non-ruminant.
16. Name three ruminant and three non-ruminant animals.
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