animal nutrition

• the foetal stage is characterised by significant growth and differentiation of organs and tissues
• during pregnancy, mothers will consume more food and feed on more food of a high nutritional value.
• infancy is a period of rapid growth and development. animals are most vulnerable and reliant on their parents.
• juvenile animals undergo significant behavioural and physical changes.
• what is weaning?

  when young move from nursing to solid foods
• the adolescent stage is characterised by significant physical, psychological and social changes. animals will be learning how to access food, either through trial and error or observational learning of family members
• adolescents require highly nutritional food for rapid growth
• adulthood is characterised by full physical and sexual maturity. animals are capable of reproduction and typically exhibit behaviours associated with raising offspring
• adult animals require a continuous supply of food with the correct nutritional value
• the geriatric period is characterised by significant physical and behavioural changes
• geriatric animals may need softer food, due to teeth deterioration. they made need supplements
• what is the function of carbohydrates?

  it is the body's primary energy source
• what is the function of proteins in our diet?

  building and repairing tissues, essential for growth and development
• what is the function of fats in our diet?

  providing energy, absorbing vitamins and protecting organs
• what is the function of vitamins?

  regulating various bodily functions, like growth, vision and immunity
• what is the function of minerals in our diet?

  essential for bone health, nerve function and fluid balance
• what is the function of water in our diet?

  essential for hydration, regulating body temperature and transporting nutrients
• what is the function of fibre?

  aids in digestion and promotes bowel health
• feeding plans are schedules used for what the animals will be fed over a period of time