Animal Nutrition

• Nutritional Facts Table - Shows the nutritional requirements of animals.
• Calorie - Amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 g of water by 1°C. It is a unit that indicates the total energy the food contains.
• Carbohydrates - Major components of cells in the body. Sources of it include grains, cereals, breads, vegetables, and fruits. It contains 4 calories per gram, on average.
• Proteins - An energy source, but the body primarily uses these to build enzymes, hormones, muscles, cells, and bones. Sources include dairy products, fish, meat, poultry, and grains, with 4 calories per gram.
• Fats - Membranes, steroid hormones, and other parts of cells have these. With 9 calories per gram, they are a good energy source and provide insulation. Sources include butter, fried food, oils, etc. Trans fats must be avoided.
• Nutritional Requirements of Animals

  • Carbohydrates
  • Proteins
  • Fats
• Essential Nutrients - Cannot be synthesized inside the body, so animals can only get it from their food.
• Essential Amino Acids - Used for protein and enzyme synthesis are tryptophan, threonine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, valine, and phenylalanine.
• Essential Fatty Acids - Used in making special membrane lipids. Linoleic acids and alpha linoleic acids in humans are examples.
• Vitamins - Required in small amounts for normal metabolism. This has two types, namely: Fat-soluble Vitamins and Water-soluble Vitamins.
• Fat-soluble Vitamins - A, D, E, and K.
• Water-soluble Vitamins - B, B2, B3, B12 and C. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, as well as meat and fish.
• Minerals - Needed by the body in minute amounts. They make up tissues, enzymes, and body fluids, such as iodine, magnesium, calcium, iron, and selenium. These have various sources, thus the idea of a balanced, mixed diet.