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Tag: Animal science

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

What is the difference between digestible energy and metabolizable energy?

5 min read
According to animal nutrition research, gross energy in feed is never fully utilized by an animal. Understanding what is the difference between digestible energy and metabolizable energy is crucial for properly formulating diets and optimizing animal health and production. This distinction accounts for energy lost through waste products and is a more accurate measure of available energy than total or gross energy.

What is the act of feeding called?

3 min read
Biologically speaking, the process of ingestion, which is the act of taking food into the body, is a foundational process for almost all living organisms. This article delves into the diverse terminology that answers the question, what is the act of feeding called?, depending on the organism, method, and context.

What is the name of the partly digested cellulose?

2 min read
Over 150 different species of ruminant animals rely on a specialized digestive process to survive on a diet of fibrous plants. A key component of this process is cud, the name for the partly digested cellulose these animals regurgitate and re-chew.

What is the Definition of Feed in Nutrition?

3 min read
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 'feed' refers to any edible materials consumed by animals that provide energy and/or nutrients to their diet. Understanding the precise definition of feed in nutrition is essential for ensuring optimal health, growth, and productivity in livestock, pets, and other animals. This guide will clarify the meaning of feed and its importance within animal nutrition.

What are the nutrients required by animals for optimal health?

5 min read
Over 95% of an animal's tissue weight is comprised of water, highlighting its critical role as the most important nutrient. Understanding what are the nutrients required by animals is foundational for ensuring proper growth, health, and physiological function across all species.

What Two Amino Acids Are Most Often Considered to be First Limiting or Limiting for Milk Protein Synthesis?

5 min read
For high-producing dairy cows, maximizing milk protein synthesis is crucial for profitability, with milk protein yield often limited by the supply of essential amino acids. Research consistently points to two key building blocks that are most often considered to be first limiting or limiting for milk protein synthesis: methionine and lysine.

How Many Carbs Does a Cow Have? Unpacking Ruminant Digestion

4 min read
While a cow's diet can consist of 60-70% carbohydrates, the animal itself does not have a high carbohydrate content, unlike its feed. The seemingly simple question of 'how many carbs does a cow have?' reveals a complex biological process centered on their unique ruminant digestive system.

Factors Affecting Nutrient Digestibility Explained

4 min read
According to agricultural research, an increase in feed intake can depress apparent digestibility by as much as 20% in some cases. The efficiency with which an animal digests and absorbs nutrients from its feed is influenced by a complex interplay of factors affecting nutrient digestibility, which are essential for animal health, growth, and productivity.