Journal of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

Description

Nutrition for animals is the study of how animals get the nutrients they need from their food. This includes animals used in agriculture, food production, zoos, aquariums and wildlife management. Macronutrients excluding water and fiber provide structural material amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and lipids, which are the building blocks of cell membranes and some signaling molecules and energy. Internally, some of the structural material can be used to generate energy, but the net energy depends on a wide range of variables, including absorption and digestive effort. Water, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients are not required for energy but are. Fiber, also known as non-digestible material like cellulose, appears to be required for mechanical and biochemical reasons, though the precise reasons remain a mystery.

Carbohydrates and Fats Molecules

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms make up the carbohydrates and fats molecules. From simple monosaccharides like glucose, fructose and galactose to complex polysaccharides like starch, carbohydrates exist. Triglycerides are a type of fat made up of various fatty acid monomers bound to the backbone of glycerol. The diet should contain some fatty acids, but not all of them: In the body, they cannot be made. In addition to carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, protein molecules also have atoms of nitrogen amino acids that are nitrogen containing make up the bulk of protein. Animals cannot produce essential amino acids. With the use of energy, some amino acids can be converted into glucose, which can be utilized for energy production similarly to regular glucose. Internally, glucose can be produced in part by breaking down already existing protein; the remaining amino acids are eliminated, mostly in the form of urea in the urine. This usually only happens when people are starving for a long time. Polyphenols and phytochemicals, two other substances found in plant foods, are not considered essential nutrients, but they appear to have both positive and negative effects on health. The majority of foods contain a combination of some or all of the nutrient groups and other substances. Some nutrients, like fatsoluble vitamins, can be stored internally, while others are needed almost constantly. A lack of essential nutrients or, in extreme cases, an excess of essential nutrients can lead to poor health. Salt, for instance, provides the essential nutrients sodium and chloride, but excessive amounts can result in illness or even death. Some animals only partially absorb dietary fiber, a type of polysaccharide or oligosaccharide carbohydrate. Many animal body parts, like muscles, skin, and hair, are made of proteins. They also make the enzymes that control the body's chemical reactions. Each molecule is made up of amino acids, some of which contain nitrogen and other times sulfur. Amino acids are needed by the body to make new proteins (protein retention) and repair proteins that have been damaged maintenance. Amino acids must be consumed because there is no way to store protein or amino acids. In most cases, the urine contains excess amino acids that are excreted. Some amino acids are essential for all animals they cannot be made by the animal itself and others are non-essential they can be made by the animal from other nitrogen containing compounds. In certain circumstances, it is especially important to eat enough of the essential amino acids in your diet: during early maturation and development, pregnancy, lactation, or injury (such as a burn).

Catalytic Role in Enzymes and Gluconeogenesis

Through a process known as gluconeogenesis, some protein amino acids can be turned into glucose and used as fuel. During starvation, this is done in large quantities only. Minerals other than the four elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, which are present in nearly all organic molecules, minerals are the chemical elements that are required by living things in their diet. Since the intent is to simply describe the less common elements in the diet, the term "mineral" is archaic. In proportion, many elements are essential; a bulk mineral is usually the name given to them. Some of them are structural, but many of them also serve as electrolytes. Calcium, a common electrolyte that is also necessary structurally (for the health of muscles, the digestive system and bones), neutralizes acidity in some forms, may aid in the elimination of toxins and provides signaling ions for nerve and membrane functions. Chlorine in the form of chloride ions very common electrolyte Magnesium, which is necessary for processing ATP and related reactions (builds bone, causes strong peristalsis, increases flexibility and raises alkalinity); Phosphorus, which is a bone-required component; Potassium, a very common electrolyte (for heart and nerve health) Sodium, a very common electrolyte Sulfur, which is needed for three amino acids and many proteins (skin, hair, nails, liver and pancreas) Many elements are needed in trace amounts, usually because they play a catalytic role in enzymes. Animal nutrition researchers have managed to establish safe levels for some common companion animals. Mineral deficiencies or excesses can also have serious health consequences. Some vitamins, particularly vitamin A, are also harmful to health. Even though ASH is not a nutrient, nutrition labels sometimes include an entry for it, especially for pet food. After the food has been burned for two hours at 600°C, this entry measures the weight of the inorganic material that remains. As a result, it does not contain calories, water, or nutrients that provide fiber. However, it does contain minerals and other nutrients. Domestic cats may experience feline urological syndrome if they consume an excessive amount of ash. Intestinal bacterial flora the intestines of an animal contain a large population of gut flora that is necessary for digestion and is also influenced by the food that is consumed.