Chapter 11 Flashcards
What are the essential nutrients needed for proper animal nutrition?
The essential nutrients are:
* Proteins
* Carbohydrates
* Fats
* Minerals
* Vitamins
* Water
The amount of each nutrient needed depends on the type of animal and its activity level.
Why is water considered essential in an animal’s diet?
Water makes up about 60% of an animal’s body and is essential for preventing dehydration.
Animals lose water through urine, feces, and perspiration.
What is the consequence of protein deficiency in animals?
Common symptoms include underweight, weakness, and swelling under the throat, brisket area, and underline due to fluid accumulation.
Protein maintains proper fluid balance across capillaries.
What is grass tetany and what causes it?
Grass tetany, also known as grass staggers, results from magnesium deficiency in cattle grazing lush pastures with high potassium and nitrogen.
High potassium and nitrogen interfere with magnesium absorption.
What are the signs of milk fever in cows?
Signs include loss of appetite, depression, muscle tremors, and general muscular paralysis.
Milk fever is caused by a drop in blood calcium levels after calving.
What can lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism in animals?
High-phosphorus, low-calcium diets can lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism.
This condition can cause bone thickening in horses and weak bones in dogs and cats.
What is taurine deficiency and which animal is primarily affected?
Taurine deficiency occurs in cats, leading to eye problems and weakening of the heart muscle when they eat only dog food.
Most commercial cat foods provide adequate taurine.
What dietary changes can cause colic in horses?
Changes in diet and intestinal diseases that slow intestinal movements can cause gas buildup leading to colic.
Signs of colic include pain, rolling, kicking, and sweating.
What is the effect of improper feeding on cattle and horses related to founder?
Improper feeding can produce bacterial toxins that inhibit circulation to the hoof area, causing inflammation and lameness.
Overfeeding of grain is a common cause.
What are some conditions that increase nutritional needs in animals?
Conditions include:
* Exposure to cold weather
* Presence of parasites
* Chronic diseases
* Pregnancy or high milk production
These factors require larger amounts of nutrients to maintain health.
What are the common signs of undernourished animals?
Common signs include low body weight, dull and rough hair coat, weakness, and depression.
In severe cases, animals may become too weak to get up.
What is infertility in animals and what can cause it?
Infertility is the reduced ability or inability to produce offspring, caused by factors like cystic ovaries, adhesions, or poor nutrition.
It can affect both males and females.
What is anestrus in female animals?
Anestrus is a period during which there is no estrous cycle, preventing breeding from occurring.
A normal period of anestrus occurs after calving.
What role does vitamin A play in animal health?
Vitamin A is essential for proper cell function, and deficiencies can lead to skin and eye problems, night blindness, and reproductive issues.
Vitamin A is usually present in quality feeds and green pastures.
What are the signs of phosphorus deficiency in animals?
Signs include unthriftiness, lameness, stiffness, and behaviors like chewing old bones or eating dirt (pica).
Pica indicates the animal is trying to fulfill a deficiency.
What can cause abortion in pregnant animals?
Abortion can result from nutritional deficiencies, certain infections, heat stress, chemicals, or drugs.
Early pregnancy losses often go unnoticed as the embryo is resorbed.
What is the effect of high calcium demand in lactating cows?
Lactating cows require high levels of calcium; insufficient intake can lead to milk fever due to hypocalcemia.
Blood calcium levels must be maintained to support nerve and muscle function.
What is defined as the premature termination of pregnancy?
Abortion
Abortion can occur due to various conditions affecting the embryo or fetus.
What are some causes of pregnancy problems in animals?
- Infections
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Certain plants
- Heat stress
- Chemicals or drugs
These factors can lead to embryonic or fetal death.
What is dystocia?
Dystocia is the condition of difficult or impossible birth
Dystocia may arise from various abnormal circumstances.
What can cause dystocia in animals?
- Small birth canal
- Large fetus
- Improper positioning of the fetus
These issues often require veterinary assistance for correction.
What are the signs of arsenic poisoning in animals?
- Weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Paralysis
Arsenic is commonly found in weed killers, wood preservatives, and some feed additives.
What are the common sources of lead that can poison animals?
- Batteries
- Lead-containing paint
- Used crankcase oil
Lead poisoning is particularly common in cattle and dogs.
What condition can excess salt in an animal’s diet cause?
Salt poisoning
This condition is exacerbated by a lack of fresh drinking water.
