Introduction to Nutrition Flashcards
Why is nutrition important?
Correct nutrition is essential for maintaining optimum health in all species
Failure to do so will have major health effects on the animal
Define nutrition?
The process related to the supply of food constituents (nutrients) taken in by a species to support life
Giving the body everything it needs to be able to function. Nutritionally balanced diet.
What are nutrients?
Nutrients are the components of food
How do nutrients support life?
An energy supply
Providing structural components for new cells
Transporting substances within and through the body - water
Regulating temperature - water
Helping chemical reactions in the body - enzymes
Helping food palatability - Fat
Define ingestion
The act of taking food via the mouth
Define digestion
The breaking down of food into smaller units by mechanical and chemical means
Use of tongue, teeth, lips and throat
Define absorption
The transportation or diffusion of small food compounds into the body
Define metabolism
The process by which physiological changes occur in the body through chemical reaction
All the physical and chemical changes that occur in cells to allow growth and maintain body functions
What is metabolism?
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions
Define anabolism
The process of building up nutrient molecules into large units that store energy
The constructive phase of metabolism which is characterised by the conversion of simple substances into the more complex compounds of living matter e.g. Amino acids into protein
Define catabolism
The breaking down of complex organic compounds often resulting with the release of energy
The metabolic process in which energy is used by breaking down large complex molecules into smaller ones
What is the differences between anabolic and catabolic
Anabolic:
- builds up
- constructive phase
- energy use
- ◼️ ⬛️ -> ▪️▪️▪️▪️
Catabolic:
- breaks down
- destructive phase
- energy release
- ▪️▪️▪️▪️ -> ⬛️⬛️
What does the term dry matter mean?
Chemical components available to provide energy once the water content of the food has been extracted
Define hunger
The physiological sensation triggered when the body require energy
Define appetite
The desire for a particular type and quantity of food to satisfy a bodily need
Define anorexia
Loss of desire to eat
Define balanced diet
Where all the correct nutrients are available to the animal in the correct quantities
What are the 7 main nutrients in food?
Water Fat Protein Carbohydrates Vitamins Minerals Amino acids
What is the purpose of water?
Carrier of substances to and from body tissues
Temperature regulation
Fluid balance
pH of blood
Gaseous exchange
Lubricates joints/tissues and organs
Water is not an energy producing nutrient
What factors may influence the quantity of water an animal requires?
The age Life stage - lactation, neonates etc Environmental conditions Diet Habit Physical exertion
What is synovial fluid?
Fluid that lubricates the joints
What are the 3 ways water is obtained by the body?
Drinking - must be fresh and available at all times
Water in food - varies depending on food type
Metabolic water - produced from catabolism of nutrients;
CHO breakdown 60%
Proteins 40%
Fats 10%
What 6 ways is water lost from the body?
Urine Faeces Expired air Swear Milk during lactation Blood loss