Nutrition

Question 1

macronutrients vs micronutrients?

Answer 1

macro - energy producing

micro - non energy producing

Question 2

what are the 4 main macronutrients?

Answer 2

protein
carbohydrate
fat
fibre

Question 3

function of protein?

Answer 3

tissue growth and repair
manufacture hormones and enzymes
source of energy
protection against infection

Question 4

protein deficiency?

Answer 4

weight loss
reduced growth
poor skin and coat
weak immune system

Question 5

function of carbohydrates?

Answer 5

main source of energy

Question 6

carbohydrate deficiency?

Answer 6

fatigue
dizziness
weight loss (fat used)

Question 7

function of fat?

Answer 7

supply and store energy
supply fatty acids
absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E)
insulation

Question 8

fat deficiency?

Answer 8

poor growth
weight loss
poor reproductive activity
poor skin/fur

Question 9

function of fibre?

Answer 9

increase water absorption into gut (decrease water potential)

maintain health of colon

reduce energy density promoting weight loss

Question 10

types of fibre?

Answer 10

soluble - regulate blood glucose

insoluble - laxative agents

Question 11

fibre deficiency?

Answer 11

fluctuation glucose levels
constipation
fatigue
high cholesterol

Question 12

fibre excess?

Answer 12

interference with fat and nutrient absorption

increased stool volume

flatulence and bloat - abdominal pain/discomfort

Question 13

function of minerals?

Answer 13

• structural components (calcium in bones)
• body fluid components (sodium in blood)
• catalysts for enzyme and hormones (iodine in thyroid function)

Question 14

function of vitamins?

Answer 14

for normal physiological function

eg.
vit A - vision, reproduction and immunity
vit D - calcium and phosphorus absorption
vit E - boosts immune system

Question 15

main parts of equine diet?

Answer 15

non-structural carbohydrates

• sugars
• rapid release
• found at bottom of grasses (length effects amount)

structural carbohydrates

• fibre
• slow release
• cellulose and hay

Question 16

what are gastrointestinal diseases?

Answer 16

condition or disease that occurs in the GI tract

Question 17

gastritis?
signs?
treatment?

Answer 17

inflammation of stomach

vomiting, decrease appetite, dehydration, lethargy, abdominal pain

gut rest - feeding bland, low fat and highly digestible diet

Question 18

enteritis?
signs?
treatment?

Answer 18

inflammation of small intestine

diarrhoea, lethargic, abdominal pain

gut rest - bland, low fat, highly digestible diet

Question 19

colitis?
signs?
treatment?

Answer 19

inflammation of large intestine

very watery diarrhoea with blood, weight loss, inflammation and/or painful abdomen

increased fibre diet, intravenous fluids, if allergy work out what (eliminating diet)

Question 20

diabetes mellitus cause?

Answer 20

impaired production or release of insulin

creates hypoglycaemia and inability to regulate blood sugar

Question 21

diabetes mellitus signs?

Answer 21

excessive urinating
excessive appetite
excessive drinking
weight loss

Question 22

diabetes mellitus diet?

Answer 22

dogs - increase soluble fibre
cats - normal diet (high protein, low carb)

avoid moist, soft foods as contain high amounts of simple carbs (sugars)

Question 23

chronic renal disease cause?

Answer 23

progressive degeneration due to ageing

Question 24

chronic renal disease signs?

Answer 24

don’t occur until >70% nephrons have stopped working

excessive drinking
excessive urinating 
weight loss
lethargic 
vomiting 
no appetite

Question 25

chronic renal failure diet?

Answer 25

can extend life by 2 years - reduces strain on kidneys

• controlled proteins with high value so kidneys don’t need to make them
• decrease phosphorus
• reduce sodium to prevent hypertension
• monitor potassium levels in cats

Question 26

liver failure cause?

Answer 26

leptospirosis

poison (eg lillies)

Question 27

liver failure signs?

Answer 27

inappetence
weight loss
lethargic
blood in faeces

Question 28

liver failure diet?

Answer 28

moderate level of high quality protein
increased fibre
low copper - accumulates in liver
adequate zinc - limits encephalopathy (brain disease)

Question 29

laminitis?

Answer 29

inflammation of foot
common in horses
often front feet

Question 30

cause of laminitis?

Answer 30

• high amounts of soluble carbohydrates
• forced into hindgut to be digested by bacteria
• bacteria release toxins passed into the bloodstream which disrupts blood flow

Question 31

laminitis signs?

Answer 31

unwillingness to move 
rocking weight to hindlegs
recumbency 
flaky soles/sore feet 
shortened gait (stride)

Question 32

laminitis diet?

Answer 32

avoid lush grass to decrease sugar intake

esp. during spring and autumn

Question 33

Resting Energy Requirement equation?

Answer 33

70 x (weight in KG)^0.75

Question 34

Daily Energy Requirements equation?

Answer 34

RER x life stage