Nutrition/digestion

Question 1

list the four ruminant stomachs in order

Answer 1

rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum

Question 2

What is the purpose of microbes in the rumen

Answer 2

microbes aid in breaking down cellulose (touch plant material) to be absorbed by the body

Question 3

what is the purpose of urea for ruminants

Answer 3

urea can be converted by rumen microbes into protein

Question 4

list the three areas of energy loss

Answer 4

methane production, heat loss, loss in undigested feed

Question 5

what gastric juices aid in the breakdown of feed in monogastrucs

Answer 5

hydrochloric acid and pepsin

Question 6

what are the three main parts of a birds digestive system, and what are their functions

Answer 6

crop = a pouch to store feed temporarily

proventriculus (true stomach) = is the glandular stomach, chemical digestion occurs here with hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes

gizzard = muscular contractions aid in the mechanical/physical breakdown of feed.

Question 7

list the six essential nutrients

Answer 7

carbohydrates
proteins
fats
vitamins
minerals
water

Question 8

what is the form of carbohydrates, give examples of feed rich in carb.

Answer 8

form = simple sugars, starches, cellulose
lucerne hay, barley, maize, etc.

Question 9

what is the form of proteins, give examples of feed rich in protein.

Answer 9

form = amino acids, peptides, proteins
cottonseed meal, lupins, legumes

Question 10

what is the form of fats, give examples of feed rich in fat

Answer 10

form = fatty acids
cottonseed, canola meal, sunflower seeds

Question 11

what is the form of vitamins, give examples of feed rich in vitamins

Answer 11

form = various vitamins
fresh pasture grasses, vitamin supplements, high quality hay

Question 12

what is the form of minerals, give examples of feed rich in minerals

Answer 12

form = macro-minerals
salt licks, limestone, copper sulfate

Question 13

what is the form of water, give examples of sources of water

Answer 13

form = liquid
access to clean water, troughs and dams

Question 14

give 5 reasons as to why rations should be introduced gradually

Answer 14

• prevents digestive upset
• maintains cattle health
• optimises nutrient uptake
• allows for feed preference
• reduces nutrient imbalance

Question 15

give 5 ways to introduce feed ration slowly

Answer 15

• start with a small proportion
• increase gradually
• monitor cattle health
• ensure water access
• minimise stress