Animal Nutrition
K.LaunchbaughUSDA-ARS
BLM Photo K.Launchbaugh
Animal Nutrient Requirements Maintenance = Basal Metabolism +
Minimum Movement + Foraging On a yearly basis requires greatest amount of
energy by the animal. Depends on species - Cow > Sheep > Deer Domestic vs Native - Most wildlife species have
the ability to vary their basal metabolic rate with season.
Animal Nutrient Requirements Maintenance
Depends on Age - Young > Old
For example basal metabolic rate of sheep: birth = 132 kcal/m3
15 weeks = 68 kcal/m3
6 years = 52 kcal/m3
Animal Nutrient Requirements Growth - important energy demand in young
animals and pregnant females Reproduction –
energy need in last trimester of pregnancy for females
important for males during breeding season
Animal Nutrient Requirements Lactation - greatest energy requirement of
mature females above maintenance. Requires 45% greater energy supply than
maintenance.
Changes in Demand over YearE
nerg
y &
Nut
rien
t Req
uire
men
ts
Yearly Change in Demand for PregnantFemale Range Herbivore (i.e., Cow, sheep, elk , deer)
Winter Spring Summer Fall
Last Trim
ester
Birth &
Lactation Weaning
Maintenance
Animal Nutrient Requirements Level of activity
15% greater energy required for standing compared to lying down.
40-46% more energy needed for range animals than stall-fed animals.
Animal Nutrient Requirements Environmental conditions affect the amount of
energy needed by animals Cold environments require more energy for
maintenance. Hot environments require more water for perspiration.
Top Related