ANS 303 — Principles of Animal Nutrition and Biochemistry: Lecture Note

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LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course code: ANS 303 Course title: Principles of Animal Nutrition and Biochemistry Course credit load: 2 Units Series 1: Chemical Composition of Animals and Feeds Part 1 Chemical Composition of the Animal Body • 1.1.1 Water and its role in the body • 1.1.2 Proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates • 1.1.3 Minerals and vitamins • 1.1.4 Hormones and other biomolecules Part 2 Chemical Composition of Feeds • 1.2.1 Nutrient groups in feeds • 1.2.2 Similarities between feed composition and animal body composition • 1.2.3 Variations in feed composition across species and production systems Part 3 Relationship between Animal Body Composition and Feed Composition • 1.3.1 Nutrient balance and maintenance • 1.3.2 Feed composition for growth, reproduction, and lactation • 1.3.3 Implications for animal health and productivity Part 4 Analytical Approaches to Studying Composition • 1.4.1 Basic laboratory methods for proximate analysis • 1.4.2 Importance of chemical analysis in nutrition studies • 1.4.3 Limitations and challenges in feed composition analysis Introduction Animals, like all living organisms, are made up of a variety of chemical substances that determine their structure, function, and productivity. These substances are not

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS only vital for maintaining life but also closely mirror the nutrients found in the feeds they consume. By studying the chemical composition of both animals and feeds, learners gain a clearer understanding of how nutrition supports growth, reproduction, lactation, and overall health. This knowledge forms the foundation for more advanced topics in animal nutrition and biochemistry, making this Series a crucial starting point in the course. The aim of this Series is to equip you with the ability to identify and explain the major chemical components of animals and feeds, and to appreciate the relationship between them in sustaining life and production. We shall commence this Series by examining the composition of the animal body, focusing on water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and hormones. Next, we will explore the composition of feeds, highlighting nutrient groups and their similarities with animal body composition. Following that, we will consider the relationship between animal body and feed composition, paying attention to nutrient balance and its implications for productivity. Finally, we will wrap up by introducing analytical approaches to studying composition, including basic laboratory methods and their importance in nutrition studies. Series Learning Outcomes Series 1: Chemical Composition of Animals and Feeds Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define the chemical composition of animals and feeds. • SLO 1.2 explain the importance of water, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals in animal nutrition. • SLO 1.3 describe the structural and functional roles of each nutrient group in animals. • SLO 1.4 analyse the differences in nutrient composition between animal tissues and feedstuffs. • SLO 1.5 evaluate how the chemical composition of feeds influences animal growth, reproduction, and productivity. 1.1 Chemical Composition Of The Animal Body Animals are composed of a variety of chemical substances that collectively sustain life, growth, and productivity. These substances include water, proteins, lipids,

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and hormones. Each of these components plays a unique role in maintaining physiological balance and supporting metabolic processes. In this Part, we shall explore these components in detail, beginning with water and progressing through the major biomolecules and regulatory substances. 1.1.1 Water and its physiological role Water is the most abundant chemical component in the animal body, making up between 60 to 70 percent of body weight. It is defined as a colourless, tasteless, and odourless liquid that serves as the universal solvent. Water facilitates biochemical reactions, regulates body temperature, transports nutrients and waste products, and provides structural integrity to cells. Without adequate water, animals experience dehydration, reduced feed intake, and impaired metabolic functions. Fill in the blank: Water makes up about ______ percent of the animal body weight. Diagram showing the distribution of water in animal tissues (intracellular, extracellular, plasma). Figure 1.1: Distribution of water in animal body compartments 1.1.2 Proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates Proteins are complex organic molecules composed of amino acids. They are defined as nitrogen-containing compounds that form the structural framework of muscles, enzymes, and hormones. Proteins are essential for growth, tissue repair, and metabolic regulation.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Lipids are hydrophobic organic compounds that include fats and oils. They are defined as energy-dense molecules that provide insulation, protect organs, and serve as precursors for hormones. Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are defined as the primary energy source for animals, stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Fill in the blank: The primary storage form of carbohydrate in animals is ______. Table 1.1: Comparison of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates in animals Nutrient Class Basic Composition Key Functions Examples in Animals Proteins Amino acids (contain Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and sometimes Sulfur) Structural components (muscle, hair, collagen), enzymes, hormones, immune defense (antibodies), fluid balance, and transport. Keratin (wool, horns), Myosin (muscle), Casein (milk protein), Hemoglobin. Lipids Fatty acids and Glycerol (mostly Carbon and Hydrogen, with less Oxygen than carbohydrates) Energy storage (fat), insulation and protection, primary component of cell membranes, source of essential fatty acids, and precursor for steroid hormones. Triglycerides (storage fat), Phospholipids (cell membranes), Cholesterol (steroid precursor). Carbohydrates Saccharides (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio) Primary energy source (readily available), structural component in some tissues, and energy reserve. Glucose (blood sugar), Glycogen (energy reserve in liver/muscle), Ribose/Deoxyribose (in nucleic acids). 1.1.3 Minerals and vitamins

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Minerals are inorganic elements required in small amounts for structural and regulatory functions. Examples include calcium for bone formation, iron for haemoglobin synthesis, and phosphorus for energy metabolism. Vitamins are organic compounds required in minute quantities to regulate metabolic processes. They are classified into fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (B-complex, C). Vitamins often act as coenzymes, facilitating biochemical reactions. Fill in the blank: Calcium is a mineral primarily associated with ______ formation. Box 1.1: Selected minerals and vitamins in animal nutrition Nutrient Type Example Nutrient Primary Functions in Animals Minerals (Macro) Calcium (Ca) Essential for bone and teeth formation, muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. Minerals (Macro) Phosphorus (P) Component of bones and cell membranes, vital for energy metabolism (ATP), and component of nucleic acids. Minerals (Micro) Iron (Fe) Essential component of hemoglobin for oxygen transport and involved in cellular respiration. Minerals (Micro) Iodine (I) Required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and growth. Vitamins (Fat-Soluble) Vitamin A Crucial for vision, immune function, reproduction, and maintaining healthy epithelial tissues. Vitamins (Fat-Soluble) Vitamin D Regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism and aids in bone development. Vitamins (Water-Soluble) Vitamin C Acts as an antioxidant, supports the immune system, and is essential for collagen synthesis (most animals synthesize this). Vitamins (Water-Soluble) Thiamine (B1) Vital coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. 1.1.4 Hormones and other biomolecules

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by glands that regulate physiological processes such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism. Examples include insulin, which regulates blood glucose, and thyroxine, which controls metabolic rate. Other biomolecules such as nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are also vital. Nucleic acids are defined as macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information, ensuring continuity of life. Fill in the blank: The hormone that regulates blood glucose levels is ______. Image showing endocrine glands in animals (pituitary, thyroid, pancreas). Plate 1.1: Major endocrine glands in animals Pilot questions 1.1 1. Which chemical component makes up the largest proportion of the animal body? 2. What is the primary storage form of carbohydrate in animals? 3. Name one mineral and its specific function in the animal body. 4. Identify one fat-soluble vitamin and state its role. 5. Which hormone regulates blood glucose levels? 1.2 Chemical Composition Of Feeds

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Feeds are the primary source of nutrients for animals, and their composition directly influences growth, reproduction, lactation, and overall productivity. Just as the animal body is made up of water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and hormones, feeds also contain these chemical groups in varying proportions. Understanding the composition of feeds helps us to evaluate their nutritional value and to design diets that meet the specific needs of animals. 1.2.1 Nutrient groups in feeds Nutrients are defined as chemical substances in food that provide energy, support growth, and maintain body functions. The major nutrient groups in feeds include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, minerals, vitamins, and water. Carbohydrates are usually the largest component, derived from cereals and forages, while proteins come from legumes, oilseed cakes, and animal by-products. Lipids provide concentrated energy, minerals support structural and metabolic functions, and

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