Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Allied Science

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +44 1518081136

Perspective - Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Allied Science (2023) Volume 7, Issue 2

Essentials of animal nutrition: The dietary needs of domestic and wild species.

Alexis Barrett*

Department of Animal Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland

Corresponding Author:
Alexis Barrett
Department of Animal Science
University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
E-mail: barrettalexis@unib.ch

Received: 28-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. AAVMAS-23-90022; Editor assigned: 02-Mar-2023, PreQC No. AAVMAS-23-90022(PQ); Reviewed: 16-Mar-2023, QC No. AAVMAS-23-90022; Revised: 20-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAVMAS-23-90022(R); Published: 27-Mar-2023, DOI:10.35841/2591-7978-7.2.139

Citation: Barrett A. Essentials of animal nutrition: The dietary needs of domestic and wild species. J Vet Med Allied Sci. 2023;7(2):139

Visit for more related articles at Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Allied Science

Animal nutrition is a critical aspect of animal care and management, as it has a significant impact on the health, growth, and overall well-being of animals. Regardless of the species, all animals have specific nutritional requirements that must be met for them to thrive. This article will provide an overview of the basics of animal nutrition and the key factors that affect an animal's dietary needs. The primary nutrients that all animals require are protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients play various roles in the body and must be present in the right balance and quantity to support growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Protein is the building block of muscles, bones, and tissues and is essential for growth, maintenance, and repair. Carbohydrates provide energy, while fats are a source of energy and also help absorb certain vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals play important roles in various bodily functions, including vision, immune function, and red blood cell production.

There are several factors that influence an animal's dietary needs, including its age, stage of development, and level of activity [1]. Young animals have different nutritional requirements than adults, and growing animals have different requirements than those that have reached maturity. Similarly, an animal's level of activity affects its energy needs, and therefore its dietary requirements. For example, a sedentary animal will require a different diet than an active animal. In addition to these basic requirements, each species of animal has specific dietary needs. For example, cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet that is high in protein, while horses are herbivores and require a diet that is high in fiber. It is important to understand the dietary needs of the species you are caring for to ensure that they receive a balanced diet. Another important aspect of animal nutrition is feeding frequency. The frequency and amount of feed that an animal requires will depend on its size, age, and level of activity. For example, a young animal will require more frequent feedings than an adult, while an active animal will require more feed than a sedentary animal [2]. In general, it is best to feed animals smaller, more frequent meals to promote proper digestion and prevent overeating.

It is also important to consider the quality of the feed that you provide to your animals. Feed that is old, moldy, or otherwise spoiled can be harmful to animals and may cause health problems. In addition, animals that are fed a diet that is deficient in essential nutrients may develop health problems, including stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and reproductive problems. Therefore, it is essential to provide your animals with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. There are many commercial feeds available for animals, but it is important to choose a feed that is specifically formulated for the species you are caring for. For example, a feed that is formulated for chickens will not be appropriate for horses or cows. In addition, it is important to choose a feed that is appropriate for the animal's life stage, such as a puppy or kitten food for young animals. Supplements can be used to help meet an animal's nutritional needs, but they should only be used under the direction of a veterinarian [3]. Overuse of supplements can be harmful, and some supplements may interact with medications that an animal is taking. In addition, it is important to follow the recommended dosage when giving supplements to animals to avoid toxicity.

Fiber is another important component of animal nutrition. Fiber is indigestible by the animal and helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation. Animals that are fed a diet that is low in fiber may develop digestive problems, including constipation and colic [4]. Therefore, it is important to provide an appropriate amount of fiber in an animal's diet, especially for herbivores, which require a high-fiber diet. It is also important to consider the calcium and phosphorus content of an animal's diet. These minerals are important for the development and maintenance of strong bones, and a proper balance of calcium and phosphorus is essential for proper bone growth and development [5]. Additionally, some species, such as horses, are prone to a condition known as tying up, which can be caused by an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus.

In conclusion, animal nutrition is an important aspect of animal care and management that has a significant impact on the health, growth, and overall well-being of animals. Understanding the basic nutritional requirements of animals, as well as the specific needs of each species, is critical for providing a balanced diet. Additionally, providing high-quality feed, feeding animals appropriately, and using supplements under the direction.

References

  1. Flachowsky G, Chesson A, Aulrich K. Animal nutrition with feeds from genetically modified plants. Arch Anim Nutr. 2005;59(1):1-40.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Robbins CT, Felicetti LA, Sponheimer M. The effect of dietary protein quality on nitrogen isotope discrimination in mammals and birds. Oecologia. 2005;144:534-40.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Hashemi SR, Davoodi H. Herbal plants and their derivatives as growth and health promoters in animal nutrition. Vet Res Commun. 2011;35:169-80.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Kumar R, Joshi R, Kumar R, et al. Nutritional quality evaluation and proteome profile of forage species of Western Himalaya. Grassl Sci. 2022;68(3):214-25.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Toledo A, Burlingame B. Biodiversity and nutrition: A common path toward global food security and sustainable development. J Food Compos Anal. 2006;19(6-7):477-83.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App