Six Essential Nutrients

1. Six Essential Nutrients 1. Water 4. Protein 2. Carbohydrates 5. Minerals 3. Fats 6. Vitamins

2. Water (H2O) • Controls body temperature. • Enables living plants and animals to hold their shape. • Involves the transport of nutrients at the cell level through osmosis and diffusion. • Helps digest feeds. • Carries waste-products resulting from body functions. • Major part of all body fluids.

3. Carbohydrates (C6H12O6) Simple and Complex • Furnishes energy for: A. body functions B. growth and fattening C. reproduction • The largest part of an animal’s food supply (usually the roughage in the diet). 4 calories per gram • Includes sugars, starchs, and cellulose. • Made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

4. Fats • Furnishes a concentrated source of energy. (2.25 times as much energy as C6H12O.) 9 calories per gram • Forms cholesterol, steroids, and other body compounds. • Found in every cell in the body. • Skin and hair conditions are affected when fat is absent from the diet. • Provides: Energy reserves Protection for vital organs Insulation for the body • Made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

5. Proteins • Needed for growth and repair of the body. • Helps form the greater part of: 4 calories per gram A. muscles and internal organs. B. skin, hair, wool, and feathers. C. hoofs and horns. • Contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

6. Minerals • Potassium, phosphorous, and calcium are necessary for healthy bones. • Salt (NaCl) is important in most body functions (i.e. appearance, growth, appetite). • Iron is required for healthy blood and skin. • Most other minerals are essential, but are required in smaller amounts.

7. Vitamins • Needed in minute amounts. • Essential for life and health. • Catalyst for body processes. • Promotes growth and reproduction. • Contributes to the general health of the animal.

8. Vitamins and there purpose