Which nutrient class is primarily obtained from forages and other feed?

Which nutrient class is primarily obtained from forages and other feed?

• A. Minerals
• B. Water
• C. Carbs
• D. Vitamins

Answer: (A)

Forages provide energy mainly through carbohydrates. The plant fibers in hay and grass are rich in structural carbohydrates like cellulose and hemicellulose. When these are eaten, gut microbes break them down and produce volatile fatty acids, which supply most of the animal’s energy from forage. Minerals and vitamins are important nutrients, and water is essential, but they don’t supply the primary energy found in forages. So the nutrient class you get most from forages and other feed is carbohydrates.

Forages provide energy mainly through carbohydrates. The plant fibers in hay and grass are rich in structural carbohydrates like cellulose and hemicellulose. When these are eaten, gut microbes break them down and produce volatile fatty acids, which supply most of the animal’s energy from forage. Minerals and vitamins are important nutrients, and water is essential, but they don’t supply the primary energy found in forages. So the nutrient class you get most from forages and other feed is carbohydrates.