Animal Nutrition Handbook Section 19: Glossary Page 634

GLOSSARY
[Based on Kellems, R.O. and D. C. Church (1998)
and Jurgens, M. H (2002)]

A adjacent carbon atom.

Abomasum - The fourth compartment of a ruminant's Amino acids, essential (indispensable) - Those that
stomach, which has functions similar to the glandular must be present in the diet; they include arginine,
stomach of nonruminants. histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine,
Absorption - The movement of nutrients (or other phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
compounds) from the digestive tract (or through other Amino acids, nonessential (dispensable) - Amino
tissues such as the skin) into the blood and/or lymph acids found in common proteins but which may be
system. partly or completely synthesized by the animals
Acetic acid - One of the volatile fatty acids commonly tissues; they include alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,
found in silage, rumen contents, and vinegar as a result cystine, glutamic acid, glycine, hydroxyproline, proline,
of microbial fermentation. serine, and tyrosine.
Acidification - The act of reducing the pH of a Ammoniated - Combined or impregnated with
substance or solution; or increasing the acidity. ammonia or an ammonium compound.
Acidosis - A condition in ruminants where excess acid Amylase - Any of several enzymes that can hydrolyze
from the rumen is absorbed into the blood stream starch to maltose or glucose.
causing a lowered bicarbonate concentration. Anabolism - Constructive metabolism in which simple
Additive - An ingredient or combination of ingredients substances are converted into more complex substances
added in small quantities to a basic feed mix for the by living cells.
purpose of fortifying the basic mix with trace nutrients, Anaerobic - Living or functioning in the absence of
medicines, or drugs. oxygen.
ADF - Acid detergent fiber; the fraction of a feedstuff Analogue - Something having analogy (or similarity) to
not soluble by acid detergent; roughly comparable to a something else.
crude fiber plus lignin. Anemia - A deficiency in the blood of red cells,
Adipose - Consisting of, resembling, or having relation hemoglobin, or both.
to fat. Anorexia - Lack or loss of the appetite for food.
Ad libitum - Unrestricted consumption of feed or Anoxia - Oxygen deficiency.
water. Antagonist - A substance that exerts a nullifying or
Aerobic - Living or functioning in the presence of opposing action to another substance.
oxygen. Anthelmintic - A product which destroys or expells
Afterbirth - The placenta and allied membranes internal parasites.
expelled from the uterus following parturition. Antibiotic - A substance produced by one
Air-dry - The refers to feed that is dried by means of microorganism that has an inhibitory effect on another
natural air movement, usually in open. microorganism.
Albumin - A group of globular proteins; a major Antioxidant - A substance that inhibits the oxidation of
component of blood serum protein. other compounds.
Algae - Single cell plants which synthesize, among Antivitamin - A substance that interferes with the
others, proteins by the use of sunlight. synthesis or metabolism of a vitamin.
Alimentary - Having to do with feed or food. Anus - The distal opening of the gastrointestinal tract.
Alimentary tract - A term synonymous with the Appetite - A desire for food or water; generally a
digestive or gastrointestinal tract. long-term phenomenon, in contrast to short term satiety.
Alkali/alkaline - Any of various base, the hydroxides Artificially dried - (Process) M oisture having been
of alkali metals and ammonium, which neutralize acids removed by other than natural means.
to form salts and turn red red litmus paper blue. Ascorbic acid - See Vitamin.
Ambient temperature - The prevailing or surrounding Aspirated, aspirating - Having removed chaff, dust, or
temperature. other light materials by use of air.
Amino acids - The simplest organic structure of which As fed - As consumed by the animal.
proteins are formed; all have the common property of Ash - The residue remaining after complete incineration
containing a carboxyl group and an amino group on the at 500 to 600C of a feed or animal tissue. Only

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Animal Nutrition Handbook Section 19: Glossary Page 635

metallic oxides or contaminants such as soil should feed of a distributor and distinguishing it from that of
remain. others.
Available nutrient - A nutrient which can be digested, Buffer - Any substance that can reduce changes in pH
absorbed, and(or) used in the body. when an acid or alkali is added to it.
Avidin - A substance found in egg white which Bushel - A unit of dry measure equivalent to 2150.42
prevents the action of biotin. cubic inches (approximately 1.25 cubic feet).
B Butyric acid - One of the volatile fatty acids commonly
Bactericide - A product that destroys bacteria. found in rumen contents and in poor-quality silages.
Balanced ration (or diet) - A combination of feeds By-product - (Part) Secondary products produced in
that provides the essential nutrients in the required addition to the principal product.
proportions. C
Basal diet - A diet common to all groups of Cake - (Physical form) The mass resulting from the
experimental animals to which the expermental pressing of seeds, meat, or fish in order to remove oils,
substance(s) is added. fats, or other liquids.
Basal metabolic rate - The basal metabolism Calcification - The process by which organic tissue
expressed in kilocalories per unit of body size; the heat becomes hardened by a deposit of calcium salts.
production of an animal during physical, digestive, and Calculi - An occurrence in which mineral deposits in
emotional rest. the urinary tract.
Beriberi - A deficiency (acute) of thiamin, one of the Calorie - The amount of energy required to raise the
B-complex vitamins. temperature of water from 14.5 to 15.5C.
Bile - A secretion from the liver containing metabolites Calorimeter - The equipment used to measure the heat
such as cholesterol and bile acids, which aid in the generated in a system.
digestion of fats. Cannula - A tube inserted into the body to connect
Bioassay - Determination of th relative effective internal structures with the outside of the animal.
potency of a substance by comparing its effect on a test Carbohydrate - Organic substances containing C, H,
organisms with that of a standard preparation. and 0, with the Hand present in the same proportions
Biological value - The efficiency with which a protein as in water. Many different kinds are found in plant
furnishes the required amounts of essential amino acids; tissues; some are vital to animal metabolism.
usually expressed as a percentage. Carcinogen - Any cancer-producing substance.
Biopsy - The removal and examination of tissue or Carotene - A yellow organic compound that is the
other material from the living body. precursor of vitamin A.
Blending - (Process) To mingle or combine two or Carrier - An edible material used to facilitate the
more ingredients of feed. It does not imply a uniformity addition of micronutrients to a ration.
of dispersion. Cartilage - A connective tissue characterized by
Bloat - A distention of the rumen or oaunch or the large nonvascularity (absence of blood vessels)
colon by gases by fermentation. and firm texture.
Blocked, blocking - (Process) Having agglomerated Casein - The protein precipitated from milk by acid
individual ingredients or mixtures into a large mass. and/or rennin.
Blocks - (Physical form) Agglomerated feed Cassava - A tropical plant of the spurge family with
compressed into a solid mass cohesive enough to hold edible starchy roots.
its form, weighing over 2 pounds, and generally Catalyst - A substance that changes the rate of a
weighing 30 to 50 lb. chemical reaction but is not itself used up in
Bolus - A solid mass of ingesta (synonymous with cud) the reaction. The use of platinum in hydrogenating
that, in ruminants, is regurgitated for unsaturated fats is an example.
remastication during rumination. Catabolism - The breaking down of complex
Bomb calorimeter - An instrument used for measuring substances into more simple compounds by living cells.
the gross energy (GE) content of any material that will Cecum (or caecum) - A blind pouch located at the
burn. junction of the small intestine with the colon (the
Bone meal - Animal bones hat were steamed ubderand appendix in humans); it is part of the large intestine.
then ground. Cellulose - A polymer of glucose characterized by a
Bran - The pericarp or seed coat of grain which is linkage between the glucose molecules that is
removed during processing and used as animal feed. resistant to hydrolysis by most digestive enzymes
Brand name - Any word, name, symbol, or device or (except some produced by microorganisms).
any combination thereof identifying the commercial Chaff - (Part) Glumes, husks, or other seed covering

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together with other plant parts separated from seed in temperature of ingredients or a mixture of ingredients
threshing or processing. prior to further processing.
Chelate - Refers to a ring-like structure that is formed Convulsion - An involuntary spasm or contraction of
between an organic molecule and a metal ion. muscles, often in vary rapid sequence.
Cholesterol - The most common member of the sterol Cooked, cooking - (Process) Heated in the presence of
group found in blood and many other animal tissues; moisture to alter chemical and/or physical
not present in arty plant tissues. characteristics or to sterilize.
Cholic acid - A family of steroids comprising the bile Cooled, cooling - (Process) Temperature reduced by air
acids; they are derived from metabolism of cholesterol movement, usually accompanied by a simultaneous
by the liver. drying action.
Chyme - A semiliquid material produced by the action Coprophagy - The ingestion of fecal material.
of gastric juice on ingested food. Cracked, cracking - (Process) Particle size reduced by
Chymotrypsin - A proteolytic digestive enzyme a combined breaking and crushing action.
secreted by the pancreas. Creep - A feeder or an enclosure used for supplemental
Cleaned, cleaning - (Process) Removal of material by feeding of nursing young, which excludes their dams.
such methods as scalping, aspirating, or magnetic Cribber - A horse that has the vice of biting or setting
separation, or by any other method. the teeth against some object, such as manger, while
Cleaning - (Part) Chaff, weed seeds, dust, and other sucking air.
foreign matter removed from cereal grains. Crude fat - The portion of a feed (or other material)
Clipped, clipping - (Process) Removal of the ends of that is soluble in ether; also referred to as ether extract.
whole grains. Crude fiber - The fibrous, less digestible portion of a
Coagulated - Curdled, clotted, or congealed. feed.
Coenzyme - An organic molecule required by some Crude protein - Total ammoniacal nitrogen x 6.25,
enzymes to produce enzymic activity; vitamin based on the fact that feed protein, on the average,
coenzymes include niacin, pyridoxine, thiamin, contains 16% nitrogen; many nonprotein nitrogen
riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and folic acid. compounds may be included.
Collagen - A principal supportive protein in connective Crumbled, crumbling - (Process) Pellets reduced to
tissue. granular form.
Colon - Part of the large intestine; divided into the Crumbles - (Physical form) Pelleted feed reduced to
transverse, descending, and ascending segments. granular form.
Colostrum milk - The milk secreted during the first Cubes - (Physical form) See Pellets.
day or two of lactation. Cubes, range - (Physical form) See Pellets, Range
Commercial feed - As defined in the Uniform Feed cubes.
Bill, all materials distributed for use as feed or for Cud - The solid mass of ingesta regurgitated and
mixing in feed for animals other than humans, except as remasticated in the process of rumination (synonymous
follows: (A) Option A, unmixed seed, whole or with bolus).
processed, made directly from the entire seed. Option Curd - The semisolid mass that is formed when milk
B, unmixed or unprocessed whole seeds. (B) Hay, comes in contact with an acid or rennin.
straw, stover, silage, cobs, husks, and hulls (a) when D
unground and (b) when unmixed with other materials. Deamination - Removal of the amino group from an
(C) Individual chemical compounds when not mixed amino acid.
with other materials. Debeaking - The removal of part of the beak of
Compensated growth - Accelerated growth following chickens and poults with an electronic debeaker to
a period of limited feed intake. prevent cannibalism.
Complete feed - A single feed mixture used as the only Defluorinated - Having the fluorine content reduced to
source of food for an animal. a level that is nontoxic under normal feed use.
Concentrate - Any feed containing relatively low fiber Degradation - Conversion of a chemical compound to
(20% or less) and with 60% or more TDN. Opposite of one that is less complex.
roughage; or a concentrated source of one or more Dehulled, dehulling - (Process) Having removed the
nutrients used to supplement a feed mix. outer covering from grains or other seeds.
Condensed, condensing - (Process) Reduced to denser Dehydrated, dehydrating - (Process) Having been
form by removal of moisture. freed of moisture by thermal means.
Conditioned, conditioning - (Process) Having Dermatitis - An inflammation of the skin.
achieved predetermined moisture characteristics and/or Desiccate - To dry completely.

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Dextrin - An intermediate polysaccharide product remain in liquid suspension.

obtained during starch hydrolysis. Emulsify - To disperse small drops of liquid into
Diet - A regulated selection or mixture of feedstuffs another liquid.
provided on a continuous or prescribed schedule. Endemic - A disease of low morbidity that persists over
Digestibility, apparent - The percentage of a feed or a long period of time in a certain region.
nutrient that is apparently absorbed from the GI tract as Endocrine - Pertains to internal secretions that affect
indicated by intake minus fecal output; it differs from metabolic processes or specific target organs.
true digestibility in that feces contain substances Endogenous - Originating from within the organism.
derived from the body, many microbial products, and Endosperm - The carbohydrate or starchy portion of
various secretions, as well as undigested food. seed.
Digestibility, true - The percentage of a feed nutrient Ensilage - The same as silage.
actually absorbed from the GI tract. Ensiled - Having been subjected to an anaerobic
Digestion - The process involved in preparing food for fermentation to form silage.
absorption. Enteritis - Inflammation of the intestines.
Dilute - (Physical form) An edible substance used to Enzyme - A protein formed in plant or animal cells that
mix with and reduce the concentration of nutrients acts as an organic catalyst.
and/or additives to make them more acceptable to Epithelial - Refers to those cells that form theouter
animals, safer to use, and more capable of being mixed layer of the skin or that line body cavities.
uniformly in a feed. It may also be a carrier. Ergosterol - A sterol found chiefly in plant tissues; on
Disaccharide - Any of several dimers (contains two exposure to ultraviolet irridiation it becomes vitamin D.
simple sugar molecules); for example, sucrose Ergot - A disease of rye and other cereals because of
(common table sugar) yields glucose and fructose. fungus which replaces the grain by a long, hard,
Dispensable amino acid - Synonymous with hornlike, dark-colored body.
nonessential amino acid. Eructation - Belching of gas by ruminants as a normal
Diuretic - A drug or agent used to increase the flow of means of expelling gases of fermentation.
urine. Esophagus - The passageway (tube) from the mouth to
Dressed, dressing - (Process) Made uniform in texture the stomach.
by breaking or screening of lumps from feed and/or the Estrogens - Estrus-producing hormones secreted by the
application of liquid(s). ovaries.
Dried, drying - (Process) Materials from which water Evaporated, evaporating - (Process) Reduced to
or other liquid has been removed. denser form; concentrated as by evaporation or
Drug - As defined by FDA as applied to feed, a distillation.
substance (a) intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, Eviscerated - Having had all organs in the great cavity
mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in of the body removed.
humans or other animals, or (b) a substance other than Excreta - The products of excretion, primarily feces
food intended to affect the structure or any function of and urine.
the body of humans or other animals. Exogenous - Originating from outside the body.
Dry matter - The portion of a feed or tissue remaining Expanded, expanding - (Process) Subjected to
after water is removed by drying in an oven. moisture, pressure, and temperature to gelatinize the
Drylot - A relatively small area in which animals are starch portion. W hen extruded, its volume is increased
confined as opposed to being allowed to have free due to abrupt reduction in pressure.
access to pasture. Extracted, mechanical - (Process) Having removed fat
Dry period - The period of time between lactation. or oil from materials by heat and mechanical pressure.
Duodenum - The first segment of the small intestine. Similar terms are expeller extracted, hydraulic
Dust - (Part) Fine, dry pulverized particles of matter extracted, and old process.
usually resulting from the cleaning or grinding of grain. Extracted, solvent - (Process) Having removed fat or
E oil from materials by organic solvents. Similar term is
Edema - An abnormal accumulation of fluid in apart of new process.
or in the entire body. Extruded (Process) - A process by which feed has
Element - Anyone of the chemical atoms of which all been pressed, pushed, or protruded through orifices
matter is composed. under pressure.
Emaciated - Excessive leanness; a wasted condition of F
the body. Fasting - To abstain from all food.
Emulsifier - A material capable of causing fat or oils to Fat soluble - Soluble in fats and fat solvents but

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generally not soluble in water. through a screen whose openings are immediately
Fattening - The deposition of excess energy in the form smaller than the specified minimum crumble size of
of adipose tissue (fat). pellet diameter.
Feces - The excreta discharged from the digestive tract Finish - To fatten an animal in preparation for
through the anus; composed of undigested food slaughtering for food; also, the degree of fatness of such
residues, micfoorganisms, and various materials an animal.
originating in the liver and intestinal tract. Fistula - An abnormal passage from some part of the
Feed Any material used as food by an animal; same as body to another part or the exterior, sometimes
feedstuff. surgically inserted.
Feed additive concentrate - (Part) As defined by FDA, Flaked, flaking - (Process) See Rolled.
an article intended to be further diluted to produce a Flakes - (Physical form) An ingredient rolled or cut
complete feed or a feed additive supplement and not into flat pieces with or without prior steam
suitable for offering as a supplement or for offering free conditioning.
choice without dilution. It contains, among other things, Flora - The plant life of a given region or locality. In
one or more additives in amounts in a suitable feed base nutrition, it generally refers to te bacteria present in the
such that from 10 to 100 lb of concentrate must be digestive tract.
diluted to produce 1 ton of a complete feed. A feed Flour - (Part) Soft, finely ground and bolted meal
additive concentrate is unsafe if fed free choice or as a obtained from the milling of cereal grains, other seeds,
supplement because of danger to the health of the or products. It consists essentially of the starch and
animal or because of the production of residues in the gluten of the endosperm.
edible products from food-producing animals in excess Flush - The practice of feeding females more
of the safe levels established. generously approximately two weeks before breeding.
Feed additive premix - As defined by FDA, an article Fodder - The entire above ground part of nearly mature
that must be diluted for safe use in a feed additive corn or sorghum in the fresh or cured form.
concentrate, a feed additive supplement, or a complete Food(s) - W hen used in reference to animals is
feed. It contains, among other things, one or more synonymous with feed(s). See Feed.
additives in high concentration in a suitable feed base Forage - Crops used as pasture, hay, haylage, silage, or
such that up to 100 lb must be diluted to produce 1 ton green chop for feeding animals.
of complete feed. A feed additive premix contains Formula feed - Two or more ingredients proportioned,
additives at levels for which safety to the animal has not mixed, and processed according to specifications.
been demonstrated and/or that may result when fed Fortify - To add one or more nutrients to a feed to
undiluted in residues in the edible products from increase its content to a needed level.
food-producing animals in excess of the safe levels Founder - A condition of indigestion or overloaded
established. stomach in the animals due to over eating. Or, may also
Feed additive supplement - As defined by FDA, an be the crippled condition of an animal afflicted with
article for the diet of an animal that contains one or laminitis.
more food additives and is intended to be (a) further Free choice - The method of feeding in which the
diluted and mixed to produce a complete feed; or (b) animal may choose to eat its feed at will.
fed undiluted as a supplement to other feeds; or (c) Fresh - Usually denotes the green or wet form of a feed
offered free choice with other parts of the rations or forage.
separately available. Note: A feed additive supplement Fructose - A six-carbon monosaccharide; one of the
is safe for the animal and will not produce unsafe components of sucrose.
residues in the edible products from food-producing Full-feed - A term indicating that animals are being
animals if fed according to directions. provided as much as they will consume safely without
Feed grade - Suitable for animal food but not permitted going off the feed.
by regulating agencies to be used in human foods. G
Feedlot - An area of land on which animals are fed or Galactose - A six-carbon monosaccharide; one of the
finished for market. components of lactose.
Feedstuff - See Feed. Gall bladder - A membranous sac attached to the liver
Fermentation - Chemical changes brought about by of farm livestock (except for the horse)
enzymes produced by various microorganisms. in which bile is stored.
Fibrous - High in content of cellulose and/or lignin (or Gastric juice - A clear liquid secreted by the wall of
in cell walls of NDF, neutral detergent fiber). the stomach; it contains HCI and the enzymes rennin,
Fines - (Physical form) Any material that will pass pepsin, and gastric lipase.

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Gastritis - Inflammation of the stomach. Hay - The aerial part of forage crops stored in the dry
Gastrointestinal - Pertaining to the stomach and form for feeding to animals.
intestine. Heat increment - The heat that is unavoidably
Gelatinized, gelatinizing - (Process) Having had the produced by an animal incidental with nutrient
starch granules completely ruptured by a combination digestion and utilization.
of moisture, heat, and pressure, and, in some instances, Heat labile - Unstable to heat.
by mechanical shear. Heat processed, heat processing - (Process) Subjected
Germ - W hen used as a feed term, the embryo of a to a method or preparation involving the use of elevated
seed. temperatures with or without pressure.
Glucogenesis - The formation of glucose by the Hematocrit - The volume of whole blood made up by
breaddown of glycogen. the red blood cells after centrifugation.
Gluconeogenesis - The formation of glucose and Hemoglobin - The oxygen-carrying red protein of the
glycogen from non-glucose matter. red corpuscles.
Glucose - A six-carbon monosaccharide found in the Hemorrhage - Copious loss of blood through bleeding.
blood and as a component of sucrose and maltose and Hepatitis - Inflammation of the liver.
other sugars. Homogenized - A process in which particles are broken
Gluten - The tough, viscid, nitrogenous substance down into evenly distributed globules small enough to
remaining when the flour of wheat or other grain is remain emulsified for a long period of time.
washed to remove the starch. Hormone - A chemical secreted in the body fluids by
Glycerol - An alcohol containing three carbons and an endocrine gland that has a specific effect on other
three hydroxy groups; a component of a fat. tissues.
Glycogen - A polysaccharide found in the liver and Hulls - (Process) Outer covering of grain or other seed.
muscles as a reserve form of quickly available energy. Hunger - The desire for food; the antithesis of satiety.
Glycogenesis - The formation of glycogen. Hydrogenation - The chemical addition of hydrogen to
Glycolysis - The decomposition of sugars and any unsaturated compound (double bond), often to fatty
metabolism to lactic acid in animals or pyruvic acid in acids.
enzymatic reactions. Hydrolysis - The chemical process whereby a
Goiter - An enlargement of the thyroid gland compound is split into simpler units with the uptake of
sometimes caused by an iodine deficiency. water.
Gossypol - A substance present in cottonseed (and Hygroscopicity - The tendency for a substance to
meal) that is toxic to swine and some other absorb or attract moisture from the air.
nonruminant species. Hyperthyroidism - A condition due to excessive
Grain - (Part) Seed from cereal plants. functional activity of the thyroid gland and
GRAS - Abbreviation for the phrase generally characterized by increased basal metabolism.
recognized as safe. A substance that is generally Hypervitaminosis - An abnormal condition resulting
recognized as safe by experts qualified to evaluate the from the intake of (or treatment with) an excess of one
safety of the substance for its intended use. or more vitamins.
Gravid - Pregnant. Hypocalcemia - A below normal concentration of Ca
Green chop - Forage harvested and fed in the green, in blood.
chopped form. Hypoglycemia - A below normal concentration of
Grits - (Part) Coarsely ground grain from which the blood glucose.
bran and germ have been removed, usually screened to I
uniform particle size. Ileum - The third section of the small intestine.
Groat - Grain from which the hull has been removed. Implant - A substance that is inserted into the body
Gross energy - The total heat of combustion of tissue for the purpose of growth promotion or
material burned in a bomb calorimeter. controlling some physical functrion.
Ground, grinding - (Process) Reduced in particle size Inert - Relatively inactive.
by impact, shearing, or attrition. Ingest - To eat or take in through the mouth.
Growth - An increase in muscle, bone, vital organs, Ingredient, feed ingredient - A component part or
and connective tissue as contrasted to an increase in constituent of any combination or mixture making up a
adipose tissue (fat deposition). commercial feed.
Gruel - A feed prepared by mixing ground ingredients Ingesta - Food and drink taken into the stomach.
with hot or cold water. Inorganic - Pertaining to compounds not containing
H carbon.

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Insulin - A hormone secreted by the pancreas into the of the body.

blood; it is involved in regulation and utilization of Legume - A plant member of the leguminosae family
blood glucose. (alfalfa, clovers, etc.), with the character of forming N-
International chick unit (ICU) - The unit used to fixing nodules on its roots.
express vitamin D for poultry . Lignin - A biologically unavailable polymer that is a
International unit (IU) - A standar unit of potency of major structural component of the cell walls of plants.
a biological unit as defined by the International Limited feeding - A feeding system in which animals
Conference for Unification of Formulae. are fed less than their voluntary intake.
Intestinal tract - The small and large intestines. Limiting amino acid - The indispensable amino acid of
Intrinsic factor - A chemical substance in the normal a protein which shows the greatest percentage deficit.
stomach necessary for absorption of vitamin B 12. Linoleic acid - An 18-carbon unsaturated fatty acid;
Inulin - A polysaccharide found in some root crops. one of the essential fatty acids; it occurs widely in plant
Composed of fructose. glycerides.
In vitro - In a glass. Occurring in an artificial Lipase - A fat-splitting enzyme; different lipases are
environment, as in a test tube. produced by the stomach and the pancreas.
In vivo - Occurring in the living body. Lipids - Substances that are diverse in chemical nature
Iodine number - The amount of iodine (in grams) that but are soluble in fat solvents.
can be taken up by 100 g of a fat or fatty acid; it is a Lipolysis - The decomposition or splitting up of fat to
measure of unsaturation. yield glycerol and fatty acids.
J Lymph - The slightly yellow, transparent fluid
Jejunum - The middle portion of the small intestine. occupying the lymphatic channels of the body.
Joule - A unit of work or energy, as well as the concept M
of heat (4.184j = 1 calorie). M alignant - Virulent or destructive as applied to
K cancer.
kcal - An abbreviation for kilocalorie; 1000 calories. M alnutrition - An overall term for poor nourishment.
Keratin - An S-containing protein found in tissues such M alt - Sprouted and steamed whole grain from which
as hair, wool, feathers, horn, and hooves. the radicle has been removed.
Ketone - A group of chemicals that includes acetone, M altase - An enzyme that splits maltose to produce two
acetoacetic acid, and betahydroxy butyric acid; they are molecules of glucose.
produced in excess when carbohydrate metabolism is M anure - The refuse from animal quarters consisting
low and fat is being metabolized for energy. of excreta with or without litter or bedding.
Ketosis - A condition characterized by an elevated M ash - (Physical form) A mixture of ingredients in
concentration of ketone bodies in body tissues and meal form. Similar term is mash feed.
fluids. M astitis - An inflammation of the mammary gland.
Kibbled, kibbling - (Process) Cracked or crushed M eal - (Physical form) An ingredient that has been
baked dough or extruded feed that has been cooked ground or otherwise reduced in particle size.
pIjor to or during the extrusion process. M econium - A dark green excrement material
Kwashiorkor - A nutritional disorder of children accumulated in the intestines during the fetal
caused by a severe protein deficiency, which is development.
characterized by changes in pigmentation of skin and M edicated feed - Any feed that contains drug
hair, edema, skin lesions, anemia, and apathy. ingredients intended or represented for the cure,
L mitigation, treatment, or prevention of diseases of
Labile - Unstable; easily destroyed. animals other than humans or that contains drug
Lactase - An enzyme present in the intestinal juice that ingredients intended to affect the structure or function
acts on lactose to produce glucose and galactose. of the body of animals other than humans.
Lactic acid - An organic acid commonly found in sour M egacalorie (M cal) - 1000 kcal or 1 million calories;
milk and silage and one that is important in the body synonymous with therm.
during anaerobic glycolysis. M etabolic size - The body weight raised to the 3/4
Laminitis - An Inflammation of the sensitive laminae power (W 0.75); a means of relating body weight to heat
under the horny wall of the hoof; often associated with production of an animal.
overfeeding. M etabolism - The sum of all the physical and chemical
Laxative - A medicine of agent that can induce bowel processes taking place in a living organism.
movement and relieve constipation. M etabolite - Any compound produced during
Lesion - An unhealthy change in the structure of a part metabolism.

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M etabolizable energy (M E) - Digestible energy minus M ycotoxin - A fungal toxin; quite often present in
the energy of the urine and combustible gases from the feeds, sometimes at lethal levels.
gastrointestinal tract (primarily methane). N
M ethane - A major product of anaerobic fermentation National Research Council (NRC) - A division of the
of carbohydrates; found in the rumen. National Academy of Sciences established in 1916 to
M etritis - An inflammation of the uterus. promote the effective utilization of scientific and
M icrobes - The same as microorganisms. technical resources.
M icroingredient - Any ration component normally NDF - Neutral detergent fiber, the fraction containing
measured in milligrams of micrograms per kilogram or mostly cell wall constituents of low biological
in parts per million (ppm). availability.
M icroorganism - A minute living organism, usually Necrosis - Death of a part of the cells making up a
microscopic, such as bacteria and protozoa. living tissue.
M ill by-product - (Part) A secondary product obtained Nephritis - Inflammatiori of the kidneys.
in addition to the principal product in milling practice. Net energy (NE) - Metabolizable energy minus the
M ill dust - (Part) Fine feed particles of undetermined heat increment.
origin resulting from handling and processing feed and Neuritis - Inflammation of the peripheral nerves.
feed ingredients. NFE (nitrogen-free extract) - Consists primarily of
M ill run - (Part) The state in which a material comes readily available carbohydrates such as sugars and
from the mill, ungraded and usually uninspected. starches; part of the proximate analysis.
M ineralize, mineralized - (Process) To supply, Nitrogen balance - A nutritional state in the animal
impregnate, or add inorganic mineral compounds to a determined from the N intake minus the N in feces and
feed ingredient or mixture. urine.
M inerals - As applied to animal nutrition, elements that Nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) - Anyone of a group of
are essential to the plant or animal and that are found in N-containing compounds that are not true proteins that
its tissues. can be precipitated from a solution; ammonia and urea
M inerals, macro - The major minerals (in terms of the are examples.
amounts required in the diet or found in body tissues): Nonruminant - A simple-stomached animal that does
calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), magnesium (M g), not ruminate.
phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and sulfur Nutrient - Any chemical substance that provides
(S). nourishment to the body.
M inerals, micro - The trace elements required by O
animal tissues that must be in the diet: cobalt (Co), Obesity - The accumulation of body fat beyond the
copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), fluorine (F), iodine (I), amount needed for good health.
iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel Offal - Material left as a by-product from the
(Ni), selenium (Se), silicon (Si), vanadium (V), and preparation of some specific product, less valuable
zinc (Zn). portions, and the by-products of milk.
M iscible - Capable of being mixed easily with another Oil - Usually a mixture of pure fats that is liquid at
substance. room temperature.
M ixing - (Process) To combine by agitation two or Oleic acid - An 18-carbon fatty acid that contains one
more materials to a specific degree of dispersion. double bond; it is found in animal and vegetable fat.
M olasses - The thick, viscous by-product resulting Omasum - The third compartment of the ruminant
from refined sugar production, or the concentrated stomach.
partially dehydrated juices from fruits. Orts - Fragments of feed that an animal refuse to eat.
M onogastric - The simple stomach; often used for Ossification - The process of deposition of bone salts
nonruminant animals, but technically a misnomer in the cartilage of the bones.
because ruminants have only one stomach with four Osteitis - Inflammation of a bone.
compartments. Osteomalacia - A weakening of the bones caused by
M onosaccharide - Anyone of several simple sugars. inadequate Ca, P, and/or vitamin D or by some
M orbidity - A state of sickness. diseases.
M oribund - A dying state-near death. Osteoporosis - A reduction in the normal amount of
M ucosa - The membranes that line the passages and bone salts (often occurring with age) such that the bone
cavities of the body. becomes porous and brittle.
M ucus - A slimy liquid secreted by the mucous glands Oxidation - The union of a substance with oxygen; the
and membranes. increase of positive charges on an atom or loss of

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Animal Nutrition Handbook Section 19: Glossary Page 642

negative charges. Premixing - (Process) The preliminary mixing of

P ingredients with diluents and/or carriers.
Paddock - A small fenced field used for grazing Product - (Part) A substance produced from one or
purposes. more other substances as a result of chemical or
Palatability - The relative attractiveness of feed to the physical change.
animal. Propionic acid - One of the volatile fatty acids
Palmitic acid - A saturated fatty acid with 16 carbon commonly found in rumen contents.
atoms. Protein - Any of many complex organic compounds
Pancreas - An organ located near the stomach; it formed from various combinations of amino acids and,
produces pancreatic juice, which is secreted into the sometimes, other nonprotein components.
small intestine via the pancreatic duct. It is also an Protein equivalent - A term indicating the total N
endocrine gland that secretes insulin and glucagon, contribution of a substance in comparison with the N
hormones that control metabolism of glucose. content of protein (e.g., urea - 45% N x 6.25 = 281%).
Parakeratosis - Any abnormality of the outmost or Provitamin - A precursor of vitamin.
horny layer of the skin, especially the condition caused Proximate analysis - A combination of analytical
by edema between the cells which prevents the procedures used to describe feeds, excreta, and other
formation of keratin. agricultural products.
Pathogen Any disease-producing microorganism or Pulverized, pulverizing - (Process) See Ground,
material. grinding.
Pearled, pearling - (Process) Dehulled grains reduced Purified diet - A mixture of the known essential dietary
by machine brushing into smaller smooth particles. nutrients in a pure form that is fed to experimental
Pellets - (Physical form) Agglomerated feed formed by animals in nutrition studies.
compacting and forcing through die openings by a Putrefaction - The decomposition of proteins by
mechanical process. Similar terms are pelleted feed and microorganisms under anaerobic conditions.
hard pellet. Pyrexia - A feverish condition.
Pellet, soft - (Physical form) Pellets containing R
sufficient liquid to require immediate dusting and Radioactive - An element that emits particles during
cooling. Similar term is high-molasses pellets. the disintegration of the nuclei; the emissions include
Pelleted, pelleting - (Process) Having agglomerated alpha and beta particles and gamma rays.
feed by compacting it and forcing it through die Radioisotope - A radioactive form of an element; often
openings. used in experimental work with plants and animals to
Pentosan - A polysaccharide made up primarily of trace metabolic activity in the animal.
five-carbon sugars; araban and xylan are examples. Rancid - A term used to describe fats that have
Pentose - A five-carbon sugar such as arabinose, undergone partial decomposition; rancid fats may have
xylose, or ribose. objectional tastes or odors and may be toxic.
Pepsin - A proteolytic enzyme produced by the Range cake - (Physical form) See cake.
stomach. Range cubes - (Physical form) Large pellets designed
Permeable - Capable of being penetrated. to be fed on the ground. Similar to range wafer.
Physiological - Pertaining to the science that deals with Ration - A fixed portion of feed, usually expressed as
the functions of living organisms or their parts. the amount of a diet allowed daily.
Pica - A depraved appetite characterized by a craving Rennin - A milk-curdling enzyme present in the gastric
for unnatural articles of food (dirt, sand, feces, etc.)l juice of young mammals.
Plasma - The fluid portion of the blood; serum is Resorption - A return of the nutritive compounds of a
plasma from which the fibrinogen has been removed by partially developed fetus and fetal membranes to the
the clotting process. system of the mother.
Polyneuritis - An inflammation encompassing many Reticular groove - A muscular structure at the lower
peripheral nerves. end of the esophagus that, when closed, forms a tube
Polyuria - An excessive excretion of urine. allowing milk to go directly into the abomasum;
Precursor - A compound that can be used by the body sometimes called the esophageal groove.
to form another compound, such as carotene used to Reticulum - The first compartment of the ruminant
produce vitamin A. stomach.
Premix - A uniform mixture of one or more Rolled, rolling - (Process) Having changed the shape
microingredients and a carrier, used in the introduction and/or size of particles by compressing between rollers.
of microingredients into a larger batch. It may entail tempering or conditioning.

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Animal Nutrition Handbook Section 19: Glossary Page 643

Rumen - The second compartment of the ruminant Specific heat - The heat absorbing capacity of a
stomach. substance in relation to that of water.
Ruminant - Any of a group of hooved mammals that Stabilized - Made more resistant to chemical change by
has a four-compartmented stomach and that chew a cud the addition of a particular substance.
while ruminating. Starch - A polysaccharide that yields glucose on
Rumination - The process of regurgitating previously hydrolysis; found in high concentrations in most seed
eaten feed, reswallowing the liquids, and rechewing the grains.
solids (cud). Steamed, steaming - (Process) Having treated
S ingredients with steam to alter physical and/or chemical
Salmonella - A pathogenic, diarrhea-producing properties. Similar terms are steam cooked, steam
organism sometimes present in contaminated feeds. rendered, tanked.
Saponifiable - Having the capacity to react with alkali Stearic acid - An 18-carbon saturated fatty acid.
to form soap. Sterol - An alcohol of high molecular weight, such as
Sarcoma - A tumor of fleshy consistency, often highly cholesterol; a basic compound used to synthesize many
malignant. vital chemicals for both plants and animals.
Satiety - The condition of being fully satisfied with Stocker cattle - Usually, young cattle that are light and
food; the opposite of hunger. thin, and lack finish.
Saturated fat A fat that contains no fatty acids with Stocking rate - A pasture management terms pertaning
double bonds. to animal numbers in relation to carrying capacity of a
Scalped, scalping - (Process) Having removed larger unit o or area of the pasture.
material by screening. Stomach - The part of the digestive tract in which
Scratch - (Physical form) W hole, cracked, or coarsely chemical digestion is initiated in most animal species.
cut grain. Similar terms are scratch grain, scratch feed. It normally lies between the esophagus and the small
Screened, screening - (Process) Having separated intestine.
various-sized particles by passing them over and/or Stover - The mature, curled stalks and leaves of dorn
through screens. after the ears, or sorghum after the heads have been
Self-fed - Provided with part or all of the ration on a harvested.
continuous basis so that the animal may eat at will. Stress - Any circumstance that tends to disrupt the
Separating - (Process) Classification of particle size, normal, steady functioning of the body and its parts.
shape, and/or density. Sucrose - A disaccharide (common table sugar)
Separating, magnetic - (Process) Removing ferrous composed of one molecule each of glucose and
materials by ma~etic attraction. fructose.
Septicemia - A diseased condition resulting from the Supplement - A feed used with another to improve the
presence of pathogenic bacteria and their associated nutritive balance or performance of the total and
poisons in the blood. intended to be (a) fed undiluted as a supplement to
Serum - The colorless fluid portion of blood remaining other fueds, (b) offered free choice with other parts of
after clotting and removal of corpuscles. Differs from the ration separately available, or (c) further diluted and
plasma in that fibrinogen has been removed. mixed to produce a complete feed.
Shorts - The particle of bran, germ, flour or offal from Syndrome - A medical term meaning a set of symptoms
the tail of the mill from commercial flour milling. that occur together.
Shrinkage - A term used to indicate the body weight T
loss due to stressful conditions such as being Taste - The ability to distinguish flavors between or
transported, severe weather, or feed shortage. among solid or liquid components of the diet.
Silage - Feed resulting from the storage and TDN (total digestible nutrients) - A value that
fermentation of wet crops under anaerobic conditions. indicates the relative energy value of a feed for an
Sizing - (Process) See Screened, screening. animal.
Slotted floor - Floors in an animal pen with slots Tempered, tempering - (Process) See Conditioned,
through which the feces and urine pass to a storage area conditioning.
below or nearby. Tetany - A condition in animals in which there are
Solubles - Liquid containing dissolved substances localized, spasmodic, muscular contractions.
obtained from processing animals or plant materials. Thyroxine - An iodine-containing hormone that is
May contain some fine suspended solids. produced by the thyroid gland.
Solvent extracted - A process for the extraction of oil Toasted - (Process) Browned, dried, or parched by
from seeds involving the use of an organic solvent. exposure to a fire or to gas or electric heat.

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Animal Nutrition Handbook Section 19: Glossary Page 644

Trace minerals - Mineral nutrients required by animals greater than its length.
in micro amounts only (measured in milligrams per W afered, wafering - (Process) Having agglomerated
pound or smaller amounts). a feed of a fibrous nature by compressing into a form
Triglyceride (fat) - An ester composed of glycerol and usually having a diameter or cross section measurement
three fatty acids. greater than its length.
True protein - A precipitable protein rather than any of W eaning - The stopping of young animals from nursing
several nonprotein compounds. or suckling their mothers.
Trypsin - A proteolytic digestive enzyme produced by W eanling - A recently weaned animal.
the pancreas. W et-milled - A process in which feed materials is
U steeped in water with or without sulphur dioxide to
Underfeeding - A term referring to not providing the soften the kernel in order to facilitate the separation of
animal sufficient dietary energy. various component parts.
Unsaturated fat - A fat containing from one to three W et rendered - A process in which material is cooked
fatty acids that contain one or more double bonds. with steam under pressure in closed tanks.
Unthriftness - Lack of vigor, poor gorwth or W hey - The watery part of milk separated from the
development. curd.
Urea - The chief end product of protein metabolism in W ort - The liquid portion of malted grain. A solution
mammals; one of the main nitrogenous constituents in of malt sugar and other soluble extracts from malted
urine; a synthetic product sometimes used as a nitrogen mash.
source in rations for ruminants. Y
Urease - An enzyme that acts on urea to produce Yearling - Refer to a male or a female farm animal
carbon dioxide and ammonia; it is present in numerous (especially, cattle and horses) during the first year of its
microorganisms in the rumen. life.
Uremia - A toxic accumulation of urinary constituents
in the blood because of faulty kidney excretion.
Uric acid - A nitrogenous end product of purine
metabolism; it is the principal N-containing component
in urine of birds.
USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) - A unit of
measure or potency of biologicals that usually coincides
with an international unit (IU).
V
Veal - A calf fed for early slaughter.
V FA - Volatile fatty a.cids.
Villi - Small threadlike projections attached to the
interior of the wall of the small intestine to increase its
absorptive surface area.
Viscera - The organs of the great cavities of the body,
which are removed at slaughter.
Viscosity - The freedom of flow of liquids.
Vitamin - One of a group of organic substances that is
essential in small amounts for the lives of animals.
Vitamins, fat soluble - Vitamins soluble in fats. This
group includes vitamins A, D 2, D 3, E (tocopherol), and
K.
Vitamins, w ater soluble - Vitamins soluble in water.
This group includes ascorbic acid (vitamin
C) and the B complex: biotin, choline, cobalamin or
cyanocobalamin, folacin, niacin, pantothenic
acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and thiamin.
W
W afer - (Physical form) A form of agglomerated feed
based on fibrous ingredients in which the finished form
usually has a diameter or cross section measurement

C opyright 2014 by Lee I. C hiba