ANSC Feeds Practice Exam

Water plays a crucial role in animal nutrition, primarily by facilitating digestion and nutrient transportation. It is essential for breaking down food so that nutrients can be absorbed during digestion. Water helps to dissolve and transport these nutrients to various tissues in the body, ensuring that they are available for cellular processes and metabolic activities.

Additionally, water is integral in maintaining various physiological functions such as temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and waste excretion. Without adequate water, animals can suffer from dehydration, impacting their overall health, productivity, and ability to digest food effectively.

While energy is needed for metabolic processes, it is carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that provide this energy, not water. Water does not serve as a source of protein or enhance flavor in feeds. Therefore, its primary role in the context of animal nutrition is indeed the facilitation of digestion and the transportation of nutrients within the body.