How do energy requirements in maintenance and growth phases differ for livestock?

In livestock nutrition, the energy requirements during growth phases significantly differ from those during maintenance phases. During the growth phase, animals are focused on developing new tissues, which includes muscle, bone, and other vital organs. This process demands a substantial amount of energy to support the synthesis of proteins, fats, and other components necessary for growth.

As animals grow, the energy required not only supports their basic metabolic functions—such as maintaining body temperature and supporting organ function—but also fuels the processes of growth and development. Hence, energy needs are amplified during this time, making it more critical than during the maintenance phase, where energy is primarily used to sustain bodily functions without the additional demand of tissue development.

This distinguishes growth phase energy requirements as being higher, as they account for both maintenance needs and the energy necessary for the increase in mass and size of the organism. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective feeding strategies, as improper energy allocation can lead to underperformance in growth or health issues in livestock.