What term describes the energy from feed that is available for maintenance and production in cattle?

The term that describes the energy from feed that is available for maintenance and production in cattle is net energy. Net energy represents the portion of energy from feed that remains after subtracting the energy lost in digestion, fermentation, and metabolism. This is crucial for animal nutrition because it provides a clear understanding of how much energy is actually being utilized by the animal for maintenance functions, such as body temperature regulation and movement, as well as productive functions like growth, lactation, and reproduction.

In contrast, gross energy refers to the total energy content of the feed without accounting for any losses, while metabolizable energy includes energy available after accounting for energy lost in the feces, urine, and gases. Total digestible nutrients is a measure of the digestible energy content of the feed but does not directly measure the net energy available for maintenance and production. Understanding these distinctions is important for effective feed management and ensuring that cattle receive the appropriate level of energy for their needs.