Glossary

Feed fraction remaining after feed samples are boiled in an acid detergent solution. This fraction contains the lesser digestible cell wall components (lignin and cellulose and various amounts of silica).

Protein fraction remaining after extracting NDICP with an acid detergent fiber solution. It provides an estimate of the portion of the rumen unavailable nitrogen (i.e., heat-damaged or nitrogen strongly attached to cell wall).

Feed fraction remaining after boiling the ADF residue fraction in a stronger acid solution (typically 72% sulfuric acid). This fraction contains mostly lignin and acid insoluble ash.

All lipid-based substances extracted from a feed sample sequentially by an acid hydrolysis and then with ethyl or petroleum. By definition, an acid ether extract value will be greater than or equal to an ether extract value due to the additional removal of feed components due to the acid hydrolysis procedure.

A non-essential amino acid produced from pyruvate by transamination. It is involved in carbohydrate and acid metabolism, increases immunity, and provides energy for muscle tissue, brain, and the central nervous system.

Feed fraction containing simple sugars and non-starch, non-structural carbohydrates (sucrose, glucose and fructose) as extracted with an 80% ethanol solution.

A fat-soluble vitamin and the most active tocopherol with vitamin E activity. Alpha-tocopherol serves as an antioxidant, thereby preventing free radical peroxidation and injury to cell membranes.

A micromineral that is a cation and is not considered essential. Aluminum may be toxic in some species.

L-arabinose is a pentose and one of the most abundant components of the hemicellulose fraction (a structural carbohydrate in the plant cell wall).

Also known as eicosanoic acid, it is a C20 straight-chain saturated fatty acid.

A C20, polyunsaturated fatty acid with 4 cis-double bonds at positions C-5, C-8, C-11, and C-14. Arachidonic is an essential fatty acid in non-ruminant species.

A glucogenic amino acid used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It takes part in the synthesis of urea in mammals and is a conditionally-essential amino acid for non-ruminant species.

A water-soluble vitamin also known as vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant and it participates in the formation of collagen, as required to maintain the structural integrity of teeth, bones, connective tissue, and skin.

Fraction containing the total inorganic material of a feed after complete incineration (500-600C) of the organic components.

A non-essential amino acid that could be produced by the organism. It may be a neurotransmitter.

Also known as docosanoic acid, it is a C22 straight-chain, saturated, long-chain fatty acid.

Beta-carotene is a fat-soluble pro-vitamin source of vitamin A that is composed of 2 retinyl groups. Beta carotene is broken down in the mucosa of the small intestine into retinal, an active form of vitamin A, and serves as an antioxidant that is abundant in vegetables and fruits.

Also known as trimethylglycine, this derivative of choline is an important osmolyte in the body, and it is also important for the remethylation of homocysteine into the sulfur-containing amino acid, methionine, as part of the methionine cycle.

A water-soluble B vitamin also known as vitamin B7. Biotin is a coenzyme for several carboxylase enzymes, which play critical roles in fatty acid synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and amino acid metabolism.

A micromineral that may be required by some species and it is an anion. Boron may play a role in the metabolism of other minerals like Ca, Mg, and P. There are not sufficient studies to confirm its functions in the body.

A macromineral required by animals and it is a cation. It is the most abundant mineral in the animal’s body, mainly in bones. Major functions of Ca are structural (building block of bones), muscular contraction, intracellular messenger for nerve impulses, and plays an important role in coagulation cascade with vitamin K.

Also known as decanoic acid, it is a C10 straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It has a role as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.

Also known as hexanoic acid, it is a C6 straight-chain saturated fatty acid. Caproic acid is found to be associated with medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.

Also known as octanoic acid, it is a C8 straight-chain saturated fatty acid. Caprylic acid exhibits an emerging and specific role in modulating physiological functions.

A structural carbohydrate in the plant cell wall (i.e., a dietary fiber fraction). It is an unbranched polymer of glucose linked by beta-1,4 bonds. This compound is found within the soluble fraction after adding sulfuric acid in determination of acid detergent fiber (ADF). Cellulose is estimated as ADF (ADL + Ash).

A macromineral required by animals and it is an anion. Major functions of Cl are regulation of osmotic pressure and maintaining acid-base balance. Chlorine is vital in protein digestion and amino acids and mineral absorption.

A fat-soluble source of vitamin D and steroid hormone. Cholecalciferol is metabolized by the coordinated action of the liver and kidney into active and inactive forms. When active, cholecalciferol is important for the absorption and metabolism of Ca and P.

Considered a quasi-vitamin and, as such, is often discussed with the water-soluble vitamins because it has vitamin-like activities. Choline participates in cholinergic neurotransmission, and it is required for lipid transport/metabolism.

A micromineral required by animals and it is a cation. Chromium is considered an essential nutrient due to its role in improving cell insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, immune response, and energy status of animals.

A micromineral that may be required by some animals and it is a cation. Mammalian tissues do not require Co, however, vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient and Co is needed for ruminants to synthesize this vitamin in the rumen. Thus, ruminant species are more sensitive to Co deficiency than non-ruminant species.

A micromineral required by animal and it is a cation. It plays an important role in many enzyme systems in generation of ATP, collagen formation for bone structure, and elastin necessary for blood vessels, and other elastic tissues.

Feed fraction remaining after performing sequential hydrolyses using acid and alkaline solutions. This method underestimates the true fiber content because it does not fully account for all portions of fiber (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) and does not eliminate all contaminating fractions (e.g., protein).

Calculated by multiplying the nitrogen (N) content by a constant (typically 6.25), which represents an assumed average amount of N in amino acids of 16%. Crude protein includes true protein and non-protein nitrogen (e.g., ammonium, urea, nucleotides, amino acids, peptides).

A synthetic form of a water-soluble B vitamin also known as vitamin B12; methylcobalamin is the natural form of vitamin B12. Cyanocobalamin is converted to its natural form in the body and is necessary for hematopoiesis, neural metabolism, DNA and RNA production, and carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

A sulfur-containing amino acid that can be produced by the organism from serine, but it is typically considered a conditionally essential amino acid for non-ruminant species.

A calculation involving the summation of milliequivalents of dietary cations and subtraction of the milliequivalents of dietary anions to assess acid-base balance in an animal. There are multiple nuanced ways to perform this calculation based on the animal species being considered.

The remaining components of a feedstuff after removing all water.

A C20 polyunsaturated fatty acid with 2 cis-double bonds at positions C-11 and C-14.

A C20 polyunsaturated fatty acid with 5 cis-double bonds at positions C-5, C-8, C-11, C-14, and C-17. EPA is an important polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish oils and it is a precursor for the prostaglandin and thromboxane; it is an essential fatty acid for some fish species.

A C20 polyunsaturated fatty acid with 3 cis-double bonds at positions C-11, C-14, and C-17. It is a rare polyunsaturated fatty acid of the omega-3 series.

A fat-soluble source of vitamin D. In vivo, ergocalciferol is formed after sun (ultraviolet) irradiation of ergosterol, a pro-vitamin D3. Ergocalciferol is important for absorption and metabolism of Ca and P.

Also known as docosenoic acid, it is a C22 monounsaturated fatty acid with 1 cis-double bond at position C-9.

All lipid-based substances extracted with ethyl or petroleum ether from the sample, generally including fatty acids with glycerol, phospholipids, lecithin, sterols, waxes, free fatty acids, carotenoids, and chlorophyll and other lipid-based pigments.

A micromineral that is an anion and generally considered as a toxin, although small quantities can strengthen bones and teeth.

A water-soluble B vitamin also known as folate. Folic acid is important in DNA synthesis, and therefore in promoting cell division and growth, and it also serves as a coenzyme in several biological pathways, including the methionine cycle.

Glucose is a monosaccharide containing six carbon atoms and an aldehyde group.

A non-essential amino acid that could be produced by the organism. Glycine is a primary component of collagen and it has neurotransmitter functions.

A C20 monounsaturated fatty acid with 1 cis-double bond at position C-9; also known as 11-eicosenoic acid

Total energy in a feed before accounting for losses due to normal digestive, metabolic, and productive functions. This value is determined by measuring the amount of heat produced after total combustion using an adiabatic bomb calorimeter.

Polysaccharides present in the cell wall in chains of 500 to 3,000 units composed of different types of monosaccharides such as xylose, mannose, galactose, and arabinose. Hemicellulose is estimated by subtracting ADF from NDF.

A glucogenic amino acid used in the biosynthesis of proteins. Histidine is a precursor of histamine, a vital inflammatory agent in immune responses, and is an essential amino acid for non-ruminant species.

A carbocyclic sugar that is particularly important in cellular signal transduction, neurotransmission, and phospholipid synthesis.

The non-water soluble residue remaining after digesting a feed sample with amylolytic and proteolytic enzymes.

A micromineral required by animals and it is an anion. Iodine is important in the formation of thyroid hormones controlling oxidation rate and protein synthesis in all cells, fetal development, setting basal metabolic rate and thermal regulation, muscle function and immune system, and seasonality of reproduction.

Amount of iodine absorbed by 100 g of oil or fat. Iodine value provides an estimate of the degree of unsaturation of oils and fats in a sample.

REMOVE THIS NUTRIENT FROM THE DATABASE

A micromineral required by animals and it is a cation. Most of the body Fe can be found in hemoglobin and oxygen-carbon dioxide transport systems. Iron is involved in energy metabolism through the Krebs (or tricarboxylic acid) cycle, is necessary for the formation of connective tissues, and improves resistance to diseases.

A branched-chain amino acid that is both glucogenic and ketogenic as used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It is an essential amino acid for non-ruminant species.

Lactose is a disaccharide (and non-structural carbohydrate) composed of glucose and galactose that is mostly found in milk-based products.

Also known as dodecanoic acid, it is a C12 straight-chain saturated fatty acid. Lauric acid is associated with strong bactericidal properties

A branched-chain and ketogenic amino acid as used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It is an essential amino acid for non-ruminant species.

Also known as tetracosanoic acid, it is a C24 straight-chain, saturated, long-chain fatty acid.

Also known as octadecadienoic acid, it is a polyunsaturated fatty acid with 2 cis-double bonds at positions C-9 and C-12. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid in non-ruminant species and it is used in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and cell membranes.

A C18 polyunsaturated fatty acid with 3 cis-double bonds at positions C-9, C-12, and C-15. Linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid in non-ruminant species and is necessary to synthesize eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexenoic acid (DHA).

An essential amino acid and is typically considered the 1st or 2nd limiting amino acid in animal diets, thus often requiring dietary supplementation to meet physiological requirements.

A macromineral required by animals and it is a cation. The majority of Mg is found as a structural component of bone and Mg functions in more than 300 reactions in the body. Through the ATP complex, Mg participates in almost every metabolic pathways to produce energy, synthesis of essential molecules, cell signaling, etc.

A micromineral required by animals and it is a cation. Manganese is involved in several metaloenzymes necessary for synthesis of mucopolysaccharides, cartilage for bone development, and formation of prothrombin for blood clotting.

Mannose is a pentose and a component of the hemicellulose fraction (a structural carbohydrate in the plant cell wall).

Also known as heptadecanoic acid, it is a C17 straight-chain, saturated, long-chain fatty acid. It is a trace component of fats in ruminants.

A sulfur-containing, essential amino acid that is typically considered either the 1st or 2nd limiting amino acid in animal diets, thus often requiring dietary supplementation to meet physiological requirements.

A micromineral required by animals and it is a cation. Molybdenum plays an important role in oxidase enzymes. Importantly, Mo absorption is shared with and inhibited by sulfate, and differences in intestinal sulfur metabolism affect Mo toxicity or tolerability in different species.

Also known as tetradecanoic acid, it is a C14 straight-chain saturated fatty acid mostly found in milk fat. Myristic acid is a common fatty acid in cell membranes.

Feed fraction remaining after feed samples are boiled in neutral detergent solution. This fraction contains most of the cell wall components (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, silica, and tannins) except for pectin and ?-glucans.

Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) without ash content that is bound in the cell wall of feedstuffs. After NDF is determined, the fraction is incinerated at 500-600 C and NDFom is estimated by subtracting the ash content from NDF.

Protein fraction remaining after extracting crude protein (CP) with neutral detergent fiber (NDF) solution. It provides an estimate of the portion of the rumen undegradable nitrogen that is potentially available to the animal, though NDF-CP does contribute to the B3 fraction of rumen degradable protein as well.

Non-fiber carbohydrates include both soluble and insoluble polysaccharides primarily present in the cell contents. This fraction is typically calculated by subtracting crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ether extractable lipids, and ash from the total organic matter content.

Refers to P that is not attached to phytate and is therefore available for absorption and metabolism in all species.

Non-starch polysaccharides are a series of soluble and insoluble polysaccharides primarily present in the hemicellulose fraction. The building blocks of the cell walls are the pentoses arabinose and xylose; the hexoses glucose, galactose, and mannose; the 6-deoxyhexoses rhamnose and fucose; the uronic acids glucuronic and galacturonic; plus cellulose.

A C18 monounsaturated fatty acid with 1 cis-double bond at C-9. Oleic acid is the most widely distributed and abundant fatty acids in nature.

A general classification of carbohydrates that contain several monosaccharides, with the chain length typically ranging from 4 to 30 monomeric units.

REMOVE THIS NUTRIENT FROM THE DATABASE

Also known as hexadecanoic acid, it is a C16 straight-chain, saturated, long-chain fatty acid.

Also known as hexadecenoic acid, it is a C16 monounsaturated fatty acid with cis-double bond at position C-9. Palmitoleic acid has been reported to have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, cholesterol metabolism, and hemostasis.

A water-soluble B vitamin also known as vitamin B5. Pantothenic acid is required for the synthesis of coenzyme A, a key factor in the first step of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA or Kreb’s energy cycle). In general, pantothenic acid is necessary to synthesize and metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

A soluble, structural polysaccharide found in cell walls; included in the soluble dietary fiber fraction.

A large, neutral amino acid that is a precursor for tyrosine, several neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline), and the skin pigment melanin. It is an essential amino acid for non-ruminant species.

A macromineral required and it is an anion. Phosphorus is a structural component of bone and teeth and an important component of metabolically active energy compounds, ATP/ADP, genetic materials, cell membrane, nerve tissues, and many coenzymes.

Also known as vitamin K, this is a polycyclic aromatic ketone classified as a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin K is a group of compounds, most importantly K1 and K2, that serve various functions in metabolism. Vitamin K1 has anti-hemorrhagic and pro-thrombogenic activities, while vitamin K2 enhances Ca metabolism.

Consists of an inositol ring with 4 to 6 phosphate groups attached and serves as the main storage form of P in plants. Because P attached to inositol is not available for non-ruminant animals who lack the proper degradative enzyme, phytate is considered an important anti-nutritional factor that is typically managed by incorporation of an exogenous phytase product in the diet.

Refers to the P directly attached to phytate, which is non-available for non-ruminant species who lack the ability to synthesis phytase to liberate phytate-bound P.

Feed fraction containing polyunsaturated fatty acids in a sample. The fraction is calculated by summation of the analyzed content of specific polyunsaturated fatty acids.

A macro-mineral required by animals and it is the main intracellular cation. Major functions include maintaining membrane potential of the cell, with the K concentration maintained by Na-K ATPase pump, driving nerve conduction, synaptic transmission, fluid transport and muscle contraction.

A non-essential amino acid that is synthesized from glutamic acid. It is a primary component of collagen and is important for proper functioning of joints and tendons.

A water-soluble B vitamin also known as vitamin B6. Pyridoxine is converted into pyridoxal phosphate in the body, which is a coenzyme necessary for the synthesis of amino acids and neurotransmitters.

Raffinose is atrisaccharide composed of galactose, fructose, and glucose.

A water-soluble B vitamin also known as vitamin B2. Riboflavin serves as a coenzyme in photosynthesis, the mitochondrial electron transport chain, fatty acid synthesis, and in the metabolism of vitamins B6, B12, and folate.

Feed fraction containing all saturated fatty acids in a sample. The fraction is calculated by summation of the analyzed content of specific saturated fatty acids.

A micromineral required by animals and it is a cation. Selenium is a component of specific proteins called selenoproteins, which are involved in various metabolic pathways that protect against cellular oxidative damage and aid in reproduction and immunity. Selenium is also the only FDA regulated mineral because of its carcinogenic potential.

A non-essential amino acid derived from glycine. It is involved in the biosynthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and amino acids.

A macromineral required by animal and it is a cation. Sodium has a major function with potassium in maintaining body fluid ionic balance. It plays a major role in diverse transport systems important in glucose and amino acids uptake by tissues, maintenance of body temperature, neuromuscular activation, and nerve function.

The water-soluble residue estimated by subtracting insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from total dietary fiber (TDF). The SDF fraction contains all of the cell wall components (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, resistant oligosaccharides, resistant starch, and resistant maltodextrins).

Protein fraction extracted from crude protein (CP) with using borate-phosphate and sodium azide solutions.

Stachyose is a tetrasaccharide consisting of sucrose having an alpha-D-galactosyl-(1-6)-alpha-D-galactosyl moiety attached at the 6-position of the glucose. It derives from a sucrose and a raffinose.

Represents storage polysaccharides of glucose in plants, as composed of amylose and amylopectin forms.

Also known as octadecanoic acid, it is a C18 straight-chain, saturated, long-chain fatty acid.

A C18 polyunsaturated fatty acid with 4 cis-double bonds at positions C-6, C-9, C-12, and C-15. Stearidonic acid may be used as a precursor to increase eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content.

Sucrose is a disaccharide (and non-structural carbohydrate) composed of glucose and fructose and is the major product of photosynthesis.

A macromineral required by animal and it is an anion. Sulfur functions in chondroitin sulfate found in cartilage, bones, tendons, the walls of blood vessels, and wool. Sulfur participates in acid-base balance of animals and it functions in many systems including as part of the glycosaminoglycans. Sulfur, particularly gaseous sulfur, can be toxic.

An essential sulfonic acid in felines and conditionally essential in some species of fish. In mammals, taurine is involved in a wide variety of functions including as a constituent of bile, osmoregulation, cell membrane stabilization, anti-oxidation, and calcium signaling required in vertebrates for normal cardiac, skeletal muscle, nervous, and retinal function.

A water-soluble B vitamin also known as vitamin B1. Thiamin serves as a co-enzyme in various metabolic pathways involving carbohydrates and is required for the production of ATP, ribose, NAD, and DNA.

A polar amino acid that is essential for non-ruminant species (often 3rd or 4th limiting).

All of the cell wall components (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, resistant oligosaccharides, resistant starch and resistant maltodextrins) contained in a feedstuff.

Feed fraction containing total fatty acids extracted from a sample.

Represents the total content of P present in a feed, which can be further categorized into available and non-available fractions, depending on the animal species (see phytate and non-phytate P).

A large, neutral amino acid that is an essential amino acid for non-ruminant species. Tryptophan is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, the hormone melatonin and vitamin B3.

A non-essential amino acid synthesized from phenylalanine. It is also the precursor of epinephrine, thyroid hormones, and melanin.

Acid portion of the hemicellulose fraction ( a structural carbohydrate in the plant cell wall).

A branched-chain amino acid as used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It is an essential amino acid for non-ruminant species, and is involved in stress, energy, and muscle metabolism.

Verbascose is a pentasaccharide that is stachyose with an additional unit of alpha-D-galactopyranose attached by a 1-6 glycosidic linkage to the terminal galactosyl residue.

Refers to a group of compounds including retinol, retinal (retinaldehyde), retinoic acid, and retinyl esters. Vitamin A is critical for vision, immune function, cellular communication, and it also exhibits antioxidant functions.

Feed fraction containing sugars and non-starch nonstructural carbohydrates (fructans, sucrose, glucose and fructose).

D-Xylose is a pentose and one of the main components of the hemicellulose fraction (a structural carbohydrate in the plant cell wall).

A micromineral required by animals and it is a cation. Zinc plays a role in cell membrane stability, and cellular division and differentiation. It has also been shown to improve immune function and insulin activation.