Animal nutrition

Which macromolecules are found in animal feed?
Animal nutrition focuses on the dietary needs of animals—not just those in agriculture and food production, but also in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife management. Pets need good nutrition, too. In this lesson, students compare pet foods. See teacher background →

Lessons

# Testing for macromolecules

Students determine the contents of soybeans.

Files

# Reading labels

Students learn what information is found on a feed label and use that information to compare different dog foods. To extend the activity, ask students to read this article.

Files

# Calculating a feed recipe

Students use ratios to calculate the proper amounts of nutrients to make animal feed.

Files

Teacher background

Macronutrients play a critical role in animal nutrition. Proteins help to build tissue and enzymes, carbohydrates provide fuel for the body, and lipids protect tissue and aid in neural development. Animal nutrition experts create feed for animals by blending together different macronutrients and minerals. Grains are a primary source for these macronutrients and soybeans are an important source of protein.

Read more

Next gen science standards

Science and engineering practices

  • Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Analyzing and interpreting data
  • Using mathematics and computational thinking
  • Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Crosscutting concepts

  • Scale, proportion, and quantity

Disciplinary core ideas/content

  • LS1B Growth and development of organisms
  • LS1C Organization for matter and energy flow in organisms

Curriculum author



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