Nutrition is an essential part of preventative health care and managing disease. Animal nutrition focuses on the dietary needs of domesticated animals, primarily those in agriculture and food production. There are seven major classes of nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, fibre, minerals, protein, vitamin, and water. Dietary minerals are the chemical elements required by living organisms, other than the four elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen that are present in nearly all organic molecules. Animal health in modern animal production is now a major challenge on a global basis as it impacts upon both human health and economics. Formulation of modern animal feeds is currently based upon using an array of available ingredients that supply a desired nutrient profile at the minimum cost. The present book will appeal to wide audiences including graduate students in equine science and veterinary medicine, veterinarians, equine nutritionists, and owners.
