Partitioning of food energy within the Animal

Partitioning of food energy:

The partitioning of food energy within an animal refers to how the energy obtained from consumed food is allocated and used for various physiological processes and activities. The energy obtained from food is primarily used for the following purposes:

1. Maintenance Energy (BMR): Energy required for maintaining basic physiological functions, such as maintaining body temperature, circulating blood(beating of the heart),active transport and synthesis of essential body constituents such as enzymes and hormones.
2. Growth: If the animal is still growing, a portion of the energy is allocated to support growth and development. This includes the synthesis of new tissues, organs, and bones. 
3. Reproduction: Energy is allocated to support reproductive processes, including the production of gametes (sperm and eggs), gestation, and lactation.
4. Activity: Energy is expended during physical activity, such as foraging, hunting, mating, and escaping from predators.
5. Immune System and Repair: energy allocated to the immune system for defending against pathogens and for tissue repair and maintenance.

Practice Questions

1. Compare and contrast the Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) system with the Net Energy (NE) system. Which system is more accurate for expressing the energy value of foods, and why?
   Marks: 10
2. Discuss the historical development and current relevance of the Starch Equivalents system in animal nutrition. How does it compare to modern systems like the Net Energy (NE) system?
   Marks: 10