ANSC Feeds Practice Exam

What happens to intake as digestibility of grains like corn increases?

1. Intake decreases

2. Intake remains the same

3. Intake increases

4. Intake fluctuates

The correct answer is: Intake increases

As the digestibility of grains like corn increases, the energy and nutrient availability from those grains is enhanced, allowing animals to take in more nutrients more efficiently. When animals encounter highly digestible grains, they often respond by increasing their feed intake to meet their energy and nutrient demands. This is particularly true for ruminants and other livestock that require substantial amounts of digestible carbohydrates for their growth, reproduction, and overall health. In essence, increased digestibility means that the animal can derive more benefit from a given amount of feed, stimulating them to consume more in order to maximize their energy intake. Moreover, when grains are more easily digestible, animals are likely to seek out additional quantities to reach their desired nutrient intake levels. This natural inclination to consume more can lead to an overall increase in feed intake, especially if the feed is palatable and promotes favorable digestion. The other options, such as decreased or unchanged intake, do not align with the physiological responses typically observed in animals consuming more digestible feed. Additionally, fluctuating intake does not accurately reflect the consistent pattern animals display in response to improved digestibility of their feed. Thus, increased digestibility directly correlates with an increase in feed intake among animals.