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Limitations of conventional models and a conceptual framework for a nutrient flow representation of energy utilization by animals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

Stephen Birkett  and
Kees de Lange
Stephen Birkett*
Affiliation:
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph ,Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
Kees de Lange
Affiliation:
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph ,Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
*
*Corresponding author: Dr Stephen Birkett, fax +1 519 836 9873, email birketts@wright.aps.uoguelph.ca
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Abstract

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Conventional models of energy utilization by animals, based on partitioning metabolizable energy (ME) intake or net energy (NE), are reviewed. The limitations of these methods are discussed, including various experimental, analytical and conceptual problems. Variation in the marginal efficiency of utilizing energy can be attributed to various factors: diet nutrient composition; animal effects on diet ME content; diet and animal effects on ME for maintenance (MEm); experimental methodology; and important statistical issues. ME partitioning can account for some of the variation due to animal factors, but not that related to nutrient source. In addition to many of the problems associated with ME, problems with NE pertain to: estimation of NE for maintenance (NEm); experimental and analytical methodology; and an inability to reflect variation in the metabolic use of NE. A conceptual framework is described for a new model of energy utilization by animals, based on representing explicit flows of the main nutrients and the important biochemical and biological transformations associated with their utilization. Differences in energetic efficiency from either dietary or animal factors can be predicted with this model.

Keywords

ModellingEnergy utilizationNutrient flow representation
Type
Research Article
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 86 , Issue 6 , December 2001 , pp. 647 - 659
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 2001

References

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