Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Why Digestibility of Ash Cannot Be Determined
Digestibility of ash cannot be determined because:
- It is not a source of protein
- It is not a source of carbohydrate
- It does not contribute to the energy content of a feed — Correct Answer
- It is completely absorbed in the small intestine
Explanation:
Correct Answer: It does not contribute to the energy content of a feed
Digestibility is an energy-based concept. Ash (inorganic minerals) has no caloric value — no C-H bonds to oxidise. Therefore nutritional digestibility of ash cannot be meaningfully calculated.
Digestibility Formula
DC% = [(Nutrient intake − Nutrient in faeces) / Nutrient intake] × 100
For ash, faecal excretion includes endogenous (metabolically secreted) minerals, not just undigested feed minerals — making true digestibility calculation meaningless.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
