Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Characteristics of Metabolic Faecal Nitrogen
Which of the following statement is correct about MFN (metabolic faecal nitrogen):
- It is directly proportional to dry matter intake.
- It consists of abraded intestinal mucosa, spent digestive enzymes & rumen bacterial nitrogen
- Both are correct — Correct Answer
- None
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Both are correct
Both statements about Metabolic Faecal Nitrogen (MFN) are accurate: (1) MFN is directly proportional to dry matter intake, and (2) MFN consists of abraded intestinal mucosa, spent digestive enzymes, and rumen bacterial nitrogen.
Sources of Metabolic Faecal Nitrogen
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Abraded intestinal mucosa | Shed epithelial cells from GI lining |
| Spent digestive enzymes | Proteases, amylases, lipases secreted into gut lumen |
| Rumen bacterial nitrogen | Dead microbial cells passing through to hindgut |
| Mucus/glycoproteins | Protective secretions of intestinal wall |
Practical Importance
- MFN is subtracted from total faecal N to calculate true/corrected digestibility of dietary protein.
- Apparent digestibility underestimates true digestibility because MFN inflates total faecal N.
- MFN ≈ 2–3 g/kg DMI across most livestock species.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Each individual statement is correct, making Both are correct the right choice.
- None → incorrect, as both statements are scientifically accurate.
📚 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.
