Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

A single stomach animal can synthesize how many of the 22 required amino acids?

1. 8

2. 10

3. 12

4. 14

The correct answer is: 12

In ruminant and non-ruminant livestock systems, single-stomach animals, such as swine and poultry, have the ability to synthesize a portion of the 22 amino acids that are essential for their growth and overall health. Among these, single-stomach animals typically can synthesize 12 of the required amino acids. These animals can produce amino acids through metabolic processes that utilize nitrogen from dietary sources and carbon skeletons, but they cannot synthesize the remaining amino acids that are considered essential and must be obtained from their diet. The essential amino acids that these animals cannot synthesize are vital because they play critical roles in protein synthesis and other bodily functions. Understanding the synthesis capabilities allows livestock producers to formulate appropriate diets that ensure animals receive sufficient nutrition to thrive.