Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Fats and oils provide how many times more energy than carbohydrates?

1. 1.5

2. 2

3. 2.25

4. 3

The correct answer is: 2.25

Fats and oils provide approximately 2.25 times more energy per gram than carbohydrates. This difference in energy density is due to the chemical structure of fats; they are composed of long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms, which store more energy in their bonds compared to the more oxidized structure of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates typically contain 4 calories per gram, while fats yield around 9 calories per gram. Thus, when considering energy contributions, fats and oils are significantly more energy-dense, leading to the conclusion that they provide 2.25 times more energy than carbohydrates. Understanding this concept is crucial in livestock nutrition, as it impacts feed formulation and the overall energy balance for animals.